In this lesson students will read a pro and con speech about real voting rights legislation (the Freedom to Vote Act) being discussed in the United States Senate. Students will summarize the speeches, consider their arguments, and use them to enhance their own knowledge on election policy.
Election Policy Reforms
In this lesson students will gain a deeper understanding of potential reforms to improve elections in the United States. Students will consider proposals from the Freedom to Vote Act and the American Confidence in Elections Act and work in groups to select the best policies to improve the electoral process.
Background Overview: United States Election Policy
In this lesson students will gain a deeper understanding of the history of election policy in the United States. Students will read a short summary of United States election policy and examine two graphs to consider how changes to election laws have impacted the electorate and our government.
Being a Senator: Election Reform
In this lesson, students will have an opportunity to learn about what it means to be a United States senator. Students will research real United States senators, consider their various interests, and make decisions about how their senator would vote on real issues facing the country.
Debate and Discussion: Climate and Energy Policy
In this lesson students will examine a pro and con speech about real legislation (the Green New Deal) being discussed in the United States Senate. Students will summarize the speeches, consider their arguments, and use them to enhance their own knowledge of environmental policy.
Climate and Energy Policy Proposals
Students will consider potential policies the United States could implement to combat climate change. Students will watch a short video to gain background knowledge, then examine a list of proposed policies from a real resolution discussed in the Senate, and work in groups to determine which policies are the best.
Background Overview: Climate and Energy Policy
During this lesson students will gain a deeper understanding of the history of climate policy in the United States. Students will read a short summary of United States climate policy and examine two visual sources to consider how climate related legislation has impacted the United States.
Being a Senator: Climate and Energy Policy
During this lesson students will have an opportunity to learn about what it means to be a United States senator. Students will research a real United States senator, consider their various interests, and make decisions about how their senator would vote on real issues facing the country.
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Students will explore how a bill becomes a law by following each step of the legislative process, including committee review, voting in Congress, and the President’s role in approving or vetoing legislation.
Bell Ringer: The Role of Delegates in the House of Representatives
Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) discussed the differences between a Delegate to the House of Representative and members of the House of Representatives from states.