1. Warm-up: For each of the following, write ONE strong potential discussion question based on your reading/annotations/notes.
The Declaration of Independence
The Articles of Confederation
The Constitution
Brutus 1
Federalist 10
Federalist 51

2. Review the following concepts:
Compare enumerated (or delegated) and implied powers of Congress.

3. Review the following concepts:
Compare the three major models of representative democracy.
Think about who seems to be influencing government the most.
Who seems to be working with whom?
Average citizens = Participatory
People with a disproportionate amount of resources = Elite
Many different groups = pluralism

4. Civil Conversations

5. Group Discussion Norms
Respect others’ rights to hold opinions and beliefs that differ from your own. When you disagree, challenge or criticize the idea, not the person.
Avoid put-downs (even humorous ones).
If you are offended by anything said during discussion, acknowledge it immediately.
Listen carefully to what others are saying even when you disagree with what is being said. Comments that you make (asking for clarification, sharing critiques, expanding on a point, etc.) should reflect that you have paid attention to the speaker’s comments.

6. Group Discussion Norms
Be courteous. Don’t interrupt or engage in private conversations while others are speaking. Use attentive, courteous body language.
Support your statements. Use evidence and provide a rationale for your points.
Share responsibility for including all voices in the discussion. If you have much to say, try to hold back a bit; if you are hesitant to speak, look for opportunities to contribute to the discussion.
Recognize that we are all still learning. Be willing to change your perspective, and make space for others to do the same.
Put away all technology not directly related to the discussion.

7. Self-reflection: You will have a few minutes to complete this after the discussion.
Compared to others in my group, I spoke: ___ less than, ___about the same as, ___ more than others
Some of the ways I added to the discussion:
What evidence did I use from the text to add to the discussion? Why was this evidence helpful? (give one example)
What did I learn about the topic from the discussion? OR, What did I change my mind about and why?

8. Question #1: Declaration of Independence
Starting question:
How does Jefferson use Enlightenment philosophical ideas to justify the colonists’ break from Britain?

9. Question #2: Articles of Confederation
Starting question:
How is the government structure designed in the AOC reactive to the colonists’ experience under British rule?

10. Question #3: The Constitution
Starting question:
Why was compromise so essential to the writing and ratification of the Constitution?

11. Question #4: Brutus 1
Starting question:
What stance do you believe the author would take on the elastic clause of the Constitution (a.k.a necessary and proper clause)?

12. Question #5: Federalist 10
Starting question:
Which model of democracy (participatory, pluralist, elite) do Madison’s arguments support the most?

13. Question #6: Federalist 51
Starting question:
Consider the quote below. What is Madison’s view on human nature, and how did this influence the writing of the Constitution?
“Ambition must be made to counteract ambition. ... It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government. But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.”

14. Self-reflection: Briefly answer on a sheet of paper to be turned in.
Compared to others in my group, I spoke: ___ less than, ___about the same as, ___ more than others
Some of the ways I added to the discussion include:
What evidence did I use from the text to add to the discussion? Why was this evidence helpful? (give one example)
What did I learn about the topic from the discussion? OR, What did I change my mind about and why?

15. The Argument Essay

16. How or why does EVIDENCE 2 support the CLAIM?
Use a 2nd doc from the list or specific & relevant info from the area identified in the prompt to support your CLAIM
REASONING
How or why does EVIDENCE 2 support the CLAIM?

17. Below are several attempted thesis statements
Below are several attempted thesis statements. Read each sentence and determine if each makes a claim and establishes a line of reasoning (yes or no).
The three most important linkage institutions are the media, political parties, and special interest groups.
The linkage institution that is most influential in how people relate to government and policymakers is the media because it reaches more people through television and the internet.
The executive is the most powerful branch of the U.S. government.
While the executive branch can be powerful, Congress wields the most power in government because of their control over spending power.
Open primaries are the most democratic ways to select candidates for office because, unlike caucuses or closed primaries, they allow for all registered voters to have a say.