Monday, May 16, 2011

Junior Exams -- Review

Complete 5 of the following questions in your notes for tomorrow. Write in complete sentences and number each problem. Remember -- pick ones that you need to work on, and do NOT choose ones we did in class today. Have these on your desk at the start of tomorrow's class period.
  1. What is the Lemon Test? What case was it involved in? What are the steps?
  2. Which amendment applies federal laws to the states?
  3. Name the main clauses of the First Amendment (6 total).
  4. Which founders were in favor of the Bill of Rights? Which were against it? What were their reasons?
  5. Define judicial review. Then, describe how the process is uesd. Include the branch of government.
  6. What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment?
  7. Compare and contrast the purposes of the Free Exercise and Establishment clauses. Give an example application for each.
  8. What is the difference between a "strict constructionist" and a "precedent" philosophy?
  9. Describe the purpose of each of the first 3 articles of the Constitution.
  10. What is the difference between the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution? Which succeeded? Which failed? Why?
  11. What was the Dred Scott case about? What Acts/Compromises were involved? What was the court's decision? What precedent was set?
  12. What is common law? Natural law?
  13. Many states are passing laws related to marriage, defining it in a certain way. What amendments must these states consider? Explain.
  14. Does the government have the constitutional right to limit the rights of Guantanamo Bay detainees?
  15. What rights does habeas corpus provide to detainees? What part of the Constitution contains habeas corpus?

Friday, May 13, 2011

War on Terror: Legal Questions

Complete the following questions on loose leaf paper using the reading distributed in class today.
  1. Record the title of your article.
  2. Write a 1 paragraph summary of the article's main topic.
  3. Which amendments are discussed in the article? Why does the author bring these up?
  4. What is the author's argument? Why is he making this argument?
  5. Do you agree with the argument? Explain.
As promised, review questions are included below, in the post from last Friday.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Guantanamo Bay: A Legislative Hearing

A Legislative Hearing is a time when senators will meet to listen to representatives from different groups speak on a particular topic.

We will simulate a legislative hearing on the Guantanamo Bay issue.

Guiding Question: Should the United States government fund the closure of Guantanamo Bay Detention Center?

Each of you will play the part of a senator OR of a representative from a specific interest group. We will use this format to examine the legal issues at stake related to Guantanamo Bay. Each of you will work individually to complete your portion of the assignment.
  • Senators: Khaylian and Delissa
  • Center for Strategic and International Studies: Vanecia
  • Heritage Foundation: Shaquara
  • Human Rights Watch: Shang
  • American Civil Liberties Union: Rukiat
  • Coalition for Terror-Free Communities: Maya
Each student will complete research using a worksheet and be prepared to present that research to the class tomorrow.

Use the websites listed on your worksheets to complete your research. However, be aware that some of the links on the pages are a little outdated. If a link does not work, search the website for the information you need. Use search terms ("Guantanamo Bay", "torture", etc.) to find answers for your question.

The worksheet is due at the start of tomorrow's class. It is worth a total of 35 points -- 5 points per question.

Senators -- your worksheet only has 6 questions on it. You will also need to draft a list of questions to ask the representatives from the different groups.

Tomorrow, we will hold our hearing. The procedure for the hearing is below:
  1. The chairperson will call the hearing to order. She will then state the purpose of the hearing.
  2. Each senator will make a brief opening statment expressing her expectations for the proceedings.
  3. Each representative will have an opportunity to make an opening statement. After each representative speaks, the senators will have the chance to question her/him.
  4. Opening statements should take 1-2 minutes. Questions and responses should take 5-6 minutes.
  5. Finally, the senators will discuss their decision.
Each student will receive a 20 point presentation grade based on a rubric which will be shown in class tomorrow.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Review Questions

  1. What is the Lemon Test? What case was it involved in? What are the steps?
  2. Which amendment applies federal laws to the states?
  3. Name the main clauses of the First Amendment (6 total).
  4. Which founders were in favor of the Bill of Rights? Which were against it? What were their reasons?
  5. Define judicial review. Then, describe how the process is uesd. Include the branch of government.
  6. What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment?
  7. Compare and contrast the purposes of the Free Exercise and Establishment clauses. Give an example application for each.
  8. What is the difference between a "strict constructionist" and a "precedent" philosophy?
  9. Describe the purpose of each of the first 3 articles of the Constitution.
  10. What is the difference between the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution? Which succeeded? Which failed? Why?
  11. What was the Dred Scott case about? What Acts/Compromises were involved? What was the court's decision? What precedent was set?
  12. What is common law? Natural law?
  13. Many states are passing laws related to marriage, defining it in a certain way. What amendments must these states consider? Explain.