10/.31/2008 - "A Living Document"

Over the years, the Constitution has been referred to as a "living document."

In a post of at least 50, but no more than 100 words, please explain why the Constitution is called a "living document."

Here's a link with information to help you write your post.

http://bensguide.gpo.gov/6-8/documents/constitution/about.html

See you on Tuesday!

HW 10/30/08

Imagine...Only ONE of the 10 Amendments that make up the Bill of Rights could be added to the Constitution. In other words, you can only one have one freedom guaranteed to you by the Constitution.

Which one would you choose? Free speech is nice, but what about the rights of people accused of crimes? Or, it doesn't really sound like it does a whole bunch, what about the 10th amendment, which gives powers not specifically given to the Federal gov't back to the states?

Think very carefully. Then write a post of at least 50 words, but not more than 100 that identifies the amendment you choose, and more importantly, a detailed explanation about your reasons for keeping that amendment.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Tonight's HW 10/28/08

Here's your HW for this evening.

1) Using your textbook, handouts, or the internet, locate the Bill of Rights, or the first ten amendments to the US Constitution. Here's some cool links below to help you.

http://www.constitutioncenter.org/constitution/details_explanation.php?link=120&const=08_amd_01

http://www.ushistory.org/documents/amendments.htm

2. Carefully study the amendments, then create a "Top 10 List" of the amendments in order of importance. In other words...Which of the 10 amendments is the most important to you? Second? Third, Etc.?

3. In a brief composition, explain WHY you chose to put the amendments in that order.

CLICK HERE for information on the Bill of Rights, and other Amendments.

See you in school tomorrow!

HW ASSIGNMENT - 10/24

DUE MONDAY - PERIODS 2 AND 4
DBQ ASSIGNMENT - CHECKS AND BALANCES .

Please click on the link for "DBQ Assessment #2" below for all of the info.

You must turn in:

1. The completed DBQ's
2. The essay.

CLICK HERE FOR THE DBQ'S


Thanks!

Tonight's HW - 10/23/08

Hello, Everyone:

Tonight's HW:

1. If you haven't finished the DBQ's, please finish whichever questions you need to complete.
2. Complete and Outline and Rough Draft of your Essay.

REMINDER: Your essay is due on MONDAY! No ifs, ands or buts! No exceptions!

DBQ Assessment #2

Topic: Checks and Balances.
Due Date: Monday October 27th

You are responsible for turning in the following:

1. The completed DBQ Short Answer Sheet. This is easy, as we'll have completed the questions in class. All you need to do is transfer your answers to the paper.

2. A completed DBQ Essay. We will take time in class to go over an outline, and prepare rough drafts. This will be easy as well if you pay attention.

Everything is due MONDAY. No ifs, ands, or buts. If you choose not to turn the paper in, you will receive a grade of ZERO.

Tonight's HW - 10/22

Very Simple Assignment. Do it, and you get A FULL POINT ON YOUR SEMESTER GRADE!

1. CLICK HERE.

2. Print the docs.

3. Bring it in, and show it to me tomorrow.

Any Questions?

Tuesday's HW - 10/21/08

CLICK HERE to view the video you saw in class today about the three Branches of Government.

After you watch the video, please answer the questions that follow.

1. What reasons might explain why this system called a system of "Checks and Balances?"

2. Which branch do you think has the most power under this system? Why?

3. Some people say that the system of Checks and Balances slows down the process of government unnecessarily. Do you agree? Why, or Why not?

BTW...If you haven't set up your PowerMedia Plus! Account, you're going to need to do that in order to watch the video. Use Passcode: yPNvYtchCh to set up an account if you have not yet done so.

Tonight's HW 10/20/08

One of the ways that our Constitution has survived for so long is its ability to be flexible. This flexibility is made possible by the amendment process, which allows the Constitution to be changed as needed.

For this assignment you need to do the following.

1. CLICK HERE. Read the information on the process of Amending the Constitution.

2. Think of an amendment you'd like to see added to the US Constitution. In a post of no more than 100 words (but at least 50), explain:

a) What your proposed amendment is about.
b) Why your amendment should be added to the Constitution.

Here's a link to a list of amendments that have been proposed in recent years.

http://www.usconstitution.net/constamprop.htm

Promote the General Welfare?

Click on the links below, and carefully read the articles:

Bush Vetoes Child Health Care Bill

House to Vote on New Child Health Bill


Then, based on the article and our discussion in class, reflect on the following questions:

What are the checks and balances taking place here?
Is healthcare a federal, city, or individual responsibility?
What are the limits of "promote the general welfare?"

DEBATE PARTE UNO

1. CHOOSE ONE OF THE DEBATES BELOW:

• CLICK HERE FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
  
• CLICK HERE FOR LAST NIGHT'S V/P DEBATE
  
• Here's a transcript of the VP Debate
  

2. Answer the following Questions

• What questions were being asked of the candidates?
  
• What is something you learned from this debate about each candidate?
  
• Describe your opinion of the candidates before the debate(s). If you didn't have an opinion of the candidates, please explain why.
  
• Will the debates, or did the debates change your opinion of the candidates? Why? Why not?