2/5 --- 4.3 A More Perfect Union /// S1. Features of the Constitution / S2. The Legislative Branch

DO NOW: in your composition book, copy and annotate the lesson objective.

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Objective: SWBAT describe the key features of the constitution

Standard: CA.HSS.8.3 - Students understand the foundation of the American political system and the ways in which citizens participate in it.

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AGENDA / ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

• Introduction: A More Perfect Union
• What do you think a government should and should not be able to do?
• S1: Features of the Constitution
• How is the Constitution organized?
• S2: The Legislative Branch
• What are the powers of the legislature?
• S3: The Legislative Process
• What is the basic lawmaking process in the federal government?

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CNN 10

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Introduction: A More Perfect Union

Discussion:

• Even though Congress supported the New Deal, it refused to pass Roosevelt’s “court-packing” plan. Why do you think Congress blocked the president’s plan?
• Do you think President Roosevelt should have been allowed to do what he wanted? Why or why not?
• What do you think a government should and should not be able to do?

• video: Packing the Supreme Court (2:51)

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S1: Features of the Constitution

How is the Constitution organized? (p133)

• video: The Preamble (1:30)
• small groups:
• read aloud and annotate S1
• respond to Focus Question 1
• whole class: 
• share out Focus Question 
• A More Perfect Union [Comparison Chart]:

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S2: The Legislative Branch

What are the powers of the legislature? (p133)

• video: Amending the Constitution (2:15)
• small groups:
• read aloud and annotate S1
• respond to Focus Question 1

• whole class: 
• share out Focus Question 
• A More Perfect Union [Comparison Chart]:

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Exit Ticket: