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!!!