How Congress Works

 

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Overview

Students will examine the basic structure of the U.S. Congress and its role in our government. Students will then discuss if or how Congress might change the way it runs.

 

Grade Levels

5 – 8

 

Objectives

Students will:

• describe the role of the U.S. Congress in American government as set forth in the Constitution; and
• explain why the Framers created a Congress with a House and a Senate and gave them different roles.

Estimated Time

45 minutes

 

Materials Needed

• E-Learning Module: Dynamic Legislative Process
• Internet connection with Macromedia FLASH ® enabled
• Projection device
• History of Congress Worksheet

Procedure

1. Use an overhead projection device to show “Public Criticisms” in the Dynamic Legislative Process E-Learning Module. Complete the quiz as a class. Have students explain their answers.
2. At the end of the quiz, discuss your students’ general attitude about Congress. Have students explain why they are or are not comfortable with Congress.
3. Have students use their social studies text and other resources to discover how a bicameral legislative branch came about and why Congress was organized in the manner it is. Ask student to complete the History of Congress Worksheet.
4. Discuss the answers to the worksheet. Have students explain whether or not they are more comfortable with Congress now that they know why it was organized the way it is.

Extension Activity

Have students create a children’s book that tells the history of Congress and explains why the Framers organized Congress the way they did.

 

Assessment

Basic Concepts and Processes

Ask your students to respond to the following requests for information and assess their knowledge of key concepts taught in this lesson.

• Describe the role of the U.S. Congress in American government as set forth in the Constitution.
• Explain why the Framers created a Congress with a House and a Senate and gave them different roles.

Lesson Plan Feedback

If you have suggestions for improving this lesson plan, or if you have ideas for others using the module, please let us know. We value your input. Thank you!

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