January 7
-Objective: Each student will analyze the purpose and function of the U.S.
federal system of government, identifying the roles and responsibilities of
national, state, and local governments.
-Read Article: “My American Dream”
1) Read the article.
2) Underline at least 5 words you do not know
3) Define all 5 words on the margins.
4) Write 3 questions you have from reading in margins.
5) Summarize the article in 3 sentences or less (at the end.)
6) Justify how the article is biased (conservative, liberal, moderate) by
using at
least 2 pieces of evidence from the article. (at the end)
7) Find more information about the author by Google search
*Write your short summary by the author’s name.
-Homework: 1) Finish all parts of article summary
January 7
-Objective: Each student will analyze the purpose and function of the U.S.
federal system of government, identifying the roles and responsibilities of
national, state, and local governments.
-Read Article: “My American Dream”
1) Read the article.
2) Underline at least 5 words you do not know
3) Define all 5 words on the margins.
4) Write 3 questions you have from reading in margins.
5) Summarize the article in 3 sentences or less (at the end.)
6) Justify how the article is biased (conservative, liberal, moderate) by
using at
least 2 pieces of evidence from the article. (at the end)
7) Find more information about the author by Google search
*Write your short summary by the author’s name.
-Homework: 1) Finish all parts of article summary
January 8
Objective: Each student will originate ideas on
producing a project or achieving a goal through “20%
Time.”
-20% Time
1) Jaime Horter presentation w/ Mr. Lahm
*Project H
2) Begin choosing project
-Homework: 1) 20% Time Project
January 9
Objective: Each student will analyze how historical events and people
helped shaped the government in the United States today.
-Pass back Chapter 4 reviews and review Chapter 4 material so far
*Be sure that all documents from Tuesday are turned in.
-Lecture & Notes – Ch. 4:3 - Federalism
1) Lecture & Notes – Ch. 4:3
*Discuss – Chapter 4 Quiz TUESDAY
-Notebook #12
-Homework: 1) Notebook #12 – TUESDAY
2) Quiz – Tuesday – Ch. 4:3
January 10 – Current Events Day
-Objective: Each student will understand the events taking
place at the national level of the United States government
-20% Time – Brainstorm
1) Form groups
2) Brainstorm ideas and several possibilities for group
project ideas.
3) Work 1-on-1 w/ students and groups to determine ideas
for them to get started
-Work on Notebook #12
-Homework: 1) NONE
January 13
-Objective: Each student will prepare a skit that will help them
pitch their “20% Time” idea to the correct people.
-Skits and sketches
1) Share a skit between Ms. Horter & Mr. Lahm
2) Discuss sketches
3) Present questions
4) Have students prepare skits
a. Should include all of your ideas & some questions
b. Rest of class will serve as devil’s advocate
**STUDENTS CHOOSE DATES FOR “CURRENT EVENTS PROJECT”
-Homework: 1) Chapter 4 Test - TOMORROW
Questions to Ask Self
1. If someone approached you with your idea, what
would you need to know from them before you
could make it happen?
2. What are the obstacles to your project? What
questions do you have about road blocks to getting
your project done?
3. What do you have to understand about the area
you want to work in before you get to work? (Such
as, how is the park mainteined? Who maintains
it?)
January 14
Objective: Each student will analyze how historical events and people
helped shaped the government in the United States today.
-Be sure to share Notebook #12 w/ me.
-Test – Chapter 4 – Federalism
-Homework: 1) NONE
January 15
Objective: Each student will originate ideas on
producing a project or achieving a goal through “20%
Time.”
-20% Time
1) Share role plays of ideas in class
2) Discussion Board – Week #19 (Part 1)
-Homework: 1) 20% Time Project
2) Discussion Board – Week #19
January 16
Objective: Each student will analyze how historical events and people
helped shaped the government in the United States today.
-Pass back Chapter 4 reviews and review Chapter 4 material so far
*Be sure that all documents from Tuesday are turned in.
