1. ASSIGNMENT 1. Create four boxes on a piece of paper ① Label the boxes Factor #1, Factor #2, Factor #3, Factor #4 2. Read the preso. & articles/links 3. Put information in each of the associated boxes as it relates to the minimum wage 4. Write a summary on how each factor would influence your decision 5. Conclude with how you’d vote on the issue and why – relating back to the four factors - if you were the representative for your current California congressional district What you’ll turn in : 1. Piece of paper with your four boxes (detailed info.) 2. Written document addressing step 4 and step 5 above. 1. Minimum four (4) paragraphs (can be written or typed) 2. Should demonstrate analysis of the outside information (articles/links) 3. Should be factual based on the information 4. Should describe each of the four factors and their effect on your decision 5. Should have no grammatical or spelling errors. You have a computer in front of you that has access to the world’s information – make use of it!

2. FACTOR #1 FACTOR #2 What is my personal opinion? FACTOR #3 What are the views of my political party? FACTOR #4 What do my voters think? Does the Constitution give Congress the power to pass the law?

3. Increase the minimum wage from $7.25to$10.10 per hour.

4. FACTOR #1 Does Congress have the power to raise the minimum wage? What is the minimum wage? A.It’s the smallest amount anyone has ever earned! B. It’s the lowest hourly rate an employer is allowed to pay an employee.

5. FACTOR #1 Does Congress have the power to raise the minimum wage? Look at the list of powers Congress has. Does it say Congress can set peoples’ wages?

6. FACTOR #1 Does Congress have the power to raise the minimum wage? What power lets Congress do something that’s not on the list if it relates to something that is on the list? Make any laws “necessary and proper” for laws on the list!

7. FACTOR #1 Look at the list again. Is there a power that might relate to the money people earn at their jobs? Does Congress have the power to raise the minimum wage?

8. FACTOR #1 Does Congress have the power to raise the minimum wage? Here’s a hint: It’s one of these three powers: A. Establish post offices B.Pass laws about business that happens across state lines C. Declare war

9. FACTOR #1 Does Congress have the power to raise the minimum wage? Businesses are the ones that pay people a wage, so this power is related to a bill about the minimum wage.

10. FACTOR #1 Does Congress have the power to raise the minimum wage? Mark your papers!

11. Read this article Identify the pros and cons Mark your papers! FACTOR #2 In your opinion, should Congress raise the minimum wage to $7.50 per hour?

12. FACTOR #3 Would your political party support raising the minimum wage? Look at the checklist of values on your handout. Which value most matches the purpose of this bill?

13. FACTOR #3 Would your political party support raising the minimum wage? Generosity! That means the Democratic Party would be most likely to support this bill.

14. FACTOR #3 Would your political party support raising the minimum wage? Look at the vote in the Senate on the minimum wage. What was the result of the vote? Republican votes Democratic votes How did the CA senators vote?

15. FACTOR #4 Would your voters support raising the minimum wage? WAIT! There is some important information that will help you decide...

16. FACTOR #4 Would your voters support raising the minimum wage? Some states have their own minimum wage that is higher than the national minimum wage. Some do not.

17. C HECK OUT THE MINIMUM WAGE LAWS IN YOUR STATE : The state’s minimum wage law is… higher lower equal to … the national minimum wage. No state minimum wage. Source: http://www.dol.gov/whd/minwage/america.htm January 1, 2010 Write down the information for your state.

18. FACTOR #4 W HAT DO YOUR CONSTITUENTS THINK ? Research on people’s positions on the minimum wage Information on the voters in your district

19. FACTOR #4 Would your voters support raising the minimum wage? Mark your papers!