Week 8

What a fun class we had, debating over majority rule and minority rights! You guys did great, and we were so impressed to see you really listening to each other and questioning each other's positions! You can look forward to doing more debates in class!

We also learned last week about the structure and importance of strong local government. I hope you all will feel the desire to become more involved--whether in your neighborhood or HOA, or your city or county councils. Even kids--you--can get involved and make a difference in your own community!

This week's assignments:

• Opinion Paper: NONE...unless you are behind, then this is a good week to catch up!

• Constitution Journal: Amendments 11-17 (again, with no opinion paper, use this week to catch up on your journaling if you've fallen behind.)

• Reading: Finish The Great Little Madison, and come prepared with a question or two for book discussion this Thursday

• Research: Make sure you are doing some light research on your Hero Report, and not leaving it all until the last minute:

 ALL PAPERS ARE DUE APRIL 14th!

 

The Presentation schedule is as follows:

 

• 4/14 - Emma, Zachary
• 4/21 - Zane, Tillie
• 4/28 - Eliana, Hannah
• 5/5 - Micah
• 5/12 - Gabe, Ethan

We expect great reports and presentations from you all, because we've seen what you can do, and we know what you are capable of! Happy studying!

 

-Mrs. Hellyer

 

Week 7

This week we learned about the judicial branch as explained in Article 3 of the Constitution. We also discussed the landmark Marbury v. Madison decision that gave the federal courts judicial supremacy, giving the Supreme Court the final word in all cases of law and equity. Below are 3 Crash Course videos on law and the judicial branch if you are interested in learning more:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sualy8OiKk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWYFwl93uCM *This one explains Marbury v. Madison

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjLcLguoKC4

(**Maybe one of you tech-savvy kids can teach me how to embed videos, not just copy links!)

Assignments this week:

• Opinion Paper - Have the Supreme Court rulings helped or hindered our nation? Explain.

• Constitution Journal - Amendments 1-10 (The Bill of Rights)

• Reading - The Great Little Madison by Jean Fritz  *Must be completed by next week, March 24th

Also, we're throwing around the idea of Friday, April 1st for a movie night, so check with your parents to see if that works. Keep up the good work!

-Mrs. Hellyer

Week 6

This week we went over the powers of the executive branch. Mrs. Brennan made it fun (as usual!) by throwing in some trivia and some entertaining videos, too (Below is the link for the video we couldn't finish because of uncooperative wifi).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnHb-zyWh14

Here are your assignments for this week:

Opinion Paper: According to the Constitution, Congress has the power to declare war, but, for the last 60 years, the President has declared war. In your opinion, which branch of government should have that power, legislative or executive?

Constitution Journal: Articles 5-7

Other things to be working on:

• Reading The Great Little Madison
• Studying the Constitution Bowl study guide  
•  ***Tip: Memorize the subheadings (the bold-type description) for each Article and Section; that way, you'll know right where to go in the Constitution to find your answers***
• Researching for your Hero Report
• Completing award requirements, including the Heritage Award

I know you guys have a lot to do in the next few months, especially if you're taking other scholar classes, but if you work hard, and don't slack off, I know you can do it all (I know this because I've done it, and I survived! Heed the voice of experience!) Happy studying, y'all!

-Mrs. Hellyer