-Guest Speaker – Ron Daberkow (city maintenance)
-20% Time Timeline
1) Discuss & Begin work
-Homework: 1) NONE
January 17 – Current Events Day
-Objective: Each student will understand the events
taking place at the national level of the United States
government
-Current Event Presentations
-Work on Notebook #13
-Begin work on 20% Time Timeline
-Homework: 1) Notebook #13 - Tuesday
January 20
-Objective: Each student will construct a timeline that has
very specific and achievable deadlines and dates.
-Share “BRAN” example – Google Documents
1) Students will critique the steps
2) Discuss the specifics needed
-Student Timelines
1) Share Template – Google Documents
2) Students should work on completing 20% Timeline
-Homework: 1) 20% Timeline
January 21
-Objective: Each student will construct a timeline that has
very specific and achievable deadlines and dates.
-Student Timelines
1) Students should work on completing 20%
Timeline
2) Have groups share & critique each other
a. Write questions or comments on the Google
Document
b. Repeat steps w/ 2 groups
3) Each group should make necessary changes to
timeline.
January 22
Objective: Each student will originate ideas on
producing a project or achieving a goal through “20%
Time.”
-20% Time
1) Review timeline
2) Begin preparing “Pitch”
-Homework: 1) 20% Time Project – “Pitch”
January 23
Objective: Each student will analyze how historical events and people
helped shaped the government in the United States today.
-Lecture & Notes – Ch. 5:1-5:2 – Civic Participation
1) Lecture & Notes – Ch. 5:1-5:2
*Discuss – Chapter 5:1-2 Quiz TUESDAY
-Notebook #13
-Homework: 1) Notebook #13 – TUESDAY
2) Quiz – Tuesday – Ch. 5:1-5:2
January 24
-Objective: Each student will originate ideas on
producing a project or achieving a goal through
“20% Time.” – (Mr. Lahm at meeting)
-Work on “20% Time” Pitch
-Work on Notebook #13
-Homework: 1) Notebook #13 – Tuesday
2) Quiz – 5:1-5:2 - Tuesday
January 27 – Current Events Day
-Objective: Each student will understand the events
taking place at the national level of the United States
government
-Current Event Presentations
-Work on Notebook #13
-Homework: 1) Notebook #13 – Tuesday
2) Quiz – 5:1-5:2 - Tuesday
January 28
Objective: Each student will analyze how historical events and people
helped shaped the government in the United States today.
-Need these 2 items shared
1) Group Timeline – 20% Time
2) Notebook #13
-Quiz – Chapter 5:1 & 5:2 – on Angel
-Work on “20% Time” Pitch - TOMORROW
-Homework: 1) NONE
January 29
Objective: Each student will originate ideas on
producing a project or achieving a goal through “20%
Time.”
-20% Time
1) “Pitch” – Community Projects
2) Begin making adjustments
*prepare for city council presentations
-Homework: 1) NONE
January 30
Objective: Each student will analyze the importance of civic participation
in government.
-Lecture & Notes – Ch. 9:1-9:2 – Civic Participation
1) Lecture & Notes – Ch. 9:1-9:2
*Discuss – Chapter 9:1-2 Quiz TUESDAY
-Notebook #15
-Homework: 1) Notebook #15 – TUESDAY
2) Quiz – Tuesday – Ch. 9:1-9:2-9:3
January 31 – Current Events Day
-Objective: Each student will understand the events
taking place at the national level of the United States
government
-Current Event Presentations
-Finish Notes 9:3 – Quiz Tuesday
*Work on study guide
-Work on Notebook #15
-Homework: 1) Notebook #15 – Tuesday
2) Quiz – 9:1-9:2-9:3 - Tuesday
February 3
-Objective: Each student will prepare a presentation to
give to the city council based on great visions for our
communities of Lyons and Decatur.
-Work on presentations
*Prepare to be SPECIFIC when answering questions
from the council.
-Discuss fundraising
-Homework: 1) Notebook #14 – Tuesday
2) Quiz – 9:1, 9:2, 9:3 - Tuesday
February 4
Objective: Each student will analyze how historical events and people
helped shaped the government in the United States today.
