The Legislative Process, Day 4 - Class Recap

The view over Queenstown, New Zealand. This place was stunningly beautiful and reminded me of the good life that we have when we learn about the world! Photo taken on February 3, 2014.

Hello everyone,

Plenty of content packed in to today, with a possible test next class. Please be ready for it - see below to help get prepared!

Learning Targets Addressed:
SS.HS.KN.ALT.05: I can demonstrate an understanding of the principles, structures, and functions of different levels of U.S. government.
SS.HS.CO.ALT.05: I can communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Soundtrack: "Good Life" by OneRepublic. Selected because we are hoping to promote good lives for everyone through this project. Lyrics here.

AGENDA 4/9/14:
News Brief
Finish Town Hall
Divided Washington
Study Guide for Test
Mr. Smith Goes To Washington

Homework: Study for the legislation test (here is the study guide). Read the blog! Next news brief: Cameron.

News Brief: The news brief slipped Kenny's mind today - please remember one in the future!

Finish Town Hall: Mel, Emi, and Hailey were our candidates and they were asked questions about their views on specific legislation, coming from the audience of students that had roles to play. The whole point of this was that candidates have to say what they believe in ways that appeal to the most amount of people, in order to win an election.

Divided Washington: This was an article from a New York Times Upfront magazine, dated October 2011. It sounds identical to an article that could probably be written today, about the current government situation. Here is a version without all the nice photos and graphics: NYTimes Upfront: Divided Washington. This article was to help everyone understand what is currently going on in our government and some methods and reasons for why nothing seems to be getting done.

Study Guide for Test: The legislation test is upcoming! Here is a copy of what I passed out in class:

Google Drive - Legislation Test Study Guide

Here is the chart of how a bill becomes a law that you will have to know (click to become bigger)!

Mr. Smith Goes To Washington: To end the class, we started watching the classic film Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (1939), which is all about the legislative process. We skipped the first 30 minutes or so, which do not really relate to the class. Next time, we will hope to finish the film, go over the film questions (I do not have an electronic copy, so pick one up in class), then take the legislation test.

See everyone on Friday. Please be prepared!