Politics and Political

Topics covered in class:

• Branches of American Government:

• Politics
• Political
• Political Activism
• Party System
• Legislative Branch
• Vice President's role in breaking a tie
• House
• Senate
• Age Requirements for House and Senate
• "Political" Children's Lit

I'm Just a Bill from Schoolhouse Rock

Parody of I'm Just a Bill by Follow the Money

Assignments:

1. Research your favorite Nursery Rhyme or Children's Picture Book.  Does it have "political" themes?  What was the original intent of the story/rhyme?  What was the historical setting?
2. What does a "Party System" mean?  How is the Party System played out in US Goverment?  How is it played out in other countries?
3. Sometimes political is associated with corrupt.  Find a time in American History where there were corrupt political events -- be prepared to discuss.  Were laws enacted to end the corruption?  How did the creators of the Consititution seek to deal with corruption?  Find a news story about recent political corruption and bring it to class for discussion.  What is being done to deal with it?
4. How can corruption in Governments on a Global scale influence or impact American Government and Policies?  Find a recent news story about this for class discussion.
5. What is a Lobby?  How are they regulated?  What do you think about this part of American Government?  What is the history of lobbying?  Are there any that represent you?  Be prepared to discuss.
6. How are Political Campaigns funded?  What are the regulations on different groups?  Where does the money come from?  

Check out these links to help you with your assignments:

• Dr. Seuss Went to War (blends the political cartooons and Dr. Seuss)
• PBS Independent Lens The Political Dr. Seuss (notice the turtles!)
• The National WWII Museum's Dr. Seuss and Political Cartoons (Lesson Plan on Analyzing Political Cartoons)
• The Atlantic's Article: Tales for Little Rebels: The Design of Radical Children's Literature (Book Review of Tales for Little Rebels)
• Boston Globe: Political Themes in Classic Children's Books
• Mental Floss: 10 Stories Behind Dr. Seuss Stories
• A Brief History of American Political Parties (if you go to the HOME of this link you will see the LOTR quote)
• PBS NOW Dixiecrats
• Kate Sally Palmer's Political Cartoons of Strom Thurmond (Clemson University Strom Thurmond Institute)
• The White House: The Legislative Branch
• The United States House of Representatives: Branches of Government
• The Supreme Court Historical Society (an extra -- cool site!  Search Taft and learn something interesting)
• United States Senate: History of Lobbying
• PBS Bill Moyers: Moyers on Money and Politics (videos on topics you are researching)
• Jimmy Fallon Taylor Swift and Obama VOTE smash-up
• Follow the Money
• Jimmy Kimmel Video -- Political Activism (emotional responses):

What is Lobbying and Why is it Important by ALL (American League of Lobbyists)

Fact of Congress: Lobbying

Please come prepared for some great discussions!  Can't wait to hear your favorite "political" Children's Lit! 

Popular Culture and Politics

Here is a list of the songs shared on Wednesday:

• The National Anthem by Jimi Hendrix (1969)
• They Don't Care About Us (1996)
• Come to the USA [The Immigration Song] (2010)
• The Government Can (2009)
• Where is the Love (2003)
• Peace Sells (1986)
• The Trees (1978)
• We Shall Overcome (1963)

In class we created a chart that examined: 

• Time Period
• Tone
• Message
• Audience 
• Imact

of each song.  Some of the songs were easier to explain or understand.  

Extension Activities:

1. Choose one song (doesn't have to be your song) and do some research about the time period the song was released.  Find out where the song was on Billboard Charts that year and if the song garnered attention (viral or critical).  Basically put the song within its historical context.   
2. Choose two songs to compare and contrast.  Use our chart topics to begin the comparison/contrast process, but expand by looking at similarities with lyrics, artists, etc.
3. Are certain genres of music more "political" than others?
4. Is it easier to target a group or an individual?  Is it easier to label a group or an individual?  How do these songs support your thoughts?  Write a brief paragraph explaining...

Homework:

1. Please bring in a "political" song if you have NOT yet shared one. Make sure it doesn't have curse words.
2. Study the language used on the four TN amendments.  We'll be going over those next week.
3. Explore Voter Registration Laws in TN and one other state.  TX has been in the news lately with their voter regulations.  
4. Bring in a current or historical political cartoon.  If you can link it to your political song that would be extra-cool.  