-Need these 2 items shared
1) Notebook #14
2) Study Guide
-Work on “20% Time” Pitch – THIS EVENING
-Homework: 1) Chapter 9:1, 9:2, 9:3 Quiz - Thursday
February 5
Objective: Each student will originate ideas on
producing a project or achieving a goal through “20%
Time.”
-20% Time
1) Reflection – city council presentations
2) Timeline
-Homework: 1) Chapter 9:1, 9:2, 9:3 quiz TOMORROW
February 6
Objective: Each student will analyze the importance of civic participation
in government.
-Quiz (on Angel) – Chapter 9:1, 9:2, 9:3
-Review for Chapter 5 & 9 Test – TUESDAY
-Discussion Board
-Homework: 1) TEST – Chapter 5 & 9 - TUESDAY
February 7 – Current Events Day
-Objective: Each student will understand the events
taking place at the national level of the United States
government
-Current Event Presentations
-Review for Test - TUESDAY
-Homework: 1) TEST – Chapter 5 & 9 - TUESDAY
February 10
-Objective: Each student will prepare a presentation to
give to the city council based on great visions for our
communities of Lyons and Decatur.
-Presentations (not completed Friday)
-20% Time Lesson - Fundraising
-Review for Chapter 5 & 9 Test – TOMORROW
*Be sure to READ each chapter & STUDY
-Homework: 1) Ch. 5 & 9 Test - TOMORROW
February 11
Objective: Each student will compare the similarities and differences of
political parties and interest groups on a formative assessment.
-Collect Ch. 5 & 9 Study Guides
-Test – Chapter 5 & 9 – on Angel
-Homework: 1) Anything you need for 20% Time TOMORROW
February 12
Objective: Each student will originate ideas on
producing a project or achieving a goal through “20%
Time.”
-20% Time
1) Pass out “Week Cards” – This is how you will be
graded weekly.
*Must complete tasks & must match w/ timeline
2) Get to work.
-Homework: 1) Discussion Board
February 13
Objective: Each student will analyze the importance of mass media and
public opinion.
-Lecture & Notes – Ch. 8 – Mass Media & Public Opinion
1) Lecture & Notes – Ch. 8
*Discuss – Chapter 8 Quiz TUESDAY
-Notebook #16
-Homework: 1) Notebook #16 – TUESDAY
2) Quiz – Tuesday – Ch. 8
February 17
-Objective: Each student will prepare a presentation to give to
the city council based on great visions for our communities of
Lyons and Decatur.
-20% Time Lesson – Fundraising Letter
*Review & Discuss
-Understanding Persuasive Techniques
1) Chapter 8 Notes – Persuasive Techniques
2) Recognizing Persuasive Techniques
*Placards 9A-9F
3) Quiz – Angel – Common Persuasive Techniques
-Homework: 1) Ch. 8 Quiz - TOMORROW
February 18
Objective: Each student will compare the similarities and differences of
political parties and interest groups on a formative assessment.
-Quiz – Chapter 8– on Angel
*-Collect Ch. 8 Study Guides
-Discussion Board – Goals for 20% Time TOMORROW
-Homework: 1) Discussion Board
2) Anything you need for 20% Time TOMORROW
February 19
Objective: Each student will originate ideas on
producing a project or achieving a goal through “20%
Time.”
-20% Time
1) Pass out “Week Cards” – This is how you will be
graded weekly.
*Must complete tasks & must match w/ timeline
2) Get to work.
-Homework: 1) Discussion Board
February 20
Objective: Each student will analyze the importance of mass media and
public opinion.
-Lecture & Notes – Ch. 7 – The Electoral Process
1) Lecture & Notes – Ch. 7
*Discuss – Chapter 7 Quiz TUESDAY
-Notebook #16
-Homework: 1) Notebook #16 – TUESDAY
2) Quiz – Tuesday – Ch. 7
February 21 – Current Events Day
-Objective: Each student will understand the events
taking place at the national level of the United States
government
-Current Event Presentations
-Review for Chapter 7 Quiz – TUESDAY
-Notebook #16
-Homework: 1) Quiz – Chapter 7- TUESDAY
February 24
-Objective: Each student will prepare a presentation
to give to the city council based on great visions for
our communities of Lyons and Decatur.
