Final Prep #2

1. What do the 1st (3) articles of the Constitution describe?

2. Why did the articles of Confederation Fail?

3. Compare the Virginia plan with the New Jersey plan of Representative  Government.  What was the Connecticut Compromise?

4. List our 3 Branches of government and identify the checks and balances between them. (triangle)

5. Simplify and list the Bill of Rights

6.  Identify and explain the economic theory these (2) men are known for:
          Adam Smith
          Karl Marx

7. Why are federal systems of government better for countries with diverse populations?

8. What is Civil Society?

9. What is jurisdiction?  Using a flow chart, diagram how a case from Deschutes County might reach the Supreme court.

10. What are Entitlement Programs?

11. How does a Bill Become a law? (5 bullet points)

12. Explain the purpose of Congressional Committees (3 bullets)

13. Give the House of Representatives membership numbers, terms and qualifications

14. What are electors and explain why each state has the number it does

15. Explain the how it is possible to lose the popular vote and still become President

16. List the following for President:
          Duties (3)
          Term/salary
          Qualifications ( formal (3))

17. Describe the process of becoming a Cabinet member

18.  List and explain 5 cabinet positions. Who is our current Secretary of State?

19. Choose (2) of the following (3) High Court cases and explain the courts ruling

          Gideon v. Wainwright
          Citizens United
          National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius (affordable care)

20. Which electoral system is better and why? (2 arguments) FPTP or PR?

Final Preparation

In class questions for Wednesday:

1. What does PAC stand for and what do they do?

2. Name 2 PACs and which Presidential candidates they supported in 2012.  How much did they spend   during the election.

3. List and explain (4) important election year dates

4.  What is the purpose of a primary election?

5. What is a caucus?  Why is the Iowa caucus so important?

6. How are political parties and interest groups similar?  different?

7.  Why are former members of Congress barred from becoming lobbyists for 1 year after leaving office?

Gideon v. Wainwright

Hopefully this video is a review for most of you on how state criminal court cases reach the Supreme Court.

We will be watching "Constitutional Concepts" How one man changed the constitution in class on Thursday.  Fast forward to minute 23.  Take notes!

1. Who was Clarence Earl Gideon? (education level, profession, etc.)
2. What amendments right(s) did he feel he was being denied?
3. What was Abe Fortas' argument as to why the Betts' v. Brady case should be overturned?
      3a. What were all the "exceptions" to the rule?
4. What percent of criminal law is state law?
5. What was the outcome of the case (opinion vote)

Respond to the following question by referencing the video and any other discussions we had in class regarding Alabama's voter approved gay marriage ban or the Citizens United case.

Write a summary on the following:

     How does a federal system of government accommodate the different states (50) when it comes to making their own laws?  What role does the national government take when it comes to protecting the rights of states to choose for themselves what laws they will have (Alabama gay marriage ban) verses protecting the rights of US citizens under the 14th amendment (Gideon and the right to counsel in Florida)?

Initiative and Referendum

What is a referendum?

What is an initiative?

Who is a Chief Petitioner?

Describe the necessary requirements for a referendum/initiative to reach the general election?

What is a referendum?

What is an initiative?

Who is a Chief Petitioner?

Describe the necessary requirements for a referendum/initiative to reach the general election?

Campaign Finance Debate

We are set to have a debate in class Friday on whether there should be limits on campaign spending, and if so how to set and enforce those limits.

I will be collecting the (7) questions from the blog as well as any arguments you wrote down before and/or during the debate.

Campaign financing

Listen to the following broadcast (NPR 5/8/15)

We are currently watching the Frontline program "Big Sky, Big Money"  You can watch it by clicking HERE

We will have a debate in class next week on whether or not campaign spending should be limited and in what ways.

LINKS TO DEBATE STARTERS
    youdebate.com
    citizenjoe
    debate.org

Page 463 of the text outlines the fundamental arguments on both sides.

For Wednesday (4/24) you will need to have 5 arguments on both sides of the fight (including ways to limit spending)

You also need to define/answer the following:

1. What are PACs? (478)

           1.A Name 2 PACs and political candidates they support (Dem or Rep or other) How much have
            they contributed?

2.What is a caucus? (464) Are they more or less democratic than a nominating convention?

3.What is a primary election and what are the (2) types? (465)

4.How many states held primaries in 2012? Click HERE for a chart

5.Why are the Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire primary 2 of the most important events of the primary season?

