Kidding! I heard you all did great last week! Thank you for stepping up to the plate, reading beforehand, coming prepared, and imparting this important information to one another.
You all learned about the importance of virtue in a leader, especially a leader of our nation. You discussed how democracies function successfully by the virtue their leaders possess. You discussed that successful monarchies govern by the honor inherent in their supposed nobility and rank. You also learned that despotic governments can only function and last as long as they hold fear over the subjects of the nation.
Next you talked about how legislation is created at the federal level. You learned what administrative law means, and you learned that more laws are created this way now, than are created through CONGRESS!
You discussed the process by which a bill is proposed and passed. Were you surprised to hear that most bills die in committee before they are even thoroughly reviewed and put to a vote? My favorite part of this process was learning that if the president objects to a bill that both the House of Representatives and the Senate have approved, the House and Senate can review his objections, but vote to pass the bill anyway. They only need a 2/3 vote in each house of Congress to pass the bill without the President's blessing. I appreciate that the President cannot prevent the will of the people from going forth. Ultimately, it is our representatives cowardice or lack of virtue that will keep our voices from being heeded.
I think the most objectionable think I learned was the pocket veto practice. Remember this? 1) This happens when Congress passes a number of bills and then adjourns before the ten day waiting period is up (happens around Christmas time often). Because they have adjourned before the 10 day waiting period is over, the President does not have to worry about the 10 day limit rule. None of the bills will become law without his signature…he puts them in his pocket (so to speak) where they are forgotten. And the Congress - your senators and representatives, can complain that they passed the important bill that you care so much about, but the President's actions actually prevented it from becoming law. This is called PASSING THE BUCK! Don't fall for it. Your representatives show their lack of virtue when this occurs.
I am sad to have missed class, because I am sure you all were great! Teacher Betty and I are really looking forward to seeing you this Thursday in class.
Before you come, please work on and bring the following:
-Constitution Journal: Preamble through ARTICLE 2
-Opinion Papers: So far, you should have the following done: "Why America is Different", "Men of faith and character or men of knowledge", What powers do you have in making new laws?", "Does Congress have too much power or not enough?"
-Fifty-five Fathers: keep reading - we are having the book discussion Feb 26th! I extended it just one week because I love you. :)
-Presentations: Keep working on these! The first one to present is Kaleigh. See the list below for your assigned dates. :)
Kaleigh - The Stamp Act - March 5th
Matthew - The Boston Tea Party - March 12th
Kenny - King George III - March 19th
Benjamin - Weaponry - March 26
Adam - Minutemen and Militia - April 9
David - Sons of LIberty - April 16
Hannah - Fashion in the Colonial Era - April 23
Archie - The Currency Act - April 30
See you all on Thursday!
-Teacher Kelly
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