Hi all!
So...you were treated to the first hour of "A More Perfect Union" today. I hope you enjoyed it. I am more grateful for the work our Founders did to mold our Constitution when I realize just how difficult a task they took on, and the varied and differing perspectives the Founders held. TRULY miraculous that our Founding Document is as nearly perfect as it now stands.
After that entertaining piece of history, we were treated to a great speech by Matthew re: the Boston Tea Party. Matthew brought the event to life as he shared a narrative he constructed as if he had witnessed the courageous deed. We enjoyed his enthusiasm, and the great research and care he took to present to us. THANK YOU MATTHEW!
Kenny - we are really looking forward to your presentation on King George III next week!
We had a lecture/discussion on the Supreme Court, the judiciary branch of our government. We talked about the difference between "Constitutional Supremacy" and "Judicial Supremacy." What a precarious position we are in, when the Supreme Court decides what is and what is not Constitutional, without only considering the Constitution as their source of guidance!
We watched a short video about Marbury v. Madison, and how that court case forever changed the way and extent to which the Supreme Court would use "Judicial Review." For practical reasons, Chief Justice Marshall didn't outright state that the Supreme Court was the only interpreter of the Constitution (although he believed it should be), or explain how the Court would enforce its decisions. But beginning with this landmark case, the Supreme Court was given much more power, and began its ascent to a branch equal in power to the legislative and executive branches. In the ensuing years, if the Court needed to affirm its importance and validity, it has cited Marshall's opinion in Marbury v. Madison.
Assignments for NEXT WEEK:
** KENNY - your presentation is due next week! 2-4 page paper...and oral report - You'll be awesome!
** Opinion papers: "Have the Supreme Court Rulings helped or hindered our nation?" - be as specific as possible - you may have to research a little on this as we really only went over Marbury v. Madison today. ALSO, turn in any you haven't finished yet...check the blog to see which ones you may have missed since January.
** Continue reading "The Great Little Madison" - we will discuss 3.26
** Complete Constitution Journal up through Article IV (this means, complete Article IV too!)
** Prepare for Debate next week: "Should the Supreme Court have power to make laws on moral issues?" and "Should the minority be allowed to win over the majority?"
Teacher Betty and I LOVE you all and are so glad you are working so hard to understand our Constitution. The more you put into reading it, analyzing it,and learning the history behind how it came to be, the more you will love it too.
Have a great week!
-Teacher Kelly
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