About Us
Congress: The Context
SUBJECTS
U.S. Government
GRADE LEVEL
9-12
OBJECTIVES
Many current issues are debated in government classes, issues that real representatives debate in Congress. Yet, there are larger or “greater” issues that deal with core ideas, philosophies or values behind American government that divide politicians or students of politics. In this lesson, the last of three, students will learn, read, and debate the merits of the separation of powers. Assignments for this debate will consist of (a) preview reading/journal, (b) reading and recording of points from a “yes” or “no” point of view, (c) meeting with an opposite point of view, recording notes, and discussing, and (d) post-reading journal. An all-class debate will occur for only some topics.
LESSON PLAN
Instructions for Students
Part I.
Read the one-page Introduction (PDF Document 1 Page) on this topic. The framers of the U.S. Constitution wrote in Article I that all legislative powers be vested in the Congress of the United States and the Article lists the powers Congress has. This can be seen as a way to be sure to communicate that the Congress does have limits. In Article II, things are much more vague. Article II implies that the president has “executive power” and they are not enumerated specifically, thus the executive has some flexibility in using his power. John Locke believed that an executive should have the power to act according to his or her discretion, even if it means going against the law in certain circumstances. So, since the executive can has such unweilding power, is it necessary that this person be held to high moral standards? Some believe that although moral standards are nice, sometimes they cannot be followed in order to maintain the state. What are your feelings on this subject? Do you think what matters more is results? Should it matter how the president gets things done, as long as it is for the good of his people? Does holding one to the highest moral standards get in the way of effective governing and decision making for the benefit of the country?
Part II.
You should have been assigned a “Yes” or “No” position on this question. You are to read the handout and record a minimum of FOUR points that support the position assigned. Record your answers on the Should Moral Principle Matter in Politics? Chart and summarize your points in your own words.
Part III.
You will be assigned a partner who reads the opposite position. Read your summaries and points to the opposite person. After you are done, listen to that person’s points. Discuss your feelings—do you agree or disagree with what you read? Did the reading change your mind? After you have had a discussion, record the summaries and points on your chart.
Part IV.
Post-reading Journal (PDF Documents: 5 Pages)
Expand on what you discussed in your opening journal. Have you changed your opinion since having read more on the debate? Did the person you spoke with change your mind? If you feel the same, yet stronger about your opinion, what points made you feel even more confident about your beliefs?
RESOURCES
Should Moral Principle Matter in Politics? Chart
CREDIT
This lesson was presented by a past Congress in the Classroom® participant.
