Long revered as the "upper chamber," the US Senate was created to give the new nation a balance between large and small states. However, has the time for this institution passed? Using a reading on how the amendment process works, learners answer the question and decide whether the Constitution should be changed to reform part of the American Congress.

Concepts

congress, the united states congress, the united states senate, constitutional amendments, group discussions

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Set up small groups to decide whether the US Senate should be reformed
• Use the included reading on the amendment process to discuss other changes that may be warranted for the Constitution

Classroom Considerations

• Class members need some understanding on how Congress works to fully appreciate the resource

Pros

• Case study provides a real-world example
• It's simple to adapt the reading on the amendment process for other uses

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.11-12.1.b RH.11-12.2 RH.11-12.10