Monday, January 11, 2016

Politics and Government - Homework - Due - Tuesday, Jan 12

Print and tape into notebook, or copy into notebook:

How to prepare a case analysis:

1) Consider and note the facts of the case
2) Consider and note the constitutional question(s)
3) Consider and note the court's decision and reasoning/rationale

How to prepare an opinion analysis: 

1) Skim the opinion first to identify and unfamiliar vocabulary words.  Look them up and make a list of new words and definitions.

2) Read in chunks, a few paragraphs at at time.  After each chunk, summarize in your notebook.

3) Note the central ideas:
a) What does the text say directly?
b) What is hinted at in the text?
c) What is left ambiguous?
d) How does this relate to the essential question: How has the court been used to promote and/or inhibit liberty?

4) Consider the time period in which the opinion was written and its impact on the justices. 

5) How does this connect to or remind you of other texts?

6) Consider the ideologies of the judges.  Is this a liberal, moderate, or a conservative ruling?  How can you tell?

7) What evidence can you select from the text to support your analysis?

8) Do you agree with the court's decision?  Why or why not?  Why is this case significant?

**Opinion analyses should be no less than 1 - 2 pages, typed, double spaced, 12 pt font.  Use a format that works best for you, but it's best to set up in the format of a mini-essay. 

For Seniors: 

Finish reading Dred Scott opinion. Write an opinion analysis that satisfies numbers 3 to 8 in the opinion analysis guidelines. Be prepared to have a discussion that encompasses ALL of the document, not only the parts we looked at in class.

For Juniors: 

You are a day behind my other class, so make sure you have either printed out the opinion analysis guidelines and taped into notebook or you have written them in your notebook by hand. 

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