-Discuss where we are on 20% Time
-Lecture & Notes – Ch. 7 – Elections
*Have study guide out
*Review & Discuss
-Homework: 1) Ch. 7 Quiz - TOMORROW
February 25
Objective: Each student will compare the similarities and differences of
political parties and interest groups on a formative assessment.
-Quiz – Chapter 7– on Angel
*-Collect Ch. 7 Study Guides
-Discussion Board – Current Events Happenings
-Homework: 1) Discussion Board
February 26
Objective: Each student will originate ideas on
producing a project or achieving a goal through “20%
Time.”
-20% Time
1) Pass out “Week Cards” – This is how you will be
graded weekly.
*Must complete tasks & must match w/ timeline
2) Get to work.
-Homework: 1) Discussion Board
February 27
Objective: Each student will analyze the importance of mass media and
public opinion.
-Lecture & Notes – Ch. 10 – Congress
1) Lecture & Notes – Ch. 10
*Discuss – Chapter 10 Quiz TUESDAY
-Notebook #17
-Homework: 1) Notebook #17 – TUESDAY
2) Quiz – Tuesday – Ch. 10
February 28 – Current Events Day
-Objective: Each student will understand the events
taking place at the national level of the United States
government
-Current Event Presentations
-Review for Chapter 10 Quiz – TUESDAY
-Notebook #17 w/ study guides
-Homework: 1) Quiz – Chapter 10 - TUESDAY
March 3
-Objective: Each student will prepare a presentation
to give to the city council based on great visions for
our communities of Lyons and Decatur.
-Discuss where we are on 20% Time
-Lecture & Notes – Ch. 10 – Congress
*Have study guide out
*Review & Discuss
-Homework: 1) Ch. 10 Quiz - TOMORROW
March 4
Objective: Each student will compare the similarities and differences of
political parties and interest groups on a formative assessment.
-Quiz – Chapter 10– on Angel
*-Collect Ch. 10 Study Guides
-Discussion Board – Current Events Happenings
-Homework: 1) Discussion Board
March 5
Objective: Each student will originate ideas on
producing a project or achieving a goal through “20%
Time.”
-20% Time
1) Pass out “Week Cards” – This is how you will be
graded weekly.
*Must complete tasks & must match w/ timeline
2) Get to work.
-Homework: 1) Discussion Board
March 6
Objective: Each student will analyze the importance of mass media and
public opinion.
-Lecture & Notes – Ch. 10:3 & 10:4 – Congress
1) Lecture & Notes – Ch. 10:3 & 10:4
*Discuss – Chapter 10 Quiz MONDAY
-Notebook #18 & Ch. 10:3-10:4 study guide
-Homework: 1) Notebook #18 – TUESDAY
2) Quiz – Monday – Ch. 10:3 & 10:4
3) TEST – TUESDAY – Ch. 10
March 7 – Current Events Day
-Objective: Each student will understand the events
taking place at the national level of the United States
government
-Assign 4th Quarter Current Event Presentations
-Lecture – Ch. 10:3-10:4
1) Review for Chapter 10:3 & 10:4 Quiz – MONDAY
2) Notebook #18 w/ study guides - MONDAY
-Homework: 1) Quiz – Chapter 10 – MONDAY
2) Test – Chapter 10 - TUESDAY
March 10
Objective: Each student will compare the similarities and differences of
political parties and interest groups on a formative assessment.
-Quiz – Chapter 10:3 & 10:4 – on Angel
*-Collect Ch. 10 Study Guides (get back as soon as graded)
-Review for Chapter 10 Test
-Homework: 1) Test TOMORROW – Chapter 10
March 11
Objective: Each student will compare the similarities and differences of
political parties and interest groups on a formative assessment.
-Test – Chapter 10 – on Angel
*-Collect Ch. 10 Study Guides (BEFORE TEST)
-Discussion Board – Current Events Happenings
-Homework: 1) Discussion Board
March 12
Objective: Each student will originate ideas on
producing a project or achieving a goal through “20%
Time.”
