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Page history last edited by Sharon Davis 9 years, 4 months ago

Supreme Court: The Law of the Land

The Supreme Court of the United States is a unique political institution. It is a separate branch of our government, equal in power to the Executive and Legislative branches. It has evolved across our history to become the arbiter of society. Individual citizens, corporations, presidents, banks, universities, young mothers, inmates on death row, war protesters--all have sought final justice in its halls.

The Supreme Court supplies justice to these petitioners through the U.S. Constitution and its amendments, and only through the powers granted government through these documents.

The Supreme Court is the best example of a basic democratic right--the right of the people to petition the government for a redress of their grievances. The nature of these grievances is a reflection of us, the American people. What is it that we care most about?

Is a slave a citizen?

Should black children be educated with white children?

Can government regulate a business?

Does a woman have a right to an abortion?

Is a high school student's locker their private property?

Content of the assignment:

The purpose of this assignment is to explore these questions and many more that have been raised by cases argued before the Supreme Court. You will be creating a wiki page that will examine the case you've chosen to investigate. The steps in the creation of this page are:

1. Choose a case from the table.

2. Generate essential questions about the case. For sample questions, read the description of your case on the table (above). You are not limited to these questions--the goal is to have you develop your own inquiries that will be answered through your research and presented on your wiki page. Look at the organizational sheet (see below) to determine what kinds of information you need.

3. Gather resources to answer your questions. Consider books, websites, podcasts, and databases that will provide accurate information about your case. To help you evaluate the strength of your sources, click here. Look in the SIDEBAR to the right of this box for a listing of web and library resources.

4. Take notes on note taking sheets about your essential questions and other facts about your case.

5. Print out and complete the organizational sheet.

6. Find your group's name in the listing below. You will go to a wiki page that has been created for you. You may use the outline that is provided, or you may create your own presentation, as long as all the points on the organizational sheet are covered on your wiki page. Be creative with the appearance of the page--use photos or illustrations to enhance your message. Remember--you are creating a web page--use your space as effectively as possible.

7. You will be presenting your wiki page to your classmates.

Grading:

You will be graded for all of your work on this wiki, including notes, selection of quality resources, completing the organizational sheet, essential questions, wiki page, and presentation. You will have 3 rubrics, one for content, one for presentation, one for notes, quality of sources selected and BIBLIOGRAPHY.