pc 1 federal power-james madison and the bonus bill-student program

8/2/2019 PC 1 Federal Power-James Madison and the Bonus Bill-Student Program

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Presidents and the ConstitutionJames Madison and

the Bonus Bill

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Presidents and the Constitution Resources

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The biggest problem people have in thinkingabout the Founding Documents is that they look atthem with “contemporary” eyes. They don’trealize the fear of powerful government, the bitter

debates and tremendously difficult compromises,or any of the other concerns the Founders had in1770’s-1791.

Directions: Read Dr. David Marion’s Essay “The

Presidency and Federal Power” on pages 4-6.Underline or highlight the facts you think areimportant.



War and the Constitution

Constitutional Connection Activity

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The President and Federal Power

Critical Engagement Question

What was President James Madison’s view of federal power?

Objectives

• Understand James Madison’s view of FederalPower.

• Understand Madison’s reasons for viewingunlimited federal power as a threat to liberty.

• Apply Madison’s reasoning to determine how he

would have assessed the constitutionality offederal laws.

• Appreciate Madison’s contributions to limitedgovernment and liberty.



James Madison and the Bonus Bill

Background/Homework:

Handout A: James Madison and the Bonus Bill

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Critical Thinking Questions

1. What proposal of Madison’s regarding canals wasvoted down at the Constitutional Convention?

2. Why did Roger Sherman and Rufus King object toMadison’s proposal at the Convention?

3. What was the “Bonus Bill”?

4. Why did Madison veto the “Bonus Bill”?

5. Do you believe Madison was correct to veto the“Bonus Bill”? Why or Why not?



Warm Up:

Role Play: Constitutional Convention

• Assume the beliefs and ideas of one of the Founding Fathers in

creating Congress’ power to grant charters of incorporation for theconstruction of canals.

• Madison, Wilson, and Franklin will argue for it

• King and Sherman will argue against it.

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James Madison and the Bonus Bill James Madison James Wilson Benjamin Franklin Rufus King Roger Sherman

http://teachingamericanhistory.org/convention/images/sherman.jpg



Activity

Class Debate • “President Madison”—move to the center of the class• “U.S. Congress” decide if they have the power to pass the Congressional

action stated in Handout C given the power shown on the “Clause Slips”from Handout B. They should give a reason why they voted yes or no.

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“President Madison” should state whether s/he would veto theCongressional action and why; focusing on whether s/he believed theaction is Constitutional or not.

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Activity continued

Complete Handout D

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Wrap-Up

What arguments made by Sherman and King about the power ofCongress to grant charters of incorporation for the construction ofcanals are relevant today?

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Rufus King Roger Sherman

http://teachingamericanhistory.org/convention/images/sherman.jpg



Homework

•Read Madison’s veto message

• Summarize Madison’s argument in your own words

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The Issues Endure

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Use “Teaching with Current Events” from the Bill of Rights Institutewebsite to analyze similarities & differences between Madison’s viewand modern approaches to the powers of the federal government.

• Consider terms such as• “earmarks”

• “pork- barrel projects”

• “log-rolling”

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There oughta be a law…?

1. Congress wants to authorize thecreation of a national bank.

2. Congress wants to pass a billestablishing a national minimum wageand a maximum 44-hour work week.

3. Congress wants to pass a bill creating“gun-free school zones,” making it a

violation of federal law to have afirearm in school zones.4. Congress wants to pass a law called the

Controlled Substances Act. Amongmany other regulations, the law banspossession of marijuana.

Power ofCongress?

Madison: ToVeto, or Not

to Veto?

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Veronica: I’m on the fence about putting this slide in the .ppt. the correct answers areinterpretive, and I’m not sure declaring concrete right or wrong answers is beneficial.Please advise. PD 2/29/2012