Prep for next week:

1. Timeline of US Voting Rights
2. 
   

3.

4. We're still looking at the Judicial System so check out this (longer) video about some important Supreme Court Cases:



We're on the downward slope to the end of the semester.  Only five more classes!  See you next week!

Bill of Rights, Court Case Scenarios, and Political Songs

Bill of Rights

I should have photographed our mnemonic device for memorizing the Bill of Rights -- the artwork was top-notch!

1. Hands
• Around mouth for Freedom of Speech
• Folded in Prayer for Freedom of Religion
• Joined for Freedom of Assembly
• Fingers for Freedom of Press
2. Naked Arms or a Bear with a gun
3. No Quarters!
4. Where is Caesar?  Where is Little Caesar? Unreasonable Search and Seizure -- the drawing of Little Caesar was unreasonable!
5. Double Jeopardy Song -- PLEADING
6. Court Bench Speeding Along
7. Bee Civil over Money -- $25
8. Don't Be Cruel or Unusual with punishment
9. I GOT's RIGHTS!
10. Drawing of Tennessee and stick people -- States and the individuals (very realistic drawings of the class over Hamblen County that could only be viewed with a microscope)

PLEASE continue to work on a working knowledge of the Bill of Rights.  

We were only able to go over two court cases that had Bill of Rights applications.  We'll revisit those next week and how the judicial system works.  Check out these links for some background knowledge:

• The Federal Court System in the United States (PDF file with some good pages about jurisdiction, etc)
• Courts 101: An Understanding of the Court System (PDF file with good graphics by the IJIS Institute)
• 
  

*example he uses may not be thoughtful, but it is a good intro to the Judiciary

In the video, Keith Hughes mentions a person and a court case we will discuss in class: 

1. Alexander Hamilton
2. Marbury Vs. Madision

Please check those out.  Do some research on your own and with Hamilton look into his connection (decades old) with Aaron Burr.

In addition to what I've mentioned, here's a rundown of this week's homework: 

1. "Cult of Personality"  I shared the song, but see if you can figure out the definition and how it applies to politics.  Is it just for those that are evil?  Can it be for someone percieved as "good"?  How does someone protect against the "cult of personality?"
2. This Land is Your Land by Woody Guthrie  What is the time period this song was introduced?  How does it express his ideologies?  How has it been adopted and used?
3. Use your copies of the proposed amendments to the TN Constitution to comprehend the potential changes/impact of these amendments  What are the thoughts on both sides?  
4. Watch Political Ads.  We'll  revisit the election in a week or so.  Make sure to watch the ads.
5. Find a Political Cartoon (current or historical -- if you like a decade in American History choose a cartoon from that period) to share with the class -- bring it on Wednesday.  Make sure you understand the point of the cartoon. 
6. Choose two "political" songs to share in class

• share the portion of the song that is the most "political" (long songs need to be cut down)
• have the lyrics -- at least one copy
• what is the time period of the song?
• how does the song express the time?
• what do you think the singer(s) is/are trying to accomplish or communicate?
• did the song become a "Protest Song?"
• did it accomplish any "political" action?

Please come prepared to discuss and give others your attention.  Everyone will get a chance to share!  See you Wednesday!

Bill of Rights AND Homework AND Upcoming

OK -- Sorry for the delay in updating the blog.

On Wednesday we finished going through the Bill of Rights.  Please check out this video on a quick way to memorize them:




It is quick and simple.  The Bill of Rights are basic to our understanding of liberties in the USA.  Amazinly the words penned over 200 years ago are so applicable and even contemporary.

Homework for the week: 

1. What amendment has been the most visited by the Judicial System?  I did make up a word -- "Judiciated" which is not correct, but judicate is a word.  See if you can find the definition. 
2. Find the 4 Amendments to the TN State Constitution in November and what they are all about.
3. When did TN become a state?  Find out and put within the larger timeline of US history.  Please don't just come up with the date of statehood, but make sure you associate it with other events in US history.  
4. Explore the Dred Scott case.  How did that impact the US and how do the Bill of Rights apply to it?
5. How does the Bill of Rights (esp the ones we went over this week) apply to Guantanamo Bay?
6. What is the legal definition of due process and imminent threat?  How does the Bill of Rights protect citizens in relationship to these issues?
7. Does Amendment 7 only apply to Civil lawsuits?  What does it really mean?
8. Why does America not use firing squads? 

