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 small-scale 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 representative from a specific interest group. We will use this format to examine the legal issues at stake related to Guantanamo Bay. You will work individually to complete your portion of the assignment.
- Heritage Foundation: Paris (handout link)
- American Civil Liberties Union: Kalei (handout link)
The worksheet is due at the start of tomorrow's class. It is worth a total of 35 points -- 5 points per question.
Tomorrow, we will hold our hearing. The procedure for the hearing is below:
- The chairperson will call the hearing to order. She will then state the purpose of the hearing.
- Each senator will make a brief opening statment expressing her expectations for the proceedings.
- 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.
- Opening statements should take 1-2 minutes. Questions and responses should take 5-6 minutes.
- Finally, the senators will discuss their decision.