Full_Curriculum_Module_1

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May 30, 2024

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MODULE 1 CONSTITUTIONAL CONVERSATIONS AND CIVIL DIALOGUE
CONSTITUTION 101 Module 1: Constitutional Conversations and Civil Dialogue Lesson Plan CONSTITUTIONAL CONVERSATIONS AND CIVIL DIALOGUE Welcome to Constitution 101 — an introductory course on the United States Constitution for high school students. There are three main components to this 15-module course: 1. Together, we build a historical foundation by exploring the founding stories behind key parts of the Constitution — learning about the people who have shaped American constitutional history through the centuries. 2. Next, we learn how to read the Constitution like a constitutional lawyer — studying the key methods for interpreting the Constitution and applying them in practice. 3. Finally, we develop the skills of civil dialogue and reflection. This first module introduces you to the Constitution’s text and to the skills necessary to engage in constitutional conversations. As you explore the Constitution throughout this course, it’s essential to separate your constitutional views from your political views and, in turn, to think about how the Constitution defines or limits the powers of the government. That is how constitutional lawyers, scholars, and judges read, interpret, and apply the Constitution. Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this module, you should be able to: 1. Define the differences between political questions and constitutional questions. 2. Identify the seven methods of constitutional interpretation. 3. Explain the importance of civil dialogue. 4. Explore the structural constitution — Articles I through VII of the Constitution. 1.1 Activity: What Is Civil Dialogue? Purpose The Founding generation envisioned a constitutional system driven by (what they referred to as) civic republican virtue — a system that was guided by deliberation, reason, enlightened public opinion, and the pursuit of the public good. In this activity, you will investigate the meaning of civil dialogue by considering how it is defined, what it looks like, and what it sounds like.
CONSTITUTION 101 Module 1: Constitutional Conversations and Civil Dialogue Lesson Plan Process Think about the concept of civil dialogue and how it is defined. Then, respond to the questions below. 1. How do you define civil dialogue? 2. What does a civil dialogue look like? 3. What does a civil dialogue sound like? Share your answers with the class while your teacher writes down key words, phrases, and concepts. Notice which of these are mentioned multiple times by you and your classmates. Your teacher will provide different definitions of civil dialogue. Highlight or underline words, phrases, or concepts from the definitions you or your classmates also identified. Which words, phrases, or concepts stand out to you, and why? Activity 1.1 Teacher Instructions & Notes Launch Ask students to write their answers to the activity questions. Then, call on students to share their answers to each question with the class. Write significant words, phrases, and concepts so that they are visible to the class. Underline or highlight the ideas that are shared by multiple students. Activity Synthesis Provide two or more definitions of civil dialogue (samples below). ● “…robust, honest, frank and constructive dialogue and deliberation that seeks to advance the public interest…” (Brosseau, 2011) ● “the exercise of patience, integrity, humility and mutual respect in civil conversation, even (or especially) with those with whom we disagree” (Davis, 2010) ● “Civil discourse is enga gement in discourse (conversation) intended to enhance understanding.” (Wikipedia ) ● “...claiming and caring for one’s identity, needs and beliefs without degrading someone else’s in the process. Willingness to explain views and reasons and a commitment to listen to others.” (Institute for Civility in Government) Circle or highlight wor ds that are on both the students’ lists as well as in the definitions above. Ask students what similarities they see in the definitions. Ask students which words or concepts stand out to them and why. Develop or choose a working definition of civic dialogue for your class. Ask students to compare the class’s definition to the definition that they individually created at the start of the lesson.
