Week 3: 2/15/18

I threw a whole lot of information your way this week, but I was pleased to see so many of you taking notes! Note-taking is a very useful tool--even if you never look at your notes again, the act of hearing a piece of information, then writing it down, actually helps you to commit the information to memory much better than if you only hear it.

 

Here's a recap of what we talked about in class:

• Baron Montesquieu, a French statesman and political scientist, named three main types of government: Monarchy, Despotism, and Republicanism--which has 2 sub-types, aristocracy and democracy. The founders chose to form our nation with a republican government, called a representative democracy, because it was a perfect compromise between 100% government (tyranny), and 0% government (anarchy).
• The founders also knew that in order for this 50% government (people's rule) to work, the representatives of the people would have to be virtuous, and set a standard for the next generation of leaders, as well as for the entire nation.
• Just in case the government were ever to get off track (and we know it has because of federal regulations and agencies, executive orders, and judicial activism), the founders added into the Constitution a few ways the people could repair the damage: 1) a common law jury, and 2) a convention of states.

Watch the following videos to learn more about the Article V provision for a convention of states: 

 

 

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

 

DEVOTIONAL: Gwen - Choose a scripture that speaks about government, liberty, freedom, justice, or anything pertinent to what we've been learning in class. Then share it with the class and explain why you chose it.

 

OPINION PAPER: Ok, so I changed it a little bit again...

 

If you had only the following two candidates to choose from, which do you think would be a better government leader and why?

1. Candidate A: Very high moral standards but with little to no education
2. Candidate B: Very well educated but with few to no moral standards

***Tip: Think of actual people you may know of that could fit these descriptions, and remember to use examples to build a logical argument to support your opinion.

 

CONSTITUTION JOURNAL: Article 1, Sections 6-10

 

READING: Fifty-Five Fathers due March 1st

 

For details on upcoming events, see Week 1

 

Have an awesome week, everyone! -Mrs. Hellyer