Election Reform: Debate and Discussion

In this lesson students will read a pro and con speech about real voting rights legislation (the Freedom to Vote Act) being discussed in the United States Senate. Students will summarize the speeches, consider their arguments, and use them to enhance their own knowledge on election policy.

Election Policy Reforms

In this lesson students will gain a deeper understanding of potential reforms to improve elections in the United States. Students will consider proposals from the Freedom to Vote Act and the American Confidence in Elections Act and work in groups to select the best policies to improve the electoral process.

Debate and Discussion: Climate and Energy Policy

In this lesson students will examine a pro and con speech about real legislation (the Green New Deal) being discussed in the United States Senate. Students will summarize the speeches, consider their arguments, and use them to enhance their own knowledge of environmental policy.

Bell Ringer: Significance of Presidents’ Day

Author and Presidential Historian Lindsay Chervinsky discussed the significance of Presidents’ Day, how Americans have remembered and memorialized departed presidents, and how Americans’ views of presidents have changed over time.

Bell Ringer: Free Market Economics

Samford University business professor Art Carden talked about Strangers with Candy, his book of essays on the benefits of free-market economics. In each of the clips he discusses the role of the free market in stimulating economic growth.

Bell Ringer: Origin and Impact of Title IX Legislation

President Nixon signed Title IX into law in June 1972, prohibiting sex discrimination in any education program receiving federal money—most notably sports. These clips provide background information on the legislation, discuss the role of former U.S. Commerce Secretary Barbara Franklin, and the impact that President Nixon’s administration had on equity for women.