Week 9: Amending the Constitution


Last week we reviewed the two ways the Founding Fathers provided for us to change the Constitution. As stated in the Declaration of Independence, "Governments long established should not be changed for light or transient causes," but the Founders were intelligent, experienced men who understood that life always changes, which meant that our needs and desires as a nation would likely change as well. Though they didn't make the amendment process easy, they did want to enable the American people to adjust and update the Constitution to fit our needs...with well-informed and careful consideration, of course!

Please read Article V and write down the two methods for amending the Constitution in your Constitution Journal, if you haven't already done so. Make sure you know where to find the amendment process, as well. This will be a question at the Constitution Bowl; I guarantee it!

For a quick refresher of what we discussed in class, watch the video below:


Make sure you check out the Convention of States website, too, where you can find the list of potential amendment topics, as well as a current map of each state's progress in the Article V application process:

Progress Map: States that have passed the Convention of States Article V application - COSAction


ASSIGNMENTS:

HERO REPORT: Your written portion has been postponed to Thursday, 4/28. Our first presentation will be next Thursday, April 21st, and will be given by NOAH on Nathaniel Gorham.

WRITING: We changed things up this week to better fit everyone's schedule, so instead of a writing a paper, you will be doing research for the debate we'll be having when we return to class on April 21st. Your debate topic is:

Which is more important: liberty or security?

The team arguing in favor of LIBERTY is:

  • Morgan
  • Noah
  • Liya
  • Miah
The team arguing in favor of SECURITY is:
  • Liam
  • Kellen
  • Braeden
To prepare for your debate, you should look up as many reputable sources on the topic as you can, and take a minimum of 2 full pages of notes. 

Notes should include things like quotes from credible sources, statistics, historical evidence, analogies, etc. Your job is to make a convincing case for your side. 

It's also helpful to anticipate the other team's arguments and rebuttals, so you can be prepared to refute them.

Bring your notes to class, and we will take time to work with your team to consolidate and organize your ideas before the debate begins.

Review the handout on Debate Instructions that you were given in class to familiarize yourselves with the procedure.

CONSTITUTION JOURNAL: Articles 6 & 7

READING: Begin reading:  

We will have our discussion on May 19th. Be sure to take notes for the discussion, especially about the similarities of ideas in the two documents.

DEVOTIONAL: BRAEDEN


CANDY TRIVIA:

How many states have passed the Convention of States application? Name five.

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