Civics 101 Day 4: The Legislative Branch

Today, in our seminar on government current events, we discussed how the stimulus checks had been delayed for people on social security and the Republican trifecta in the Texas legislature. Then we read about the federal legislature from The Constitution from American Government 101 and The Infographic Guide to American Government. The readings covered the duties of the House of Representatives and Senate and how they work together to pass laws. To apply what we learned, we played an iCivics game called “Law Craft” to simulate the passing of a bill. In the afternoon, we read about the comparison between the federal and state legislature. Finally, we researched our own Texas legislative representatives before journaling and blogging.

We experienced how difficult it was to actually pass a bill by playing “Law Craft” where we had to select speakers who would appeal to the voters in the legislature. We learned that our Texas representatives don’t actually represent the majority because some of their requirements are that they have to be able to meet for four months at a time and they’re only paid $7,200. So our representatives are usually people who are retired, supported financially by someone else or really wealthy with flexible working hours. We also learned that congressional voting districts in Texas cities suffer from gerrymandering which means the division of voting districts puts one political party at an advantage. Today we learned a lot about how the legislature functions especially in Texas and how it affects the people living here.

Harris County U.S. House of Representatives Voting Districts

U.S. House of Representatives

U.S. Senate

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Civics 101 Day 2: The Creation of the U.S. Constitution

Today, in our seminar on government current events we discussed the possible $3 trillion infrastructure and jobs package, democrats working to lower drug prices and the Texas border crisis under the Biden administration. Then we started reading The Infographic Guide to American Government together which went over enlightenment, the American Revolution and independence process up to the development of the Articles of Confederation. In the afternoon, we watched a PBS documentary called A Constitution in Writing which explained how the Constitution was written with commentary from prominent government officials and law professors. Then we played Taboo which is a game played by explaining a term or phrase without using certain words. With our remaining time, we looked over the Amendments and tried to interpret them with their “originalism” and “majestic vagueness” in mind. We were able to learn not only about the process that created the basis of our government system but also the ...

Civics 101 Day 7: Voter Registration Drive

Today, in our seminar on government current events, we discussed whether we need federal mask mandates, the Texas George Floyd Act, and the new voter suppression law in Georgia which violates the For the People bill that hasn’t been passed by Congress. Then we read two chapters of our choice from American Government 101 and The Infographic Guide to American Government. I read about the evolution of the Democrat and Republican parties and the U.S. security agencies. After working on our personal representatives “Cheat Sheet,” we researched how to conduct a Voter Registration Drive. Then we shot a PSA and planned our drive. When the mask mandates were brought up, we were able to discuss whether the state governments should give local systems of government more power because within a state, urban, rural and suburban areas have different needs. During independent reading time, I got to read more about topics I wasn’t familiar with. Now I can differentiate between the FBI, CIA, NSA a...

Civics 101 Day 8: Power to the People

We began out day as usual - with a seminar about current events in American government. We discussed some important topics such as mask mandates, vaccine passports, and new tax increases. These conversations are always interesting as they serve as an easy way to stay informed on whats happening in our country. Afterwards, we conducted some research on our local governments. I was surprised with how little I actually knew about the Harris County & City of Houston governments before today. After our lunch break, we took a more active approach to learning about government. Writing to one of my representatives is something I have always wanted to do, but never I had the courage or commitment. It's awesome how easy it is to get involved in America's politics. We also created info-graphics about an aspect of our local government. I created mine about the Harris County Judge, as it's a position I didn't even know existed before taking this...

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