Nov. 16, 2005: Big Ideas in the Constitution

The Mini Page is a syndicated, four-page tabloid written for young children found each Wednesday in the Rocky Mountain News. This issue of The Mini Page is available through the eEdition Archive to registered eEdition subscribers. Click here to learn about subscribing to the eEdition at no cost to you (for Colorado teachers).

Activities:

1. Look for newspaper stories about Congress. Circle the names of any senators in red. Circle the names of any members of the House of Representatives in blue. How many senators and representatives did you find?

2. In which house of Congress are members (a) determined by the state¹s population, (b) elected to six-year terms, (c) at least 25 years old, and (d) serve two-year terms?

3. Use a resource book or the Internet to learn the number of representatives in Congress from your state.What is the name of the House representative who represents your community? What are the names of the two senators from your state?

4. Write a paragraph discussing the advantages and disadvantages of the Virginia and New Jersey plans.Why was the Great Compromise a good idea?

5. Find news stories that illustrate each of these principles from the Constitution: (a) establish justice, (b) insure domestic tranquility, (c) provide for the common defense, and (d) promote the general welfare. Explain your selections.

This week's standards:

• Students understand the purpose of government. (Social Studies: Power, Authority and Governance)
• Students identify key ideals of the United States¹ democratic republican form of government. (Social Studies: Civic Ideals and Practice)
  
  (standards by Dr. Sherrye D. Garrett, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi)