Monday, 9/19: The Voting Rights Act of 1965

Today's Goals: Understand the historical context on Voting Rights Act as well as what the Voting Rights Act of 1965 actually was..

Starter 10:   Let’s look at one modern day example of voter disenfranchisement: “Why Virginia’s Restoration of Voting Rights Matters”- The Atlantic video.

1. How is felon disenfranchisement related to Jim Crow?
2. Do you think felons should have the right to vote? Why or why not?

Late Work Submissions
Still need to submit your DP link with Writing Goals to me? You have until Friday to get it in for 80% credit.  3 Branches diagram?   You have until Thursday to submit that.
 
Jim Crow Review Discussion

1. Summarize what we learned in class on Friday. You may revisit my DP if needed!
2. What stood out to you about the Jim Crow era events?
3. 4 Corners:  Voting discrimination is still very common today.

 
Powerpoint lecture on Voting Rights Act of 1965 context and brief overview
Lecture is also linked on the docs page

Reading and Interpreting the Voting Rights Act of 1965
Now, let’s take a look at the actual Voting Rights Act of 1965!   You should work in groups to help you figure this out--use the significant brainpower in this room!  Answer these in your starter google doc.

1. Who?  First, figure out who the heck the Attorney General is
2. Summarize.  In the margins of the document or on a separate piece of paper,  summarize the main idea of each “section” of the act.  Put it into your own words!
3. Vocab.  Look up any words you don’t know! Write their definitions in the margins.
4. Amendment.  Which Constitutional Amendment laid the groundwork for this Act? What does that Amendment say (in plain English)?
5. Confused?  Try to research any remaining confusions/questions your group has! Ask Lori if you really can’t figure out what the heck a certain phrase/section means.
6. Evaluate.  Which of these sections do you think is most important today? Why?
7. Discuss.  Discuss responses to Voting Rights Act and any sections y’all still just don’t get.

HOMEWORK: Finish Voting Rights Act reading and response questions IN YOUR STARTER GOOGLE DOC.!