Elections and Voting

•Imagine that you have been hired by the Federal Election Commission to suggest one way to improve the U.S. electoral system.  What would you suggest?

 •Include the following:

–What changes would be involved?

–How would your suggestion change the electoral system?

–Why would your suggested change improve the electoral system?

Civic Engagement

What are your rights and repsonsibilities as a citizen of the United States?  Can one person make a difference in a democracy?  These are just a few of the questions that we have been discussing in class. 

Could you pass a citizenship exam today?  Here is your chance to find out.  Click on the following link and learn more about what others must know to become a citizen of the United States. 

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.d72b75bdf98917853423754f526e0aa0/?vgnextoid=afd6618bfe12f210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=afd6618bfe12f210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD


You will be awarded 20 bonus points for taking this exam and sharing out with our class.

Good Luck

Citizenship

What makes a good citizen?

Could you pass the citizenship exam? 

Ho much do you know about becoming a citizen? 


All are questions that I hope we can answer together.  What does it mean to you to be a citizen? 

List the ways that you can be a responsible citizen before coming to class on Tuesday. 

I would also like for you to reflect on what it means to you to be a citizen.

Opportunity

What are your thoughts on the coming Presidential Election?  If you could give advice to the next president and he actually take that advice, what advice would that be?  Well, here is your chance! 

Introducing.....What should the next President of the Untied States do to improve the economy? 



Check out the link below and get involved. 


http://www.councilforeconed.org/2012/09/12/teachers-and-students-tell-us-what-should-the-next-president-do-to-improve-the-economy/


For those who are intersted in this opporutnity, please see me immediately. 

Homework

As you are working on your frayer models for tonight, be thinking about how you can identify Civil Rights for Civil Liberties. I have attached a copy of your important vocabulary terms with definitions....Please make sure that you have everything completed for tomorrow so we can dive into our activity of Analyzing the Bill of Rights as well as what Supreme Court cases set the precedent for the amendments. 

Civil Liberties-Basic Freedoms that are guaranteed under the Constitution, such as freedom of speech and freedom of religion. These rights are protections from government intrusion or abuse.

Civil Rights-Guarantees of equal right and equal treatment under the law. Unlike civil liberties, civil rights are not protections from government abuse, but rights that government must provide to its citizens, such as trial by jury and voting rights.

Incorporation-The process by which the Supreme Court applies the Bill of Rights to the states through the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Libel-Publishing false information about someone with intent to cause harm.

Slander-Orally spreading false information about someone with intent to cause harm.

Prior Restraint-An attempt by government to prevent the publication or broadcastt of material considered harmful.

Self-incrimination-Statements, usually made under oath, suggesting that the person speaking is guilty of a crime.

Double Jeopardy-The prosecution of a person a second time for a crime for which the defendant has already been tried once and found guilty. double jeopardy is prohibited under the Fifth Amendment.

Money Opportunity

Such a timely opporunity for INtegrated Social Studies students.  As we have been analyzing this historical document one of our learning goals is to look at the relevance of history.  How is history related to me?  How is the Constitution applicable to my life? Why do I care?  Well, here is your opportunity to show what you know and earn money while doing it.  The VFW hass announced their Veterans Day Essay topic.  Click on the link below to find out more....Good Luck!

Is Our Constitution Still Relevant?

The Constitution

Good morning all!  Well, last week we have been spending a lot of quality time getting to know the constitution.  As you know, your learning goals were to be able to interpret the intent of the Constitution as well know the 6 guiding priniciples of the Constituion and apply them to specific examples.  I am pleased to say that you have performed very well on this task

I think using the Constitution App on the i Pad really helped.  I encourage you to spend time looking at more history apps.  There are so many that are free and I have 12 of those apps on my phone alone. 
As we continue to analyze the limiations of the Constitution, please take the time to be thinking about how this document applies to your life. 

Until we meet again, check out this fun game about Checks and Balances (one of the 6 principles that we learned about and how it limits the Constitution)

Checks and Balances Game

Check out this link.  It is full of great information about the Constitution.  Let me know what you find new and interesting.

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution.html

The Constitution

Well, Constitution Day is almost here.  Are you as excited as I am?  On Septemeber 17th, we will celebrate that great document that was created to protect all people in the United States.  What will you do on Sept. 17th?  Make sure you listen to announcements at school during the week of the 17th.  If you can bring me information from the announcements concnering Constitution Day I will give you bonus points.  Lets see who is the first to rack up those bonus points.  Enjoy, Mrs. S.