Embedded Files
Democracy in Action
Democracy in Action
Goal
Goal
The Civil Rights Movement ushered in a wave of marches, sit-ins, and many other forms of protest on a scale that Americans had never seen before. Activists were often very creative with their methods of protest.
Ultimately, the actions of Civil Rights Activists would push the federal government to act; this included Supreme Court decisions, executive (presidential) action, and landmark pieces of legislation (laws).
Using the successful pushes for new legislation during the Civil Rights Movement as a model, propose a new piece of legislation that addresses a modern-day American issue.
You will be responsible for creating an action plan to promote your “bill” and presenting your work to an audience to gain popular support.
President Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as Dr. King looks on.
Step 1a: Historical Research
Step 1a: Historical Research
FIRST
One person in your group needs to make a copy of the RESEARCH ORGANIZER. Please share the document with each member of your group & your social studies teacher!
SECOND
Complete the "Historical Research" portion of the research organizer. You should only use the links provided in the METHODS OF PROTEST tab linked above.
Step 1b: Modern Research
Step 1b: Modern Research
Complete the "Modern Issue Research" portion of the research organizer. Now you need to do internet research and must cite your sources!
If you need help picking a modern day issue/problem for the United States, please refer to the MODERN ISSUES tab linked above.
Databases & Noodletools
Databases & Noodletools
For further research, you can access Tomlinson's school databases here.
To create citations, create a project called LastNameAction in Noodletools.
Step 2: Draft Your Bill (law)
Step 2: Draft Your Bill (law)
Write a bill (law) that addresses the modern issue your group has researched. Your bill should be detailed, realistic, reasonable, and constitutional!
Your bill must include the 5 items listed below:
A title
the date
a brief description of the modern day issue
a detailed and specific description of the new rules your bill will introduce (ways it fixes the issue)
line/space for executive (teacher) signatures of approval...or veto (denial)!
Need help?
Need help?
For more information:
For more information:
Look at this Structure of a Bill for a visual guide
Watch the video to the right ("How a Bill Becomes a Law") for more information about how bills turn into laws.
Step 3: Form Action Plan & Create Promo Materials
Step 3: Form Action Plan & Create Promo Materials
Create persuasive, informative and compelling presentation to gain popular support for your bill. Your presentation can include one or more of the products (listed below), but must include:
A detailed and thorough description of the problem that includes relevant facts, statistics, quotes and examples. Make sure this is visually appealing and creatively organized.
An outline of what your team has done and/or will do to address the issue/promote the bill. Explain how you will get followers and support from people (citizens, officials, government leaders, etc.).
A request that your audience take realistic and important action to help make change/support your bill. This call to action should be specific and detailed...tell people what they should do and how to do it!
As long as you complete the requirements listed above, and in the rubric, you will have control over the way your information and call to action are displayed. Feel free to combine options and please be as creative as possible!
As long as you complete the requirements listed above, and in the rubric, you will have control over the way your information and call to action are displayed. Feel free to combine options and please be as creative as possible!
Documentary or Newscast (Our Green Screen is available to use!)
Exhibit
Write a letter to your Senator or Jim Himes (House Rep) -- create a letter template/phone call template for others to use?
Infographic (Please use Canva.com)
Website - Google Sites
Front page of a newspaper Newspaper Templates -EASY! (stories, commentary, political cartoons, etc.)
Video Advertisements (Commercials)
YouTube Channel
Art (propaganda poster, bumper sticker, political cartoon, etc.)
Other options are possible – Ask your teacher!
Step 4: Present @ Convention
Step 4: Present @ Convention
Give a 5 minute presentation of your work to an audience of students and teachers
Explain your bill proposal
Persuade your audience to support bill, take action and sign your petition, with promotional product(s)
Be prepared to answer the following questions on the "Democracy in Action Viewing Guide"
Report abuse