6.How much money did the campaigns of Obama and Romney spend leading up to the general election in 2012?

            6. AHow much money was spent by outside private groups (PACs and 501c4s) during the same period?

7. What is Citizens United?  What effect has the ruling had on campaign finance?

Supreme Court Same-sex marriage debate

Read the following articles.  Use them to answer/ identify the arguments

     Excerpts from the Court

     Key Facts (Livescience)

Frontline: "The Choice 2012"

Watch the following presentation on the top Democratic and Republican candidates for the 2012 Presidential election:

The Choice 2012

Take notes during the video

Contrast the candidates
     upbringing
     philosophies
     critical junctures (moments/events that shaped or defined their character)
     schooling
     peer groups
     support
     political careers
     success and failures (politically / business)
   
Do we need to re-think the informal requirements for President?

Presidential Job Application

Read Chapter 8 section 1.  Pay attention to Duties, term and salary, Qualifications (consider informal as part of the description) as well as sub headings for each section.

Create a Job application form for hiring a President.  Include the following:

1. Duties of President
        a. ability to lead armed forces
        b. manage a 3 trillion dollar budget
        c. Exectutive Office of the President (EOB pg. 234) paragraph (OMB pg. 236)
        d. ability to appoint competent people to cabinet positions, federal courts, ambassadors
        e. build relationships with foreign countries
2. Term & Salary/benefits (look up current)
3. Qualifications
        a. constitutional
        b. Informal (government experience (senator or governor; military), money, political beliefs, Personal traits)

Due May 1st (Friday)

sample outline

Duties
salary and benefits
constitutional requirements
government experience
personal background
     family
     political beliefs
personal characteristics
responsibilities (modern pg. 219)

Congress Test on Thursday

Come to class on Thursday with your (3) paragraphs written and clearly identified. (Commerce, taxes, borrow money)

Chapter 7 section 1

Read Chapter 7 section 1…pay attention to ALL the vocabulary.  On page 185 there is a chart on how a bill becomes a law… I will ask you to know the specific steps in how a bill becomes a law.  You will also need to identify at which points in the process partisanship and rules affect the bills chances at passage.

Watch the video:  (School House Rock!!!)

What is the intent of the bill?
When is "Bill" most anxious about getting "killed"?

Now watch the SNL version

Debt Ceiling (Borrow Money)

Watch the following video which explains the debt ceiling: WSJ

1. What is the Debt Ceiling?
2. What purpose does the debt ceiling serve?
3. What Does Congress need to resolve in order to permanently fix the problem?

Take a peek at the National debt: Debt Clock

1. What is the current National Debt?
2. What is our current yearly deficit? Which way is the counter running?

Read the following article: Debt Ceiling

2. Who has the power to Raise the Debt Ceiling? (article 1 section 8)

3. Why is the debt ceiling unconstitutional?

4. Which to historical events (Acts) limit Obamas ability to not spend (with hold funds)?

5. Who would have "standing" to file a lawsuit if the government defaulted?

6. What is the simplest options to resolve the debt crises?

TEST Question: How can Congress avoid having to raise the Debt Ceiling? Why is it up to Congress?

The Tea Party, ACA, and the Robert's Ruling (Lay and Collect Taxes)

The Tea Party, The ACA and the Elastic Clause:

1. How does the Tea Party feel about the elastic clause?

Read the following article on John Robert's (chief justice on supreme court) ruling

     - scroll down and read the first 2 paragraphs under "Taxes and Health Reform"

Answer the above question in 1 or 2 paragraphs.  You must include in your answer the following:

     ACA (Affordable Care Act)

     John Roberts ruling

     Tea Party platform

     elastic clause

     Expressed/ implied powers of taxation

Regulate Interstate Commerce (enforce anti-discrimination laws)

Read the section in the book on Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States (pg. 162)

Reference the following website for background on the Motel and the case: Case brief summary

Test Question: What role has the court played in Congress's use of the power to regulate interstate commerce with respect to the elastic clause (article I section 8 clause 18)? reference Heart of Atlanta Motel v. US

US 2015 Budget

Planning and agreeing on the Budget is a long process. check out the timeline at the following link: Budget Timeline

Access the 2015 Budget

Pie Chart of Federal Budget 2015

Powers of Congress (expressed vs implied)

Read and take notes on Chapter 6 section 1 (157-165 due Wednesday)