In class this week we will explore some important court cases related to the Bill of Rights.  Know the Bill of Rights (QUIZ and reward) for the discussion.  Be prepared to talk.  We'll be splitting up into groups to work on the project AND groups will report their findings to the class.  

We are ALMOST halfway through the semester!!!  We are going to begin to explore the design of the Governemnt of the USA and POLITICS!  It is gonna be an adventure.  Please begin to be aware of popular culture and how it gives glimpses into the significant events of an era.  Listen out and look for songs that give insight into government or politics throughout the history of the USA.  Look out for art (cartoons -- political or not).  See what you can learn about the different decades (for the sake of time we'll digest it by decades) and the dynamic nature of history.  

Thanks!  See you next Wednesday!!!

Rights Vs. Privilege

Today's class 

We discussed the differences in Rights and Privileges.  It's a heady topic and a much debated one.

Check out these resources to keep examining the differences and similarities:

• Individual Rights

1. Ayn Rand Lexicon -- Individual Rights
2. Civil Rights Legal Definition
3. Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities

• Privilege

1. The Law Dictionary

• Negative and Positive Rights

1. Learn Liberty
2. The Perils of Positive Rights
3. Guide to the Issues: Understanding the Difference Between Positive and Negative Rights
4. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Rights

Next Week's Class

• First Amendment

1. Layers of Learning -- The First Amendment
2. 
   

          3.

     4. The History of the First Amendment (Illinois First Amendment Center)

• Second Amendment

1. Constitution.org The Second Amendment and the Personal Right to Arms
2. Kids Law.com
3. FEE Reading the Second Amendment
4. Library of Congress Second Amendment

• Third Amendment

1. National Constitution Center The Third Amendment
2. Cornell University of Law the Third Amendment
3. Bill of Rights Institute 

I handed out The Law, so please begin to read it.  It isn't very long.  Check out this link to learn more about who is Bastiat.  I ended the class with a quote by Ayn Rand, "The man who produces while others dispose of his product is a slave."

Please remember to pray for the Executive Branch and continue to pray for the situation in the Middle East.

Constitution Day and Class Recap

I forgot to share this with you guys last week, so check out these links to help with your research on body language and politics:

• New York Times: What Romney and Obama's Body Language Says to Voters
• Time Life The Kennedy-Nixon Debates

Today is Constitution Day!  Here are some links to celebrating the day: 

• Constitution Center (activities and lessons and more -- OH MY!)
• Constitution Facts  (history of Constitution Day -- Free Constitution Available)
• National Archives 

I said we would look at controversial things, sooooo check out this article about how Constitution Day began and how it is "unconstitutional."  We'll discuss your thoughts in class...

The Preamble presentations were AMAZING!!!  We had a bit of twang, some British accents,a  beat-boxing rap, and Gilligan's Island Theme Song for the tune to recite and remember the LONG sentence that encapsulates the purpose of our Constitution.  

I think you guys could do a You Tube video! Hmmmm.... Maybe that will be an assignment sometime during the semester.  

The Bill of Rights will be our focus for the next couple of weeks (BUT don't forget the tasty treat you are promised for memorizing the Preamble!!!).  Use the following resources to help you prepare for class: 

• Annenberg Classroom (watch the Bill of Rights Video)
• Bill of Rights Institute
• Constitution Center (Bill of Rights Video)
• US History.org 

HOMEWORK --

1. Familiarize yourself with The Bill of Rights -- First 10 Amendments (use this blog -- watch the videos and research the links with your parents)
2. What do you think about the article on Constitution Day?
3. Memorize the Preamble (Tasty Treat)
4. Go over the handouts from today (Enlightenment Quotes, Declaration of Independence, State Constitutions)
5. Ask 5 people/friends what they believe is the USA's form of government -- we will make a chart in class with the info.
6. Pray: Middle East and US involvement (Islamic State); NFL (Domestic Violence and Child Abuse); Pastafarian; and the Legislative Branch (TN Blue Book Legislative Branch; Hamblen County Legislative Branch 6/19/14; TN.gov Elected Officials)
7. Bring your copy of the Constitution, folder, legal pad, and a writing utensil to class.  PLEASE!!!  
8. If you have The Complete Idiot's Guide to US Government and Politics, please read Chapters 2,3, and 16.  
9. EXTRA -- Try to come up with a super-long sentence (30+ words) with correct grammar.