CONSTITUTION 101 Module 1: Constitutional Conversations and Civil Dialogue Lesson Plan Activity Extension (Optional) Ask students to research examples of civil dialogue being practiced in news sources. Incorporate materials from the Civil Dialogue and Constitutional Conversations page on the National Constitution Center’s website as appropriate for students in your class . 1.2 Video Activity: Why Have a Civil Dialogue? Purpose In this activity, you will explore the importance of having civil dialogue. By developing the skills necessary to participate in a constitutional conversation, you will be able to: ● Explore higher-order constitutional questions. ● Interpret constitutional arguments using scholarly evidence. ● Respectfully share your understanding with your classmates. ● Meaningfully reflect on your own best readings of the Constitution. Process Watch the video on why civil dialogue is essential and answer the question: ● Why is civil dialogue essential to the function of our constitutional system? Share your responses with other students and discuss your reactions with each other. Consider what the consequences might be if those in our government and country did not practice civil dialogue. What might be improved if we practiced it more? Activity 1.2 Teacher Instructions & Notes Launch Give students time to watch the video and write an answer to the question. Activity Synthesis Invite students to share their responses and react to each other. Activity Extension (Optional) Ask students to imagine the consequences if civil dialogue was not practiced in our government and our country. Conversely, how might our government and nation improve if we practiced more civil dialogue? Incorporate materials from the Civil Dialogue and Constitutional Conversations section of the National Constitution Center’s website as appropriate for students in your class.
CONSTITUTION 101 Module 1: Constitutional Conversations and Civil Dialogue Lesson Plan 1.3 Video Activity: Structural Constitution Walkthrough Purpose In this activity, you will learn that the Constitution establishes the national government of the United States, defines its powers, and sets its limits. You will also review the Constitution and its seven articles. Process Watch the video “Walkthrough of the Constitution.” Then, complete the Activity Guide: Structural Constitution Walkthrough worksheet. Identify any areas that are unclear to you or where you would like further explanation. Be prepared to discuss your answers in a group and to ask your teacher any remaining questions. Activity 1.3 Notes & Teacher Comments Launch Inform students that the Constitution establishes the national government of the United States, defines its powers, and sets its limits. Briefly identify each article of the Constitution for the class. Refer to the Common Interpretation Essays on the Interactive Constitution webpage for more information on each article and to respond to any questions from the students: • Article I: Legislative Branch • Article II: Executive Branch • Article III: Judicial Branch • Article IV: Relationships Between States • Article V: Amending the Constitution • Article VI: Supreme Law of the Land • Article VII: Ratification Activity Synthesis Divide students into groups of three to review their answers with their classmates. Then, invite them to ask any questions they still have. Again, refer to the relevant Interactive Constitution Common Interpretation essay(s) whenever helpful.
CONSTITUTION 101 Module 1: Constitutional Conversations and Civil Dialogue Lesson Plan 1.4 Activity: Introduction to the Methods of Constitutional Interpretation Purpose In this activity, you will explore different ways of interpreting the Constitution. When reading the Constitution and interpreting its text, it’s important to focus on how t he Constitution either expands or limits the powers of the government. This is how constitutional lawyers, scholars, and judges read, interpret, and apply the Constitution. When interpreting the Constitution, there are different ways — or methods — that people use to build constitutional arguments. Judges use these methods — and often combine them — when deciding constitutional cases. But not everyone agrees on which methods to use and how to weigh them in a given case. Different judges apply — and weigh — these methods differently, and that can lead to disagreements over the Constitution’s meaning. Process Think about the following question, take notes, and be ready to share your thoughts with the rest of your class: ● How do you think people interpret the meaning of the Constitution? Next, complete Activity Guide: Introduction to the Methods of Constitutional Interpretation worksheet. After completing your activity guide, you will be placed in groups of three to review your answers. Discuss what questions you might still have and be prepared to ask your teacher any remaining questions. Activity 1.4 Teacher Instructions and Notes Launch Ask students to consider how people may interpret the meaning of the Constitution. Invite some students to share their answers. Explain to students that when they read the Constitution and interpret its text, it’s important to focus on how the Constitution either expands or limits the powers of the government. This is how constitutional lawyers, scholars, and judges read, interpret, and apply the Constitution. When interpreting the Constitution, there are different ways — or methods — that people use to build constitutional arguments. Inform the class that you will identify seven standard methods used by American lawyers when interpreting the Constitution. Judges use these methods — and often combine them — when deciding constitutional cases. But not everyone agrees on which methods to use and how to weigh them in a given case. Different judges apply — and weigh — these methods differently, and that can lead to disagreements over the Constitution’s meaning. Activity Synthesis After students complete the worksheet, place them in groups of three to review their answers with their classmates. Invite them to ask any questions they still have.
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