Our Bill of Rights

Introduction:

It was reported on the evening news that there is a small group of government officials that are trying to gather support to do away with the Bill of Rights. A committee announced that it will hear testimony from anyone wishing to speak in defense of the Bill of Rights and argue to keep it. Many citizens are shocked and horrified. Calls to Congressmen quickly occur asking them what they plan to do about this situation. Because the Congress represents the people, they want to know what the people think.

You tell your congressman you would like him to support the Bill of Rights.

Task:

His assistant later calls you back and asks you for some help in gathering information to make a convincing arguement. His final report must include the following:

1. The history of the Bill of Rights

2. A listing of each Amendment and what it means

3. The impact that the Amendments have had on people's lives

4. An analysis of the Amentments' usefulness in the 21st century

You and your partner will help the Congressman's assistant by using the skills we've discussed regarding the Big6 problem solving model and doing research on the web, in the library, or from your handouts.

Procedure:

1. You and your partner will be assigned one of the original Bill of Rights.

2. Print a copy of the direction page and follow the steps extactly.

3. Checkpoint: After your research and bibliography cards are all completed, you must show all of your cards to your classroom teacher or Information Specialist before you start on the computer.

4. You and your partner will turn each of your index cards into a slide for a PowerPoint presentation for the Congressman to see.

Resources:

You may use any book, handout or other information from your classroom or the library. In addition, you will find information about the Bill of Rights on the links below. Although there are many web sites on the Internet that deal with this issue, you and your partner should only use the ones provided.

National Archives and Records Administration	The First 10 Amendments
The Bill of Rights: A Brief History	History of the Bill of Rights
Letter from Madison to Jefferson on Bill of Rights	First Ten Amendments and Their Purpose
Constitution Facts

 Evaluation:

You and your partner will be graded on the accuracy of your information and overall appearance of your PowerPoint slide show. You will also be graded on your effort and teamwork.

Conclusion:

With all the information you supplied the Congressman, you now know more about the Bill of Rights and its importance in our nation.

Introduction idea originated from Elizabeth Coffey's webquest on the Bill of Rights.