It's gonna be another interesting and fun time in Government!  You guys ROCK!!!

Foundational Documents

GREAT class today!  

Next week I will give you your own copy of The Constitution of the USA!  

Please use this blog to help you prepare for our classes over the next few weeks.  Today's handouts are for your own benefit.  We may discuss some philosophical thought that influenced the establishment of our government next week.

This blog only offers some ideas and links (there is a great big wide web out there!) and I've tried to represent different thought.  Please be wise!  One goal of this class is for you (with your parents' help and guidance) can develop your own political thought.  

Don't forget to bring in or text me something (news event, current event) related to US Government that we can pray about.  

I'm looking forward to a learning semester!

Here is the video I promised: 

 

Don't forget the homework!

Answer these questions: What form of government is American Government?  We covered these options in class: 

• Republic (Pledge of Allegiance; Legal Definition)
• Democratic Republic (The Democratic Republic of Congo; East Germany; Congress for Kids)
• Representative Democracy (The Dirksen Center; Glencoe -- Constitution Handbook)
• Democracy (Concepts and Fundamental Principles; Law and Democracy.org)

What do you believe to be the form of Government of the USA?  

What was the government designed to be?  

Where is it headed?  

*List your thoughts and make sure you have three items (primary/secondary documents; quotes; quality sources) to support your thoughts.  

We will be closely examining four foundational documents of the United States of America:

• Declaration of Independence; Chronology of Events
• The Articles of Confederation; Milestones related to the Articles
• The Treaty of Paris 1783; Accomplishments
• The Constitution; The Constitution with Explanation 

The University of Oklahoma College of Law offers a great Chronology of US Historical Documents with links.

Students are encouraged to explore the four documents we will be discussing in class.  Students should be working towards comprehension of these documents.  The Constitution will be our outline for examining how the US Government works.

These videos will come in handy:

Principles of the Constitution is a series of videos on YouTube.  We will be using this series as we examine the sections of the Constitution.  Please watch this one on the Preamble and work on memorizing the Preamble.

Please work on memorizing the preamble: 

"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

This is gonna be a great semester!  Thanks for your investment and hard work!

AP Connection

Homeschool students are eligible to take AP (Advance Placement) exams in various subjects.  If you are interested in having your child take the AP exam in United States Government and Politics, please check out this page from the Collegeboard.  Students would need to do additional study in United States Government and Politics.  Follow the previous link for outline, resources and additional information from the Collegeboard.

This link is to AP US Government Study Notes with vocabulary and Important Documents.  You can also find the vocabulary here in a printable PDF version.  Learning and knowing this vocabulary will enhance the study we are doing in class, even if you do not plan on taking the AP exam.

Prep for First American Government Class

The first day of coop classes!  Excitement and butterflies in the stomach and that's just the teacher!

We will dive into our study and discussion.

The resources below are for you and your parent to peruse and choose activities to meet your required hours.  Reading through Chapter 1 in The Complete Idiot's Guide to U.S. Government and Politics will give you a brief introduction to forms of government.  Reading chapters 1-2 in The Vision of the Anointed will give you some current perspectives as well as reading Part 1 in God and Politics.

To be ready for the first class you will need to have some background knowledge to participate in the discussion.  Understanding the different forms of Governments in the World and the type of Government we have in America will be pivotal for class discussions.  Doing some (or even all) of the recommended activities will prepare you even further.

Here are some resources to help you complete your required hours and ready you for class.  

Please watch this video on Youtube about the Different Forms of Government:

The NewAmerican.com covers a recent Princeton Northwestern Study examining American Politics in this post.  The studies conclusions are far from Franklin's definition of America.



Examine this political map of the world and the type of government from Nature Climate Change.  Also, The World Factbook from the CIA offers a listing of types of governments and their definitions as well as a chart of countries of the world and their governmental form.

