One of the core tenants of a democracy is that the government is run by the people. A representative government is paramount in ensuring that government continues to represent an increasingly diverse population in the United States. In this inquiry students will investigate the compelling question, “How representative are our representatives?”
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
How representative are our representatives?
Standards
D2.Civ.4.9-12. Explain how the U.S. Constitution establishes a system of government that has powers, responsibilities, and limits that have changed over time and that are still contested.
Instructional Snapshot
Class begins with students analyzing sections two and three of Article I of the Constitution to better understand the powers and responsibilities of the Legislative Branch. As students read each section, they identify key criteria that must be met to be a member of the House or Senate.
Next, students audit the current representation of Congress in four key demographics: Representation of Women, Education, Ethnic Representation, and Wealth, to determine how representative our current Congress is of the American people. After analyzing this data, students make suggestions as additions to sections two and three of Article I that would make Congress more representative of the people.
Formative Tasks
COLLABORATE: Analyze excerpts from Article I of the Constitution and list its role in representing the people.
DELIBERATE: Rate the representative quality of current congressional representation via key demographics.
PRODUCE: Propose additions to Article I that would make Congress more representative of its constituents.
Sources
Source A: “U.S. Constitution as originally adopted”, Library of Congress
Source B: “Is Congress representative of the American people?:, USAFacts
Source C: The Net Worth of Congress, Money Nation
Summative Performance Task
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Taking Informed Action
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