-20% Time
1) Pass out “Week Cards” – This is how you will be
graded weekly.
*Must complete tasks & must match w/ timeline
2) Get to work.
-Homework: 1) Discussion Board
March 13
Objective: Each student will analyze the importance of mass media and
public opinion.
-Study Guides – Chapter 11
-Notebook #19
-Homework: 1) Notebook #19 – TUESDAY
2) Quiz – Tuesday – Chapter 11
March 17
-Objective: Each student will analyze and assess the
powers of Congress via lecture, notes, and their study
guide.
-Discuss where we are on 20% Time
-Lecture & Notes – Ch. 11 – Powers of Congress
*Have study guide out
*Review & Discuss
-Homework: 1) Ch. 10 Quiz - TOMORROW
March 18
Objective: Each student will compare the similarities and differences of
the powers of Congress on an assessment on Angel.
-Quiz – Chapter 11– on Angel
*-Collect Ch. 11 Study Guides
-Discussion Board – Current Events Happenings
-Homework: 1) Discussion Board
March 19
Objective: Each student will originate ideas on
producing a project or achieving a goal through “20%
Time.”
-20% Time
1) Pass out “Week Cards” – This is how you will be
graded weekly.
2) Discuss Timeline – keep that going
-Homework: 1) Discussion Board
March 20
Objective: Each student will analyze the importance of mass media and
public opinion.
-Presidential March Madness
*Prepare and Assign Presidents for the Bracket
-Presidential Game Planning
-Homework: 1) Present beginning on Monday
March 21 – Current Events Day
-Objective: Each student will understand the events
taking place at the national level of the United States
government
-Current Events Presentations #1
-Work on Presentations for Presidential March
Madness
-Homework: 1) Presidential March Madness
presentations
March 24
-Objective: Each student will create a presentation about their
assigned President to more completely recognize the major
Presidents and their contribution to American history and
government.
-Discuss rubric for Presidential March Madness
*On Google Documents
-Students will COMPLETE presentations before they leave
1) Share with me on Google Docs
2) IF FINISHED EARLY – work on timeline for 20% Time
-Homework: 1) Begin “Presidential March Madness”
TOMORROW
March 25
-Objective: Each student will analyze and compare major Presidents
and decide which one was more influential in American history and
government
-Discuss how students will analyze Presidents and complete bracket
1) Students must:
a. Include at least 2 specific details on bottom of
bracket as to why they chose one President as
being more influential over another
b. Prepare for quiz over the ORDER of Presidents
2) Use Clickers to determine winner of the bracket
*”A” is for the TOP person of the bracket
*”B” is for the BOTTOM person of the bracket
-Homework: 1) 20% Time - TOMORROW
March 26
Objective: Each student will originate ideas on
producing a project or achieving a goal through “20%
Time.”
-20% Time
1) Pass out “Week Cards” – This is how you will be
graded weekly.
2) Discuss Timeline – keep that going
-Homework: 1) Discussion Board
March 27
-Objective: Each student will analyze and compare major
Presidents and decide which one was more influential in
American history and government
-Discuss how students will analyze Presidents and
complete bracket
1) Students must:
a. Include at least 2 specific details on bottom of
bracket as to why they chose one President as
being more influential over another
b. Prepare for quiz over the ORDER of Presidents
-Homework: 1) 20% Time - TOMORROW
March 28 – Current Events Day
-Objective: Each student will understand the events
taking place at the national level of the United States
government
-Current Events Presentations #2
-Homework: 1) Pres. March Madness presentations
2) President’s Quiz - TUESDAY
March 31
-Objective: Each student will analyze and assess the powers of
Congress via lecture, notes, and their study guide.
-Discuss where we are on 20% Time AND Field Trip Wednesday
-Lecture & Notes – Ch. 12 – Congress in Action
*Have study guide out
*Review & Discuss
-Presidential March Madness – See Google Docs
*Use clickers to vote for President
-Homework: 1) Ch. 12:1 & 12:2 Quiz – TOMORROW
2) Notebook #20 - TOMORROW
April 1
Objective: Each student will compare the similarities and differences of
the powers of Congress on an assessment on Angel.