779-780 lists the powers of Congress (article 1 section 8)
     (you may also use the pocket constitution from earlier in the year)

1. You need to know Which powers have been expressly granted to Congress and which of those powers are believed to "expanded" under clause 18 (elastic clause) Chart page 159

We will examine court cases and events that deal with challenges to Congress's powers in certain areas

2. Explain the power of the purse - Which is easier for congress to do, increase taxes or decrease spending?

3. What are Congresses non-legislative powers? Provide an example of each from history. (selection of president, removal, confirmation, ratification, amendment)

Expressed vs Implied Powers (In Class Friday)

Choose one of the following scenarios:
     Identify (come up with) as many activities/ options you can justify getting away with based off the instructions given to you in the scenario.  In other words, what did the instructions "imply" was possible and you could argue in defense later?

1. Your parents are going out of town and they hand you the keys to the house. Dad says to you; “You are the man/woman of the house until I get back. It is your responsibility to maintain order and security.”

2. You are living in a three story house with ten siblings. You are the oldest Things in the house have not been running smoothly and your mother comes to you for a solution. She says you now have the authority to manage the flow of communication and movement of family members throughout the house in order to make life more livable.

Congressional Committees

Read Section 4 of chapter 5, Congressional Committees.

Use the following websites to look up which committees our representatives in Congress are on:

List the purposes of Committees
Describe the types of committees
How has the seniority system changed?

House
Greg Walden (Oregon 2nd District)

Senate
Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley

Research which bill(s) the committee are reviewing.  What are the interest group(s) behind and against the measure?

Organization

Legislator: name
Committee:
Bill: piece of proposed legislation (what will it do / create?)
Interest groups (for/against)

Congress Unit - Terms and Concepts

Incumbents (why are they often reelected?)
     franking priveleges, name recognition, districts remain the same
Terms of office
     (Pres =4, Rep = 2, senator = 6)
Congressional districts ( census, gerrymandering, equal vs. proportional)
Gerrymandering
Bicameral
*Expressed vs Implied Power
     Know the chart on page 159Necessary and Proper Clause = Elastic Clause (article 1 section 8 clause 18)
Steps in how a bill becomes a law
     Introduced and given a number
     Assigned a committee
     debated by the entire chamber and voted on
     (goes to other chamber)
     conference committee (one bill goes to President)
     signed or vetoed by the president
         *Identify where and when a filibuster/ house rule can be used to kill a bill
quorum
caucus
censure
filibuster
cloture
Party leaders, whips (make sure party members vote for key legislation)
Types of committees (standing, select, conference) 
     *list on page 143
     Rules committee in the House
     Foreign Relations in the Senate
authorization bill (pg. 191)
appropriation bill
entitlements (pg 192)

Short Answer ?s

The names of (2) of our national legislators (of which we are constituents), one committee he is on, and one piece of legislation from that committee.

The written paragraph on "How does the Tea Party feel about the elastic clause"  paragraphs on:
     Regulate Interstate Commerce
     Raise and Support an Army
     Immigration and Naturalization
     Debt Ceiling

Should Congressional Members Have Term Limits?

Read through the lists of Pros and Cons at the following website: Balanced Politics

         *feel free to check other sites

What do you think about the argument: "We already have term limits, they're called elections"

Think about:
    Reelection rates
    Committee membership (powerful positions in Congress amongst peers)
    what (if any) advantages incumbents have during campaigns / elections

1 paragraph arguing for or against term limits

Gerrymandering

Read the following Articles:

Best Explanation on Gerrymandering

America's most gerrymandered districts

The Census, Reapportionment, and Redistricting

Read the following article: MD 3rd District

Using the information in the article, write a paragraph analyzing the political cartoon that follows (bottom image)

*Upper image is an example of a congressional district in Chicago

     A) Identify the Political Issue the Cartoon is dealing with
     B) Reference the article (Gerrymander Meander) in your analysis of the cartoon
     C) Include in your paragraph the terms (census, reapportionment, redistricting) and demonstrate an understanding of these concepts in your paragraph and analysis of the cartoon.

Amendment process

Use the chart on page 77 and the map at this LINK to explain the ratification of the 19th amendment

Articles, Branches, and Checks and Balances

Open the following document using notability Checks and Balances Template

Read Chapter 3 section 1

Read and take notes on Chapter 3 section 1 paying careful attention to the Articles and vocabulary.

