Lori out Sick: Is Congress Broken Debate and Seminar Prewrite

Hey all- because I am sick, I am postponing the Bill to Law quiz until MONDAY.  Lucky you!  I am relying on you to be self-sufficient today, and to take this seriously.  Please follow the steps below, and engage fully in the activities.

Debate Prep (10 minutes)
Sit at a table with your debate group.  Take 10 minutes to finish gathering evidence, to review the debate structure (in your handout and below), and to figure out who is going to say what.

The Debate (30 minutes)
I suggest assigning one person to be the facilitator timekeeper to avoid devolving into chaos.  :)

1. YES Opening Argument (3 minutes):  The YES group makes their opening argument, and summarize their points and positions.  The NO group is silent, taking notes on the key points made by the opposing group.
   
2. NO Group Repeats (2 minutes): The NO group, which has remained silent up until now, will repeat back the main points previously made by the opening group. Time should be taken to clarify points made.   
   
3. NO Opening Argument (3 minutes):  The No group makes their opening argument, and summarize their points and positions.  The YES group is silent, taking notes on the key points made by the opposing group.
   
4. YES Group Repeats (2 minutes): The YES group will repeat back the main points previously made by the opening group.  Again, time should be taken to clarify points made.    
   
5. Open Debate (10 minutes).  Remaining in your character, and focused on your argument, strongly make your points and push back on points made by the opposing pair. 
   
6. Consensus Building (10 minutes).  Drop your assigned roles, and work toward a consensus.  Think about all the evidence you have heard.  Come up with a final consensus statement that answers the question, "Is Congress Broken?", and write it on the board.

 
Seminar Pre-Write
Do a prewrite on three of the following questions below for a seminar that we will have on Monday.  Each questions should be answered in a well-structured paragraph, and should reference at least one text.  THEY MUST BE TYPED. Use this response as a way to organize the specific evidence you have to bring to our seminar.   YOU WILL BE TURNING THIS IN FOR A GRADE...make it thoughtful, make it good!

1.  What role does money play in our political system? In your view, is this a problem? Why or why not?  Challenge:  Bring in Citizens United ruling!
   
2. Can our political system function without lobbyists? Why or why not?
   
3. What do you think is the biggest problem with Congress right now?  Why?
   
4. If you could fix one thing in Congress right now, what would it be? What would be the potential consequences of making this change?
5. How has your opinion on this topic evolved or changed over the last week?  What new ideas or questions do you have at this point?

Finished?
Study for the quiz on Monday!

HOMEWORK:

1. Seminar Prewrite:  Due Monday, start  of class.  MUST BE TYPED and shared/emailed to Lori.
2. QUIZ on Monday