-Quiz – Chapter 12:1 & 12:2 – on Angel
*-Collect Ch. 12:1 & 12:2 Study Guides
-Pass out: (DUE NEXT TUESDAY, APRIL 8)
1) Study Guide – Chapter 12:3 & 12:4
2) Notebook #21 – Congress in Action
-Finish Presidential March Madness
-Homework: 1) FIELD TRIP TO LINCOLN TOMORROW
April 2
Objective: Each student will visit the state capitol in
Lincoln NE to see government in action
-Trip to Lincoln – state capitol
-Homework: 1) NONE
April 3
Objective: Each student will originate ideas on
producing a project or achieving a goal through “20%
Time.”
-20% Time
1) Pass out “Week Cards” – This is how you will be
graded weekly.
2) Discuss Timeline – keep that going
-Homework: 1) Discussion Board
April 4 – Current Events Day
-Objective: Each student will understand the events
taking place at the national level of the United States
government
-Current Events Presentations #3
-Work on Study Guides & Notebook #21
-Homework: 1) Study Guides & Notebook #21
April 4
-Objective: To take a look at the past and present Presidents of
the United States.
-President’s Quiz – Place the 42 President’s of the U.S.A. in
order.
-Work on Discussion Board #28 – Ideal President – on Angel
*Compare your 2 favorite presidents
-Notebook #28 – Legislative Branch
*Work on it.
-Homework: 1) Discussion Board #28 – President 2012
2) Notebook #28 – Legislative Branch
April 5
-Objective: To take a look at the past and present Presidents of
the United States.
-President’s Quiz – Place the 42 President’s of the U.S.A. in
order.
-Work on Discussion Board #28 – Ideal President – on Angel
*Compare your 2 favorite presidents
-Notebook #28 – Legislative Branch
*Work on it.
-Homework: 1) Discussion Board #28 – President 2012
2) Notebook #28 – Legislative Branch
April 8
-Objective: Each student will become staff members for a newly
elected member of Congress and participate in an orientation for
new congressional staff to learn important aspects of being an
effective legislator.
-New Staff Orientation – Preparing a member of Congress – next
slide
1) Give a quick and brief lecture on key info – Next 3 slides
2) CD Track 11 – Explaining the process
3) Handout 11 – New Congressional Staff Orientation – tape in
notebook
4) Each group should follow steps to complete notebook.
-Homework: 1) Discussion Board #29
April 10
-Objective: Each student will become staff members for a newly
elected member of Congress and participate in an orientation for
new congressional staff to learn important aspects of being an
effective legislator.
-New Staff Orientation – Preparing a member of Congress – next
slide
1) Give a quick and brief lecture on key info – Next 3 slides
2) CD Track 11 – Explaining the process
3) Handout 11 – New Congressional Staff Orientation – tape in
notebook
4) Each group should follow steps to complete notebook.
*Groups of 2 and 3
-Homework: 1) NONE
You and your partner are the staff members for a newly elected
member of Congress. You will now analyze information from eight
orientation packets to learn about different aspects of being an
effective legislator. When you receive a packet, place the placard
and the handout with the placard questions FACE UP on the desk.
Place the handout with the excerpt from Freshman Orientation by
Edward Sidlow FACE DOWN. Then follow these steps:
Step 1 – Carefully analyze the information on the placard(s).
Step 2 – Discuss each of the placard questions
Step 3 – Turn the other handout face up, and carefully read the
excerpt from FRESHMAN ORIENTATION.
Step 4 – Discuss each of the reading questions.
Step 5 – Find the corresponding section of the Notes Handout.
Record AT LEAST 3 things you learned that will help your new
member of Congress be an effective legislator.
Step 6 – Organize the packet materials and exchange them for a
NOTES
1. U.S. Capital Building
A. House on left and Senate on Right with key offices
B. Offices include Office of Speaker of House, minority whip
*In central portion = office of minority leaders of both
houses
*On right = office of Senate majority leader, Vice Pres.