Federalists vs Anti-federalists

Before the Constitution was ratified, many Americans needed reassuring that the new institutions outlined in the constitution were not going to reverse the progress made by the revolution.

Read: Ratifying the Constitution (pg. 56-57)
     - Create a T-chart with Federalist's on one side and Anti-federalists on the other
    -  List / differentiate between the two view points.

Constitutional Concepts

Link to Video "Constitutional Concepts"

1. When were the articles of confederation written?
2. Why were they weak?
3. What was the original intent of the Philadelphia meeting?
4. Why was Washington so popular?
5. What was Madison's proposal for a national government?
6. Why was law making designed to be difficult?
7. What is proportional representation?
8. What was the connecticut compromise?

Chapter 2 Enlightenment - Constitution

Section 1 is a history of enlightenment ideas slowly realized through various documents and challenges to autocratic rule.  Question: Why should we not be surprised by the Declaration of Independence, both by it's timing and the language in it?

Sections 2 is timeline of events in the colonies leading up to the writing of the Declaration.  Question:
What ideas (phrases) in the declaration are of John Locke and the enlightenment (5), and what are the major grievances the colonists had with England (5)?

Section 3 identifies the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Question: Why were the Articles of Confederation a failure (5) and what are the remedies (5)?

Section 4 identifies the major provisions of the Constitution and the remedies for the Articles weakness'
question: How much power did the constitution give to the national government versus the states? Did the constitution satisfy both the federalist and antifederalist? evidence?

Chapter 2

Read Chapter 2 section 1.

In class Monday we will divide the chapter into smaller groups and attempt to answer the question… "why should we not be surprised by the Declaration and fundamentals of our government"?

In small groups:

What aspects of these small sections live on / are embodied in our government today?

Limited government
Petition of Right
English Bill of Rights
Representative government
Locke's, Rousseau's, and Voltaire's ideas
Mayflower compact
Great Fundamentals
Separation of Powers

10 minute prep - then present using notability

Chapter 1 Test Friday

Mostly multiple choice for the vocabulary, the short answer questions will be the same on the test, come prepared!  We will share your civil society research after the test.

Economic Theories

Using your notes from Chapter 1-4 create a chart explaining the following:

For each system (capitalism, socialism, and communism) decide WHO / HOW the following decisions are made:

How much and of What?

How goods and services are produced (where) and by whom?

Who gets them / how are they distributed?

Using your notes and textbook, explain the following based on the cartoon

What is the Cartoonist's bias?
What are the (2) perspectives in the cartoon?
Analyze the (2) perspectives in the cartoon by citing specific examples from the text that either support or refute the author's ideas.

Chapter 1 Review and Test

Vocabulary

constitution
autocracy (monarchy; king, queen, dictator)
constitutional law
preamble
sovereignty
federal vs unitary (why is a federal system better for diverse populations?)
     Illustrate federalism using the courts (NPR broadcast on Alabama and gay marriage)
consensus
nation-state
theories on the origins of gov (4)
capitalism
mixed-market
socialism
communism
Adam Smith
Karl Marx
John Locke
Thomas Hobbes
command economy
laissez - faire
free enterprise
fiscal policy
monetary policy
civil society (summarize the efforts of one civil society group)
      Choose a civil society group (red cross, NRA, humane society, church group, etc.)
     (5 pts) Write a paragraph explaining what the group does, how it educates the public, how many
                members, any legislation it has helped to pass.

characteristics of democracy (4)

Which political parties like our FPTP system?

In class questions for discussion Tuesday

Respond to the following "The constitution established a republic, effectively limiting the power of government and preserving individual liberty to this day"

     Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?

What is a political party (pg 23)? Why are competing political parties necessary for a healthy democracy?
     (What is meant by loyal opposition?)

Which type of political parties like our FPTP system?

What is "civil society (pg 24)?"

     Research a civil group (humane society, Red Cross, any NGO) non-governmental organization

        Write down the following:
            1. The organizations mission statement
            2. Number of members
            3. Services (for profit or otherwise) what does the group do?
            4. Legislation the organization supported / fought
            5. History, how long has it been around? Changes?

