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Annenberg Learner Democracy In America Legislatures Laying Down The

Leo Migdal
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annenberg learner democracy in america legislatures laying down the

Classroom Resources > Democracy in America > 6. Legislatures: Laying Down the Law After completing this session, you will be able to: For the founders of the Constitution, Congress was the central organ of government. In this unit, the role, including the contradictory expectations that Americans have of legislators, is explored in some depth. This unit illustrates the need for compromise in a body filled with individuals representing a wide variety of interests.

The unit also explores the contradiction that occurs when legislators find themselves at odds with their constituents. Finally, the unit shows a different, but very important, kind of representation that legislators routinely provide. Legislatures are a primary instrument of representative democracy. They are highly contentious places where elected officials try to balance the diverse views of their constituents in addressing problems through legislation and other activities. Article I of the U.S. Constitution provides for a bicameral Congress composed of two houses-a Senate and House of Representatives.

A reflection of the many compromises made during the Constitutional Convention, Congress’s bicameral structure includes equal representation of states in the Senate (two senators per state) and proportional representation based on state populations in... All states in the U.S. have bicameral legislatures except Nebraska, which has a one-house (unicameral) legislature. In many counties, cities, and townships, elected councils also represent local citizens and legislate on their behalf. Americans often criticize their legislatures for being paralyzed by partisan struggles and legislators’ self-interest. However, many Americans praise the performance of their individual legislators, and often reelect them at high rates.

These contradictory attitudes can be explained in part by noting the differences between the lawmaking and representation functions of America’s legislatures. Videos are generally available for preview to non-members as short clips. Limited full-length titles are also available. Log In to view the full length title. Explores the idea that legislatures, although contentious bodies, are institutions composed of men and women who make representative democracy work by reflecting and reconciling the wide diversity of views held by Americans. Part of Democracy in America Series.

Civil Liberties: Safeguarding The Individual Major funding provided by the Department of Education The Described and Captioned Media Program provides premium media designed for students with disabilities and leads as a resource for families and teachers, supported by the Department of Education. Democracy in America was a video course for high school, college and adult learners ; 15 half-hour video programs, print guide, and Web site Explore the powers of the legislative branch of the government, including coining money, maintaining a military, and declaring war, and learn about the two house of Congress and the process through which a bill... The California Educators Together platform is brought to you by a collaboration between the California Department of Education and the CDE Foundation.

Funding generously provided by AT&T Foundation The David and Lucile Packard Foundation Technical design, development, and ongoing support provided by One Learning Community. “We Learn Together” You may experience issues using this website. We recommend upgrading switching to another compatible browser. Classroom Resources > Democracy in America

A video course for high school, college and adult learners ; 15 half-hour video programs, print guide, and website. Democracy in America, a video course in civics, covers topics of civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions recommended by The Civics Framework for the National Assessment of Educational Progress developed by the U.S. Department of Education. The 15 half-hour video programs, hosted by national television correspondent Renée Poussaint, and related print and Web site materials provide inservice and preservice teachers with both cognitive and experiential learning in civics education. Democracy in America is a unique 15-part course for high school teachers that combines video, print, and web resources to provide a deeper understanding of the principles and workings of American democracy. By combining compelling video stories of individuals interacting with American government, theoretical discussions of the meaning of democracy, and problem-solving, hands-on exercises, the course gives life to the workings of American democracy.

This course is being offered at a time of great optimism. The fall of the Berlin Wall and the promising successes of new democracies in Eastern Europe, Latin America, and South Africa all point to the triumph of liberal democracy. Still, in the aftermath of these great advances, there is reason for profound concern. Never has the democratic ideal been so ascendant and yet so precarious. Americans still believe that democracy is the worthiest form of government and they take great pride in the U.S. Constitution.

Nevertheless, less than half the eligible citizens vote in even presidential elections, and a majority of Americans distrust their government. Disengagement from political and civic life seems to be increasing, particularly among the young. There is a growing consensus that American civic life is in need of serious repair.

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Classroom Resources > Democracy In America > 6. Legislatures: Laying

Classroom Resources > Democracy in America > 6. Legislatures: Laying Down the Law After completing this session, you will be able to: For the founders of the Constitution, Congress was the central organ of government. In this unit, the role, including the contradictory expectations that Americans have of legislators, is explored in some depth. This unit illustrates the need for compromise in a bod...

The Unit Also Explores The Contradiction That Occurs When Legislators

The unit also explores the contradiction that occurs when legislators find themselves at odds with their constituents. Finally, the unit shows a different, but very important, kind of representation that legislators routinely provide. Legislatures are a primary instrument of representative democracy. They are highly contentious places where elected officials try to balance the diverse views of the...

A Reflection Of The Many Compromises Made During The Constitutional

A reflection of the many compromises made during the Constitutional Convention, Congress’s bicameral structure includes equal representation of states in the Senate (two senators per state) and proportional representation based on state populations in... All states in the U.S. have bicameral legislatures except Nebraska, which has a one-house (unicameral) legislature. In many counties, cities, and...

These Contradictory Attitudes Can Be Explained In Part By Noting

These contradictory attitudes can be explained in part by noting the differences between the lawmaking and representation functions of America’s legislatures. Videos are generally available for preview to non-members as short clips. Limited full-length titles are also available. Log In to view the full length title. Explores the idea that legislatures, although contentious bodies, are institutions...

Civil Liberties: Safeguarding The Individual Major Funding Provided By The

Civil Liberties: Safeguarding The Individual Major funding provided by the Department of Education The Described and Captioned Media Program provides premium media designed for students with disabilities and leads as a resource for families and teachers, supported by the Department of Education. Democracy in America was a video course for high school, college and adult learners ; 15 half-hour vide...