I hope that everyone had a wonderful and relaxing winter break. We will start this week by reviewing a bit of information that we covered before the break. Then we will begin to look closer into the job duties and responsibilities of the Legislative Branch. This week we will learn the steps in which a bill becomes a law. We will also identify how citizens can help create laws that can impact their city, state, or nation. We will also analyze the different types of bils and determine how legislative leaders are selected. We will also identify five key factions that all congress members must consider when drafting or voting on legislation. 

ARIZONA STATE STANDARDS FOR THIS WEEK

3SS C2 - HS PO5 - Analyze the structure, powers and roles of the Legislative Branch of the U.S. Government.

b. Role of  competing factions and development of political parties

e. Election process and types of representation

f. Influence of staff, lobbyists, special interest groups, and PAC's

BELLWORK

1. Grab a government book.

2. How can special interest groups affect legislation?

CLASSWORK 

1. Talk about the Tragedy in Tucson one year later- update

2. Begin notes on the roles of Congress members. 

HOMEWORK

1. Collect News Journals students will discuss the topic of their article with the class.

2. Class discussion and feedback on articles.- Legislative Branch Current Event. 

BELLWORK

1. What are the five "hats" that members of Congress wear? How do you think these competing factions affect the legislative decision making?

2. What role does political parties play in Congress?

3. What is the difference between an appropriations bill and a public bill?

CLASSWORK

1. Finish notes on the "hats" that members of Congress wear?

2. Have students get into their Congressional roles and start/continue working on their bills. SB or HR

3. A. Identify/discus what issue(s) do you feel the government should focus its attention on regarding DOMESTIC POLICY? WHY? (Choose a different issue other than the                 war, healthcare, immigration. If you choose the economy specify what you think should be done within out economy.)

     B. What issue do you feel the government should focus its attention on regarding FOREIGN POLICY? WHY?

4. Discuss responses - video UNICEF and U.S. involvement

HOMEWORK- DUE NEXT CLASS

Congress handout - Who's in Congress? Students will evaluate the demographics of the 111th Congress and answer questions based on the information given. 

BELLWORK

1. How can citizens play a role in the legislation process?

2. Describe the general characteristics of a person in Congress. (Age, race, gener, occupation etc.)

3. After reviewing the demographics of Congress do you believe that all ethic and gender groups are adequately represented in Congress? Why or why not?

CLASSWORK

1. 

HOMEWORK

1. Prepare for the Legislative Branch test on Monday, January 16th.