Be prepared to report to the class on Monday

Federalism and the courts

listen to #11 on the schedule (Gay marriage in Alabama) NPR

FPTP and SMD

Watch the following video and discuss the pros and cons of FPTP and PR

Consequences of FPTP elections

Proportional Representation

Unitary vs Federal

Read about "Government Systems" (Unitary and Federal) on page 12

   1. In one sentence (in your own words), explain where power is held in a unitary system

   2. Do the same for Federal systems

   3. Beginning with the word "power" write one sentence explaining the difference between a unitary and federal system

Watch the following video: Systems of government

Chapter 1 section 2

Read and take notes on 2-1.

Tips:

Read the topic heading (what will I find in this section?)
   
     Read one paragraph at a time. Keeping track of any key vocabulary terms, summarize the text one paragraph at a time.

     Use Outline notes (DO NOT simply bullet point)

     I. Largest topic headings (usually in blue)

          A. Next largest heading (minor subject headings usually in red)

               1. Supporting details (any vocabulary terms)

                    a. minor details (examples, context and historical names, events

                         i. you're probably adding too much detail :)

Purposes of Government

Working in a small group (3-4), come with a list of things (purposes) that government should responsible for.  Be as specific as possible: cost (how are they paid for?), who qualifies?, who decides?, can anyone opt out?

Read Chapter 1 section 1 for Friday

Take notes on Vocabulary and purposes of government

Democrat or Republican?

Be sure to pay to attention to all the options these websites have to see which party you are more like fiscally and socially.  Think back on which questions (and how you answered) affected these out comes.  How accurately do you feel these questions captured how you really feel?

Go to QUIZ

and

Go to QUIZ #2

and

GO to QUIZ #3

Group quiz (general knowledge)

Working in groups of 4 attempt to complete the government quiz.  Then go out into the community and conduct your own interviews to find out just what people know.

You will need the handout from class.  We will discuss the results of your interviews on Tuesday (9/9)

Volunteer Service Experience

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." 
Mahatma Ghandhi

"It is more blessed to give than to receive."  
Acts 20:35

"Life's most urgent and persistent question is: what are you doing for others?" 
Martin Luther King, Jr.

"My country is the world and my religion is to do good." 
Thomas Paine

"The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it." 
Norman Schwarkzopf

"There’s no delight in owning anything unshared."  
Seneca

I am requiring all of my seniors to complete 16 hours of community service this semester. 4 of these hours must be directly related to campaigns and the political process. The chairpersons of the Democratic and Republican parties will be linking all of you with various local and state campaigns. More information to come but these hours will need to be fulfilled this Sept. and Oct. The remaining 12 hours can be made up in any variety of ways.  Many of you have already given your time through various organizations like church groups or clubs.  If you have connections you would like to continue to serve then your searching is over.  For those who don't know where to begin I will show you and lead you most of the way.You have 3 goals:

    1. Find an organization(s) you respect and make contact with the volunteer coordinator
    2. Commit to at least 12 total hours service (making plans means taking care of logistics)
    3. Follow through, record the date, # hours, organization, event(s) with very brief description, and supervisor signature

Grading: You must complete 16 volunteer hours to receive an A in this course regardless of your percentage in the class at semester.  
    1. Fill out and turn in a complete and signed volunteer record sheet. (In class handout)
    2. Write a 5 paragraph persuasive argument in favor of your organization receiving $100 donation from the school.  The wining organization, as voted on by your classmates, will receive a $100 donation in your name or that of your choosing.

    The following website is a good place to begin searching for an organization.  

    Volunteer Connect

    Click on the volunteer opportunities link.  You can filter your search by clicking on specific key words in the right hand column.  Pay attention to the age requirements.

I am looking for 10 students to form a leadership fundraising team.  In place of 16 hours of volunteer service, you will plan and coordinate fundraising events for a senior project.  The funds you raise will go towards a gift, from the class of 2015, to future Summit High students and the community.  I ultimately reserve the right, like the Senate, of approving all leadership team nominations :)

Current Events

Most weeks we will begin class on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday reading the newspaper.  This is a great way to begin the morning.  At the end of the semester you will need to turn in a journal (spiral notebook with the articles you read) and a paragraph summary of the article.  (YOU NEED TO CUT OUT AND STAPLE THE ARTICLE IN YOUR NOTEBOOK) The summary must include a definition of the term/concept the article is illustrating.  You must find both National and state/local articles for each term (2 articles per term) ---That's amounts to 30 TOTAL articles (2x15)

Your Articles are DUE: on Friday January 23rd

These are the terms:

1. Compromise
2. Political Conflict
3. Political Decision
4. Citizen participation
5. Influencing voters / officials
6. Political Organization
7. Policy making (legislative)
8. Policy making (executive)
9. Policy making (judicial)
10. Lobbying
11. Coalition
12. Editorial
13. Political Cartoon
14. Interest group
15. Protest

Welcome to American Government

This is a mid-term election year! The Presidential seat is not yet up for grabs but control of the most unproductive and unpopular congress is!  We will watch our local and state elections for representatives and ballot measures closely (there are some good ones!) Once the election is over we will focus on a solid understanding of the design and functions of our branches of government and learn how we can become more aware and active citizens.

