Overview

In this unit, we will examine in-depth the three branches of the federal government: the legislative branch, the executive branch (including the bureaucracy) and the judicial branch. We will examine how the Constitution structures each branch in terms of separation of power and checks and balances. We will also trace how each branch has changed over time and why. Throughout this unit, we will ask the following questions: who has power in our government and why? are the branches of our government democratic? fair? how might they be reformed or changed to be more democratic or more fair. In addition to studying each branch in isolation, we will also pay attention to the interactions bewteen the branches, particularly in terms of how the branches tussle for power and how the balance of power has shifted over time.

There will be three big projects–one for each branch. We will hold a model Congress right after Mardi Gras break. We will assess presidential character upon returning from D.C. and we will turn our classroom into a Moot Court before Spring Break.

The Legislative Branch: The U.S. Congress

Resources you will need:

• Ask Your Lawmaker: http://www.askyourlawmaker.org/
  
• C-Span: http://www.c-span.org
• Capital News: http://www.capitalnews.org/
• Thomas: http://thomas.loc.gov/
• C-Span: Prime Minister’s Questions
• Center for Media and Democracy: Congresspedia

Topic #1: Nature and Style of Representation

• Should representatives do what they think is best or what their constituents want?

Topic #2: Congress and the Constitution

• Why do we have a bicameral legislature?

• How are the House and the Senate structured differently?

• What powers are delegated to the Congress by the Constitution?

Topic #3: Redistricting

• Thought Talk: Redistricting (Alia and Anne = Leaders)–Is gerrymandering democratic?

• Resources: Justice Talking, “Drawing the Line: The Politics Behind Race and Representation“

Topic #4: The Organization of Congress

• What are the role of committees?

• Why is the House Rules Committee so powerful?

• Who’s powerful in the Congress and why?

• Is this organization designed to be democratic? fair? Why or why not?

Topic #5: How a Bill Becomes a Law

• What are the steps involved in passing a bill?

• What are the obstacles involved in passing a bill?

• What’s the difference between what the textbook says and real life?

• Thought Talk #3: The Filibuster

• Is the legislative process democratic, fair?

Unit Project: McGehee Model Congress—click here for the site.