A More Perfect Union

Two hundred-thirty years ago our nation’s forefathers endeavored to create a democratic union based on the principles that all human beings are endowed with certain inalienable rights. Since then, the United States provided citizens with unprecedented freedoms—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The U.S. could also be a victim of its own success. Throughout the course of the nation’s history, the U.S. defined what a citizen (and human) was. It legally decided what a child was. It engaged in many wars with far-reaching consequences.

Your task will not be to judge whether the U.S. government was more positive than negative, but rather to examine the strengths and weaknesses of our government, laws and constitution so that you can create(imagine symbols crashing and drums rolling)…a more perfect union.

ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHYDue: 5/12 Points: 15

You will need to research what scholars, academics and politicians have argued about the Constitution and constitutional law. How have these think tanks or individuals influenced your constitution?

  • 7-10 sources
  • No more than two encyclopedias (Wikipedia counts!)
  • Must have at least two primary sources
  • Must include at least one academic journal (Such as: the Washington Quarterly, The Economist, American Journal of Political Science)
  • MLA format

OUTLINE Due: 5/15 Points: 15

Before typing this—have your thesis selected and decide: why does the constitution need to be altered—or why should it remain unchanged? What research led you to your conclusions?

  • Must contain thesis statement
  • Must be two full pages
  • Should confront originalism v. activism
  • Should address constitution in historical context v. your constitution
  • Should guide your rough draft
  • Must contain relevant supporting points
  • Must have an introduction, body and conclusion

ROUGH DRAFTDue: 5/21 Points: 30

  • Must be 6-8 pages
  • Must have a fully developed thesis statement
  • Must address Constitution in historical context v. your context
  • Must provide evidence to support your view
  • Must include your reasons for changing/keeping our constitution and BoR
  • Must include at least three quotes with footnotes or endnotes
  • May be formal or informal

CONSTITUTIONDue: Final Exam Day Points: 30

I’m going to be flexible with this. You can be creative here—your constitution may be illustrated, printed on a scroll, an academic revision of the original constitution, a film constitution, or wherever your creativity takes you (check with me before you get too creative)!

  • Your constitution must demonstrate a critical understanding of American political foundations and why they should remain/change
  • Constitution is practical and within the framework of political philosophy
  • Demonstrates considerable thought
  • Demonstrates considerable creativity

FINAL ESSAYDue: Final Exam Day Points: 40

  • Same as rough draft but should reflect corrections/suggestions from 1st draft
  • Rough draft MUST be turned in with final draft for full credit

PRESENTATIONDue: Final Exam Day Points: 30

Again—I’m flexible here. I’d like a presentation of 10-12 minutes. It should:

  • Clearly explain your thesis
  • Be engaging and creative
  • Relevant to your thesis/central argument
  • Have visual aids
  • Some type of questions/activity for the class

ALL WORK

  • Must be typed, 12 point font and 1” margins
  • Must be proofread and spell-checked
  • Must be original
  • Late work will be penalized 5 points/day (work is late anytime after class begins)

Good luck and have fun!