C. U.S. Capital & 8 buildings surrounding it.
D. House offices closer to House side & vice versa
2. Congressional Staff
A. Each member of Congress has several offices
ex. – Jeff Fortenberry in Fremont, Norfolk, Lincoln
B. Many people working for congressman
3. Committees
A. Each member of Congress serves on at least one
committee.
B. They usually serve on one that makes sense based on
Committes in Congress
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/committees/
Bills in Congress in 110th Congress
During the 110th Congress, 11,059 bills were introduced. 7,335 were house
bills and 3,724 were Senate bills. Out of the 11,000+ bills, only 442 (4%)
became law. Most of these bills died as soon as they were referred to the
committees in the chamber the bill was introduced in.
NOTES
4. Caucuses
a. bipartisan & center on specific public policy areas
b. These allow House members to join to keep tabs on
particular issues they care about.
C. Different from nominating caucuses in a way
5. Legislation
a. Thousands of bills are introduced every year
b. Few actually pass
ex. – 2005 – 6,924 bills introduced & only 169 signed to law
6. Constituent Casework
a. Like Lydia Brasch, it is essential for Congress people to
research what their constituents want.
Ex. – Lydia Brasch is only going to answer emails from her
district now because too many emails.
NOTES
7. Protecting your Constituents and District
a. It is important that legislator and district have similar views
ex. – Ben Nelson signing off on “Obamacare” – now not a
chance of reelection.
8. Reelection
a. Incumbents are those already in office
b. it is a huge advantage to already be in office – difficult to
defeat.
Ex. – Pres. Obama
April 11
-Objective: Each student will become staff members for a newly
elected member of Congress and participate in an orientation for
new congressional staff to learn important aspects of being an
effective legislator.
-New Staff Orientation – Preparing a member of Congress – next
slide
1) Each group should follow steps to complete notebook.
*Pass out Notebook #29
-Homework: 1) Notebook #29 - TUESDAY
April 12 – Current Events Day
-Objective: Each student will understand the events
taking place at the national level of the United States
government
-Pass back papers
-Student Presenters – self evaluations
-Work on Notebook #29 or Discussion Board #29
-Homework: 1) Notebook #29
2) Discussion Board #29
April 15
-Objective: Each student will take on a role of a member the U.S.
House of Representatives as they are sworn into Congress.
-Choosing Sides – Please wait to be seated.-Go over spoke
diagram in notebook
*7 Republicans
*5 Democrats (extras = democrat)
-Video: The House of Representatives
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6LWHFVzjKY
-Choosing Scenarios & Leadership
1) Each student should select a role card that they will fulfill
2) Have each party select 3 leaders
3) Distribute “Party Caucus” notes to groups
4) Recreate the “Swear in” Ceremony
-Homework: 1) Notebook #29 - TUESDAY
April 16
-Objective: Each student will take on a role of a
member the U.S. House of Representatives as
they are sworn into Congress.
-Collect Notebook
-Prepare for Visit to Lincoln
1) Review Medicaid bill
2) Go over questions and bills of Lydia Brasch
-Homework: 1) WE LEAVE AT 7:15 TOMORROW
April 17
-Objective: Each student will take on a role
of a member the U.S. House of
Representatives as they are sworn into
Congress.
-Seniors in Lincoln
-Homework: 1) Notebook #29 - TUESDAY
April 18
-Objective: Each student will create a mock House of
Representatives to experience steps in the legislative process.
-Videos
1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKvY0Q3tI6I&feature=relmfu
2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxT7QjlvDqM
-Working in Committee Activity
1)Discuss & Debate bills – background checks for guns
2) Notes – Your task in the next 2 days – next slides
3) Set up House committee meeting areas
4) Follow steps on Information Master 12B
5) Begin writing amendments to bills
-Discussion Board #32 – visit to state capitol
-Homework: 1) Discussion Board #32
Key Info for Project
Steps for a getting a bill through Congress
1. Bills are worked on in committee.
*There are 20 House Standing Committees
*There are 16 Senate Standing Committees
*There are 4 Joint Committees
2. Leadership in the House
Speaker of the House
-Majority Leader
-Minority Leader
*Duty is to manage legislation on the House floor
-Majority Whip
-Minority Whip
*Duty – to keep leadership informed and persuade
party members to vote along party lines.