Units of Study

Chapter 1 section 2 (understanding different levels of government)

UNIT 6 (Participating in Gov) Thru the elections
           Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19 and chapters 5 (Congress), 8 (Executive), and 23 (State and Local)

UNIT 1 (Foundations of Am Gov) Up until winter break
          Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4 and chapters 6 and 7 (Congressional powers), 9 (Pres Powers), 11(Courts)

Court Cases / decisions

UNIT 7 (Policies and Services) Thru the end of the semester
           Chapters 20, 21, 22, and chapter 10 (Bureaucracy)

Economic Systems ( How is to spend wisely)

For attendance, tardy, homework, dress code, and discipline policies see the student handbook.


         

Thursday 1/29 (Final Day)

First and foremost be sure that all work is complete and turned in!

Choose a partner, but choose wisely!

Go to the following website <citizenship test>

Take the test, to pass this "final" you can miss no more than 3 questions, GOOD LUCK

Volunteer Service Experience

By now you should have 16 hours of community experience completed including four (4) or more hours with a political campaign.

Write about your experience(s). In five (5) paragraphs describe what it is you did and for whom.  If you feel your organization is one that this school should support, argue that it is deserving of a donation.  If there are reasons why you feel the organization can improve services, products, or treatment of volunteers and recipients then discuss that as well.

Staple your Summary to your "Volunteer Hours Record" sheet.

Bend City Council

Read the section on "Mayor-Council Form" of local government on page 666.  Compare and contrast what you read with the description on the Bend City Council Website

Turn to page 669 in your books and create a list of services local governments provide beginning with education… (8 total)

Develop 3 questions for the city councilor guest speaker based on the services you listed above.  For example:

     Zoning: Read the following article Vacation Rentals What are various bend residents concerned with and how are they asking the council to respond?

State of the Union (Tonight)

You can watch the Address here: PBS @ 6 Pm.  This and other sites will have the speech archived and available for replay if you are unable to watch it live.

Take notes:

College tuition:
Taxation of inheritance:
Immigration:
ISOL (Iraq war)
Keystone pipline
Emissions standards (related to energy security)
Economy and jobs
National deficit/ debt

Be prepared to discuss in class what was said in the speech on Wednesday

Court case assignment

Working in pairs or alone:

Choose a court case from the list in class (SIGN UP PARTNER ON CLASS LIST)

Prepare a 5 minute presentation for the class using your iPad.

Include the following:
     Title of Court Case
     Constitutional Issue (amendment protection argued in the case)
     Brief history of events leading up to the case
          Including: names, places, dates, fact pattern of events surrounding arrest or violation.  You need to make the circumstances clear
     Courts decision - (score( unanimous, 8-1, 7-2, etc)) majority opinion.  Was it a violation of rights or not? why?
     Quiz - something to test your audience. A hypothetical in which the class decides as the court would

Your presentation may be on notability or powerpoint, prezi, etc.  Needs to move, be engaging (not just a few slides with notes. (images of people, documents, places, are all relevant)

Due next Wednesday 1/21

The Supreme Court

In groups of 2-3 complete the following tasks: (320-326)

What is meant by"supreme"?

Define jurisdiction:

What is the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?
     (list all the various types of cases they may decide to review-be specific)

How many justices?  why?

Who are the current Justices? Chief Justice?

What is their pay? (you will need to look this up online)  Is this fair?

Has any justice been removed?

Outline (bullet) the duties of the justices

Who are law clerks and what is their job?  Could the court function without them? why?

What role do the following play in appointing justices?
President, Senate, ABA, Interest groups, current justices?
(consider dividing up the sections and share at the end)

Monday 1/12

Friday you received the name of your President.  If you were unable to finish filling out your application in class it was homework for today.  We will hear from many of you on your President and discuss some of the major similarities.