Week 7: 3/22/18

We learned about Article 3 this week, which is all about the Judicial Branch. Thomas Jefferson wanted a an inconspicuous Supreme Court whose decisions could be argued or reversed if the states disagreed, but John Marshall--Secretary of State under John Adams and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court under Thomas Jefferson (and Jefferson's cousin, coincidentally)--believed the court should have the final say on all things constitutional. Marshall eventually won in with his decision on Marbury v. Madison (1800), setting the precedent of Judicial Review--that the actions of the Legislative and Executive branches are subject to the scrutiny of the Judicial branch, and that the Supreme Court has the last word on what the law is.

Below is a link to other landmark cases decided by the Supreme Court that I would like you to read before you write your opinion paper. Choose 4 or 5 to read to give you some supporting material for your paper:

https://www.thirteen.org/wnet/supremecourt/antebellum/landmark.html

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

 

OPINION PAPER: Have the Supreme Court rulings (decisions) helped or hindered our nation? Explain.

 

CONSTITUTION JOURAL: Amendments 11-17

 

HERO REPORT: Your papers are due April 12th. This should be a 2-4 page research paper on a hero who has promoted the causes of liberty and freedom. Include a bibliography or works cited page. Your presentations on your hero reports will begin on April 26th. I still need to hear from Athen and Madeline regarding who you have chosen to research!

 

READING: I'm moving the book discussion on The Great Little Madison to April 19th so we can have more time to practice for the Constitution Bowl.

 

DEVOTIONAL: Sariah

 

 

 

THE BIG BATTLE IS THIS SATURDAY!

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BE THERE OR BE SQUARE!