Databases AT SCHOOL:
1. U.S. History
2. SIRS
3. UMI Proquest
Databases AT HOME:
1. U.S. History
2. SIRS
3. UMI Proquest
A More Perfect Union
Over two hundred-thirty years ago our nation’s forefathers endeavored to create a more democratic country based on the principles that all human beings were endowed with certain inalienable rights—among them were “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”. Throughout the course of our nation’s history, the U.S. defined what a citizen is, who a person is, and what constitutes a framework for representative democratic government. While many of the powers and rights defined by our Constitution have made this country a better place, there may be others that have not worked or require improvements. This is why you have been charged with the important task of improving the way the U.S. government works . . . a more perfect union! You can amend the Constitution or propose a law that needs to be passed. Or you can oppose a change that others have proposed.
Use the blue textbook to access the Constitution. You may also use this link to Constitution: https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/the-constitution
The Challenge
You will make a change to the way the U.S. government operates in order to bring it into the 21st century.
Procedure
Think about how our government operates, and determine one key change you think is necessary and appropriate.
You could make a change among the three branches of the federal government: Legislative, Judicial, and Executive, involving separation of powers/checks and balances OR to the way federalism works or a change that impacts the states or even a change within a state (especially Illinois).
You could make a change or addition to the amendments (things that have to do with individual rights, citizenship, voting rights, etc.). You could establish a new right, like the right to food.
You could pass a law that you think is important or change a process by which the government works (like ending the filibuster).
You could oppose any of the topics above that you know others are interested in accomplishing.
Research, describe, and analyze “the problem” and why you wish to amend/change things (or why you think the thing people want to change is not a problem).
What is the problem?
Why is it a problem? How does the problem play out and show up in our government and experiences?
What are the consequences of the problem? Why does it matter and how does it impact us?
Support your work with evidence from credible sources. You need to paraphrase the sources (or quote no more than 4-5 words).
Cite your sources either using MLA format or using the correct article title with a hyperlink to the URL.
Research, describe, and analyze “the solution” and why you think that amendment/change is the right thing to do (or not the right thing to do).
Why is this an appropriate and effective solution?
Why do you think this proposal will solve the problem and/or why is it the right thing to do?
Describe your rationale for why you think your amendment is necessary.
Support your work with evidence from credible sources (or quote no more than 4-5 words).
Cite your sources either using MLA format or using the correct article title with a hyperlink to the URL.
This is a summative grade, and part of how you will demonstrate proficiency in your understanding of the Constitution (a graduation requirement). We will work on it for several days in class.
You may share ideas with each other, but you are responsible for your own work and anything you create with other folks must be in your own voice and clearly show your own spin and perspectives.
