Week 9: 4/12/18

Great job to everyone who participated in the Constitution Bowl! We had  lot of fun, and you guys kept me on the edge of my seat! I hope that you realize how much you have learned this year about our nation's founding documents--I'd bet money that most 7th/8th graders don't have a clue about the powers of Congress or the Bill of Rights! You guys are awesome!

We went over a lot of material last week rather quickly, mostly in preparation for the Bowl, but here's a quick recap:

• Article 5 describes two ways the Constitution can be amended: 1) by Congress or 2) by a convention of states. This second method has never been used, although it has come close to being used, but Congress has always caved at the threat of convention, and passed the desired amendment. There is a current effort to organize a convention of states right now, so we may get to see history be made in our lifetime! Exciting!
• Article 6 Section 2 makes the Constitution and the laws passed and treaties made by Congress the "supreme law of the land." This supremecy clause is meant to prevent the states from usurping power that rightfully belongs to the federal government, and the federal government from doing the same to the states.
• Amendment 1 spells out five essential rights of the people for true freedom to exist: freedom of religion, of speech, of the press, to peaceably assemble and to petition the government for redress. These rights are not unlimited; they come with the responsibility to use them wisely and to never infringe on the rights of another citizen in the process of exercising them.

Below is a short video about the Battle for Athens, TN that happened in 1946. Think about which rights were being infringed and exercised by the people on both sides of the battle. How might a judge rule in this case?

 

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

 

DEVOTIONAL: Corban

 

READING: Athen will lead our book discussion on The Great Little Madison. The rest of you come prepared with questions or comments to share. Donuts for those who read the book! 

 

HERO REPORT: The big day has finally arrived! Your hero report is due this Thursday, and must be 2-4 pages on the hero you selected, and must include a bibliography/works cited page. PLEASE use the following link to find out how to write a bibliography (scroll down a little and you will see examples):

 

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/science-fair/writing-a-bibliography-mla-format

 

Also, you MAY NOT use Wikipedia as a source, and be sure not to plagiarize (copy the author's words) or your paper will NOT be accepted. I look forward to reading what you all learned about these fascinating people! 

 

OPINION PAPER: You had a choice this week:

1. Write a letter of petition to a government officer on an issue of your choice, OR
2. If you were to make an amendment to the Constitution, what would it be?

As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns! -Mrs. Hellyer