The Judicial Branch; Questions About the Supreme Court

Forward

The nine justices who serve on the U.S. Supreme Court make decisions that have an impact on the lives of all Americans. Yet none of them were elected to serve in their positions by American voters. Why did the Founders design it this way? Has the Court become too political? How did we end up with nine justices even though the Constitution does not specify a number? What questions do you and your students have about the Judicial Branch? Reach out to us by email or on social media and explore some of our Supreme Court resources including our new Homework Help video on the controversial Bush v. Gore case.

Why was the presidential election of 2000 so controversial, and what constitutional questions were raised during the vote count? Our first Homework Help video of the semester explores these questions to help your students understand the fundamental issues at hand in the case of Bush v. Gore!

Please join Gary and Liz live next Tuesday, April 20 at 4 p.m. ET for the next Teacher Time webinar, "We Interrupt This Lesson: Handling Interruptions in the Social Studies Classroom." If you're unable to join live, you can watch this and all of the past episodes of Teacher Time on our YouTube Channel. Learn more and register HERE.

While Americans today might have a rosy view of the 60s, not everyone living during that time saw it that way. On issues ranging from the Cold War to civil rights, a group of students called “the Students for a Democratic Society” offered their critique of society at large on June 15, 1962. In the latest primary close read video, Kirk and Josh explore the topics addressed in the “Port Huron Statement.” What were the primary concerns that the “New Left” thought America could improve on? Do these criticisms still hold true today and if so how?

The deadline for the We the Students essay contest is this Thursday, April 15. Have your students submitted their essays yet? This year's prompt: What is the relationship between equality and justice? Sixteen students will win $20,000 in scholarship funds including a $7,500 grand prize and a scholarship to this summer's Constitutional Academy in Washington, D.C. Visit the website to learn more and submit an essay.

Student Spotlight

Meet James Carroll!
James Carroll, one of our recent Think the Vote debate winners, is a senior at St. Henry District High School in Erlanger, Kentucky. St. Henry’s is Northern Kentucky’s largest Catholic, college-preparatory, co-educational high school. AP Government and AP European History are James’ two favorite subjects, and he is also active on the Academic Team, the Japanese Culture Club, and the Creative Writing Club at St. Henry’s...Read More.

Join the Debate on Think the Vote!

Encourage your students to join in the latest debate on Think the Vote for a chance to be featured in our Student Spotlight, and to win a $25 gift card and swag for them and for you. This week's question: Should States Increase I.D. Requirements for Voting? Winning students are also entered for a chance to win a $1000 scholarship at the end of the school year.

Prohibition and the Role of Government: New Podcast Episode

What does prohibition tell us about the balance between personal freedom and regulation? In this latest episode, Mary, Gary, and Eryn discuss how one of the Constitution's limited amendments led to prohibiting the “manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors." What was it about the culmination of the temperance movement that allowed prohibition to become an amendment to the Constitution? Why was turning to policy the approach to address the problem?

BoE: Bottom of Email

Dear John,

This will be a briefer note than usual as we are busy preparing for a special webinar today at 5 p.m. ET with our friends at Facing History and Ourselves.

We are excited to discuss the Five Design Challenges of the new Educating for American Democracy Roadmap which directly addresses the needs of middle and high school classrooms. The other presenters and I will explore what it means to address these critical subject areas with a commitment to inquiry and inclusion, and we will share classroom-ready resources that support civil discourse, build historical literacy, and inspire civic engagement.

We hope to see you online later today, or at one of our many in-person or virtual events in the coming weeks!

Sincerely yours,

Rachel Davison Humphries
Director, Outreach
Bill of Rights Institute

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