Why Vote?

Forward

One week from today, millions of Americans will head to the polls in the 2020 elections. Millions more have already cast their ballots via early voting or mail voting. At the core of the American republic is the principle of consent of the governed. Thousands have struggled and even given their lives for the right to vote. And, yet, how many of us stop to ask why we vote and whether it really matters?

In this newsletter, we share lessons and resources that explore voting in America through multiple topics including the history and purpose of the electoral college, a challenge to students to reflect on the meaning of voting in relation to citizenship, and the principle of Federalism which is why the U.S. has so many elections.

BRI Lessons and Resources

The Movement for Women's Suffrage
In this lesson, students will examine the growth of the women’s suffrage movement after the Civil War and analyze the ways the Constitution and the Bill of Rights empower all individuals to express their political voices.

Elections have consequences...
They decide who holds power and therefore the laws that we live under. But they also reflect principles of federalism and consent of the governed, as well as the complexity of the American system. Explore more with these readings and activities from Documents of Freedom.

Bush v. Gore (2000)
Twenty years ago the outcome of the presidential election ended up in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court. Some fear that a close race next week in one or more swing states could lead to a similar scenario. Learn more about the Bush v. Gore Supreme Court decision.

Our new Homework Help video explores the landmark case of U.S. v. Lopez and its lasting impact on federalism. Students will study the topic of federal power and street crime while forming their own opinions on the merits of the case.

BRI News and Other Opportunities

Should the U.S. Government do more to provide health insurance for Americans?
Please encourage your students to join in on the latest debate on Think the Vote. The students who make the strongest case for their position and their referring teachers win a gift card, swag, and a chance at a $1000 scholarship. In the weeks leading up to the election, we are posting a new question every week with more opportunities for your students to hone their skills in civil discourse with their peers while winning prizes for themselves and you.

New Podcast: Selma, Montgomery, and "Good Trouble"
In our latest Fabric of History podcast episode, Gary, Mary, and Eryn reflect on a particularly important moment in the civil rights movement, the march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965. They’ll explore how the events of Selma fit into the bigger picture of the civil rights movement and the passage of the Voting Rights Act.

Have you had a chance to check out these new videos on our YouTube Channel?

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Educator Spotlight

Meet Dean Burress!

We first got to know Dean Burress at our 2018 Liberty Fund seminar on "Two Visions of America: Jefferson and Hamilton." Today we are grateful to have him on the 2020-2021 BRI Teacher Advisory Council. Dean began his teaching career in 2013, but he is the only member of this year's council not currently serving as a classroom instructor. Dean is a social studies instructional facilitator for Knox County Schools in Knoxville, Tennessee...Read more.

BoE: Bottom of Email

Dear John,

Do you share who you vote for with your students? I had a fascinating discussion with members of our Teacher Council toward the end of last semester about the "to disclose or not to disclose" conundrum that faces educators. My big take-aways were that as a group, social studies educators feel a greater burden to not disclose than their colleagues in other disciplines. Many of the teachers I spoke with confessed that they would only share their opinions with students who have graduated. All of the teachers on the Council agreed that while students sit in class, they feel a dual responsibility to help them form their own opinions and help guide them to a sound way of thinking. Your task is truly noble.

This week, as you prep personally and professionally for the election, whether you disclose or keep quiet on who you vote for, we wish you luck as you seek to help your students learn. The election itself holds so many opportunities and the aftermath will probably hold many as well.

All my best,

Laura Vlk
Senior Manager, Teacher Services
Bill of Rights Institute

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