About Us
Congress: The Context
SUBJECTS
U.S. Government, Civics, U.S. History, Comparative Government
GRADE LEVEL
8-12
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this lesson is for the student to understand the sharing of powers between the Executive and Legislative branches in the war-making power. Students will also gain an insight into the events surrounding the declaration of war in 1941 and the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution in 1964.
LESSON PLAN
Class 1:
Students will locate the relevant sections of the Constitution related to war-making powers. They will individually compare the powers of each and then share their findings with a partner. The partners will summarize the war making powers of each branch.
Day 1 readings:
U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Section 8 and Article 2 Section 2;
Class 2:
The partners will describe the procedure and sequence of events followed in 1941 for declaring war. They will then compare/contrast that procedure with the one followed in passing the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. Students will make inferences regarding the relationship between the President and Congress in making war. Students will compare the war-making process with that of Great Britain. Requires Google search.
Day 2 readings: Gulf of Tonkin Packet. Great Britain's "Constitution." Requires Google search.
Class 3:
Students will critique the current process for war making as stated in the Constitution. Students will construct a new/improved process through which the U.S. would declare war or take military action.
RESOURCES
U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 8 and Article II, Section 2)
CREDIT
Stan Mendenhall
Broadmoor School
Pekin, IL 61554
