Teaching Students About the Last Amendment Passed
The last amendment passed in the United States, which is the 27th Amendment to the U.S Constitution, provides an excellent opportunity to talk about the American legislative process and inspire students. Here is how we can go about teaching students about this amendment.
Firstly, we need to give a brief background of the 27th Amendment. The 27th Amendment, ratified on May 7, 1992, prohibits any laws that increase or decrease the salary of members of Congress from taking effect until after the next election of representatives. This amendment signified that no congressman could vote for a pay increase for themselves or others and have it immediately take effect during their term.
One of the most exciting elements about this amendment is its history. Proposed initially as part of the original Bill of Rights in 1789 by James Madison, it was not ratified at the same time as the first ten amendments were. Instead, it stalled and remained largely forgotten until Gregory Watson, an undergraduate at The University of Texas in Austin, wrote a term paper on it in 1982. He effectively restarted a movement for its ratification which finally succeeded in 1992. This story highlights perseverance and showcases that even “ordinary” citizens can have a significant impact on our Nation’s legislation.
In teaching this amendment to students, educators can use many tools:
1. **Interactive Discussions:** These discussions would revolve around concepts like constitutional amendments, ratification process, and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy.
2. **Case Studies:** Studying different movements and how they influenced laws can provide students with real-life examples and instances about how law-making works.
3. **Analyzing Texts:** By breaking down the language used in the Amendment, educators can help students improve their analytical skills while reinforcing their understanding of legislation.
4. **Role-Play:** Simulating congressional debates or citizen lobbying efforts will engage students actively in learning.
5. **Audiovisual Resources:** Utilizing documentaries or podcasts related to constitutional changes enhances learning while making it fun and memorable.
Teaching about constitutional amendments like the 27th should be lively and engaging – they are foundational parts of our democratic system that everyone should understand deeply. By revealing these elements of our nation’s history and democracy with our students, we are ensuring that we’re raising knowledgeable future voters capable of thoughtful participation within our democratic system.