Friday, 10/7

Starter:  5 minute review sesh for the quiz!

Due Monday, beginning of class:
ONE document with the following:

1. Reading question answers (5 points)
2. Summary of your additional source (5 points)
3. Seminar pre-write (30 points: here is the rubric for this)

Agenda
1. Last minute Q and A with Ashley then.....BILL TO LAW QUIZ
 
2. "Is Congress Broken?" Debate Prep (10 minutes)
Sit at a table with your debate partner.  Take 10 minutes to finish gathering evidence, to review the debate structure (hard copies provided in class) and to figure out who is going to say what. 

3. Step 7: Mini-debate (groups of 4)
You will be working with your partner to debate and build consensus with another pair from the opposing side.  Here is the structure for today's debate.  I suggest electing one person to be timekeeper and facilitator to avoid chaos:

The Debate Structure  (30 minutes)
I suggest assigning one person to be the facilitator timekeeper to avoid devolving into chaos.  :)

1. YES Opening Argument (3 minutes):  The YES group makes their opening argument, and summarize their pointsand positions.  The NO group is silent, taking notes on the key points made by the opposing group.
2. NO Group Repeats (2 minutes): The NO group, which has remained silent up until now, will repeat back the main points previously made by the opening group. Time should be taken to clarify points made.   
3. NO Opening Argument (3 minutes):  The No group makes their opening argument, and summarize their points and positions.  The YES group is silent, taking notes on the key points made by the opposing group.
4. YES Group Repeats (2 minutes): The YES group will repeat back the main points previously made by the opening group.  Again, time should be taken to clarify points made.    
5. Open Debate (10 minutes).  Remaining in your character, and focused on your argument, strongly make your points and push back on points made by the opposing pair. 
6. Consensus Building (10 minutes).  Drop your assigned roles, and work toward a consensus.  Think about all the evidence you have heard.  Come up with a final consensus statement that answers the question, "Is Congress Broken?", and write it on the board.

4. Step 8: Re-evaluate the prompt.
What do you, personally, believe in response to the question?  Look over the counter-argument and the supporting documents and evaluate for evidence. 
 
5. Step 9:  Seminar Pre-Write
Do a prewrite on two of the following questions below for a seminar that we will have on Monday.  Each questions should be answered in a well-structured paragraph, and should reference at least one text.  Use this response as a way to organize the specific evidence you have to bring to our seminar. 
 
1. What role does money play in our political system? In your view, is this a problem? Why or why not?  Challenge:  Bring in Citizens United ruling!
2. Can our political system function without lobbyists? Why or why not?
3. What do you think is the biggest problem with Congress right now?  Why?
4. If you could fix one thing in Congress right now, what would it be? What would be the potential consequences of making this change?
5. How has your opinion on this topic evolved or changed over the last week?  What new ideas or questions do you have at this point?