Learning Objective: Through intensive critical thinking and analysis of Articles I, I, and III of the U.S. Constitution, students learn how the balance of powers works in a republican form of government.
For this assignment, research any one of the topics listed below. Notice the conflicting interests of the parties involved in the issue. Do the mechanisms designed to balance the power of government between institutions and individuals continue to work? Has one center of power grown too powerful? Are individual rights being protected during these disputes? Include a discussion of the balancing mechanisms found in the U.S. Constitution and discussed in Federalist Papers 10, 47, and 51.
Topics
Sanctuary Cities v Federal Immigration Laws
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanctuary_city
Obergefell v Hodges: State rights and Same Sex marriage
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obergefell_v._Hodges
Civil Rights Act of 1964 Federal Laws replace State laws
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_Rights_Act_of_1964
Legalizing Marijuana: State Laws v Federal laws
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_cannabis_laws_in_the_United_States
Dealing with Factions: Is Federalist Paper No ten still viable?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unite_the_Right_rally
Individual rights versus the federal government The Sagebrush Rebellion
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagebrush_Rebellion
Drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants Cities and States versus Federal Immigration Law
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driver%27s_licenses_for_illegal_immigrants_in_the_United_States
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-york-green-light-bill-state-could-allow-undocumented-immigrants-to-obtain-drivers-licenses/
Wounded Knee 1973 Native Rights versus the Federal Government
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wounded_Knee_Occupation
SCOTUS v Administration Census and citizenship question
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2019/07/06/census-citizenship-question-what-we-know-debate/1664071001/
Voting Right Act of 1965
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voting_Rights_Act_of_1965
Cite the following 3:
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/01-10-02-0266
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Hamilton/01-04-02-0199
Cite 1 from the following:
https://www.hoover.org/research/rugged-individualism
https://theconversation.com/how-the-moral-lessons-of-to-kill-a-mockingbird-endure-today-100763