Historical context is important to our understanding.  Check out this chart plotting the differences in the North American colonies.  When looking at American History and Government we can examine governmental forms existing before and during the first settlers' arrival on the shores of what would become the USA.  These include:

• The Mayflower Compact (Resources from Plimoth Plantation, History.com, and US History.org)
• Iroquois League (Milwaukee Public Museum, The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, and The Pennsylvania Gazette)
• Cherokee Nation (Eastern Band of Cherokee, and  Learn NC)
• Jamestown Settlement -- The Great Charter (History is Fun, Jamestown Chronicles [History is Fun], National Park Service)
• Pirate Code (National Geographic Real Pirates, Blackbeard Lives, Snopes, The Frazier History Museum)

Choose one of those groups to study further or find another system of government that was on the continent before or during settlement and create something -- a short speech, an essay, a chart detailing your study.  If you are willing, share with the class.      

Take some time to explore Founding Father Quotes and choose one Founding Father to outline.  Create a chart giving basic information with biographical data, time in history of US, your favorite quote, and how that quote could or does apply to American Government today.

Davy Crockett is a local historical figure and folk hero.  Do some research on your own about his political service and his thoughts on government and check out these resources -- Crockett in Congress the Rise and Fall of the Poor Man's Friend and Utah Links' Davy Crockett and Proper Government or watch this video:

Does this video give you further understanding into the life and character of Davy Crockett?  Davy Crockett was a "character" and he was unique.  Do some further research into his time in congress and his move to the Texas Territory.

Utopia is a type of government too.  America has had a few utopian settlements with one in Rugby, TN.  Several popular novels have explored dystopian societies, including The Hunger Games Series and The Giver Series.  If you have read some of these novels, what do you think are lessons to be learned?  What are some questions we can ask about American Government now and throughout history?  Bring your list to class.

Here is a link to the US Constitution and click on this link for Know Your Rights: A Guide to the United States Constitution.  

The second class will further explore the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution.  

Class Description and Syllabus

Course Description: 

1/2 High School Credit (75 hours)

U.S. Government will provide students an opportunity to develop a foundation for observing, analyzing, and understanding government and politics in the United States.  Students will compare, examine and evaluate  

• foundations of US Federal and State Governments
• institutions of US Federal and State Governments
• political parties and elections 
• mass media
• political behavior
• public policy
• rights and liberties

Class Composition:

This course hinges upon hour-long classroom discussions at Five Rivers Coop, but requires additional work outside of class that is student/parent directed.  Below is a guide of how to complete the required 75 hours.  This is flexible (ex. some students are readers; some project learners; some auditory learners; etc.).  Adjust and adapt your hours respectively.  

1. 12 hours of Lecture/Discussion (Five Rivers Coop Meetings)
2. 14 hours of Video Lecture*
3. 25 hours of Reading*
4. 25 hours of Projects (traditional and extension activities)*

*Student/Parent Directed

Recommended Reading List: 

This list is by no means exhaustive or complete.  Many teachers or professors will use textbooks and/or a different selection of books.  A textbook will not be used for the classroom lecture/discussion.  There are quality textbooks available, but this class will use primary sources.  This list has been compiled to give a variety for students/parents to choose those that fit their homeschool.  

The Vision of the Anointed

The Federalist Papers +

The Anti-Federalist Papers and the Constitutional Convention Debates

The US Supreme Court: A Very Short Introduction

The Complete Idiot's Guide to US Government and Politics  *

Hardball: How Politics Is Played, Told by One Who Knows the Game

God and Politics

Selecting a President
Are You Liberal? Conservative? Or Confused?

The Law +

The Underground History of American Education

Declaration of Independence + 

The Constitution of the United States of America +

Drawn and Quartered

Many of the books are available at the library and the online versions (PDF's esp.) will be used as research (scan and choose the selections to read).  A student is NOT expected to read ALL of the books on the list, but to choose a variety to help them grasp US Government.  

*this book will be used in the lecture/discussion

+The Federalist Papers is available online for free

+The Law is available online for free

+Declaration of Independence is available online for free

+The Constitution of the United States of America is available online for free