Key Info for Project
Steps for a getting a bill through Congress
3. Committee Meeting Setup
a. Senior member of majority party in middle
b. Senior member of minority party to right
c. Other committee members sit according to seniority
4. Model of a bill
a. Each line of a bill is numbered – allows for Line Item
Vetoes & easy removal or changing of particular parts of a
bill without having to rewrite the entire bill.
b. Thus, certain parts of a bill may be amended.
1. You will be discussing and amending a bill in a bit.
2.You will also break up according to party to make
amendments
3. Proposed amendments ---- committee chair
Key Info for Project
Steps for a getting a bill through Congress (continued)
4. Model of a bill (continued)
c. Committee chair reads amendment proposal outloud.
d. Main author has chance to explain
e. vote is taken in committee to approve or reject proposal
f. Continue this process for all amendments
April 19
-Objective: Each student will understand the steps
involved in creating law
-Pass out Notebook #30 – Congressional Lawmaking
*Discuss
-Discussion Board #32
-Homework: 1) Notebook #30 – by TUESDAY
April 22 – Current Events Day
-Objective: Each student will understand the events
taking place at the national level of the United States
government
-Presentations & Questioning
-Student Presenters – self evaluations
-Work on Notebook #30
*Discuss
-Homework: 1) Notebook #30
April 23
-Objective: Each student will create a mock House of
Representatives to experience steps in the legislative process.
-Discuss & Collect Notebooks
-Get back into Committee circles
*Review Tuesday’s work
-Working in Committee Activity
1) Begin writing amendments to bills–Follow Info Master 12B
2) Mark up the bill – step 5
3) Report the proposed bill & vote on House floor – step 6
-Homework: 1) Discussion Board #31
April 24
-Objective: Each student will create a mock House of
Representatives to experience steps in the legislative process.
-Study Habits Survey
-Making Congressional Law – Phase 3 – Information Master 12C
*Make copies of final amendments for ALL House members to
be able to read.
1) Sit in appropriate seats
2) Prepare for the floor debate
3) Hold the floor debate
4) Prepare for final House vote on the first bill
5) Hold the final House vote
-Homework: 1) Discussion Board #32
2) Notebook #30 - TUESDAY
April 25
-Objective: Each student will experience a Senate filibuster
through the video Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.
-Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
-Homework: 1) Discussion Board #31
April 26
-Objective: Each student will experience a Senate filibuster
through the video Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.
-Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
-Homework: 1) Discussion Board #31
April 29
-Objective: Each student will create a mock House of
Representatives to experience steps in the legislative process.
-Current Event Presentations – Final Ones
-Watch end of “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”
-Homework: 1) Discussion Board #32 – TOMORROW
2) Notebook #32 – TOMORROW
April 30
-Objective: Each student will create a mock House of
Representatives to experience steps in the legislative
process.
-Notebook #32 & Discussion Board #32 - HANDOUT
*Discuss & Complete
-Homework: 1) Discussion Board #32 – THURSDAY
2) Notebook #32 – THURSDAY
May 1
-Objective: Each student will take part in the
presentation “Credit Card Blues”
-Credit Card Blues and College
-Homework: Notebook & Discussion Board
May 2
-Objective: Each student will understand the events taking
place at the national level of the United States government
-Go over Notebook & Discussion Board
-Finish “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”
-U.S. Citizenship Test
*Grade in Class
-Collect Books
-Homework: NONE
May 3
-Objective: Each student will eat a cookie designed as a notebook
to symbolize their undying love and gratitude for their notebook
assignments.
-No more Notebooks and Current Events – Solemn Celebration
-Video Clip – “Hardball”
-Poem “Finish the Race”
-Homework: To live a live that “changes the world”
for the better!