Appendix 1
Student Handout Culminating Assignment
Congratulations!
You are now a convention member called to amend the U.S. Constitution. Thirty-four states participated in the organization of this convention and thirty-eight states must ratify by the deadline.
Your task is simple. Get ready to improve the federal government! First, work in your group of 2-3 to decide the issue most pressing or most likely to be ratified in the next three months. Select from the following choices; qualifications for judiciary, term limits for Congress, federal funding for presidential elections or representation to protect "one man one vote." When drafting your amendment show how it will blend with the existing constitution. What implied powers are you enumerating? Which Article is most in need of clarification? In accordance with Article V, your group must gain approval from the 3/4 of the "states" (your classmates). Be careful with your actions. This groundbreaking motion may offend congressmembers and the Congress has final say in the process. "Congress" will be an elite group of Social Studies teachers with vast knowledge of the U.S. Constitution. Since you may be amending term limits for congress, and causing some to cede power, you must present a valid argument to the other "states." Each group (2-3) will act as a state with constituents in neighboring Civics classes(5-7). The ruling in Hawke v. Smith, 253 U.S. 221 (1920) prohibits taking a vote by the people but your "state" constitutients can help lobby.
The draft of your amendment should be succinct (less than 100 words). Include a separate page of the amendment's historical development with a rationale that focuses on the urgency of the issue. Write out your arguments, prior to the debate, and try to memorize three key points. Amendments will be posted on the Moodle site for all "states" to read the arguments before voting. A final reflection paper will be due one day after the vote. The final report will include a discussion of the process - How did you pick your issue?What did you include in the amendment? Why? Which strategies did you employ to assure acceptance by a majority? Prizes will be awarded to the winners. Watch out for Capitol Police (Officer T) as dissidents may be removed from the area.
Prepare to debate on Wednesday, October 5th.
Final reports due Friday, October 7th.
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