Oregon Elections: Governor, U.S. Senator, and Initiatives September 2014 Dear Educator: We at Classroom Law Project are pleased to offer an array of lessons concerning Oregon’s elections this fall. Targeted to middle and high school grades, the lessons are grouped into five broad topics: the races for (1) Governor, and (2) U.S. Senator, (3) ballot initiatives, (4) how to weigh information, and (5) the class hearing as a culminating activity. Teachers are welcome to pick and choose from among them. As you browse the lessons, some things may stand out. One is that civic virtue seems embedded everywhere. Another is that questions appear throughout. We encourage teachers to view this election season through a civic virtue lens. Our goal is to help students become well-informed citizens and voters. To do so, we ask them to consider what is best for the common good. For example, from the Governor unit, students are asked, “As chief executive of the State, how much civic virtue does the next governor need and why? Or, why is civic virtue so important in the 2014 election?” Questions like these require students to focus on the needs of the community and what a candidate may bring to the table to make our communities better. We believe that the civic virtue approach is a healthy way to examine elections, one that avoids divisive cynicism and sarcasm. Many lessons are introduced as questions. What Does It Take to Be US Senator? What Is a Ballot Initiative? What Is a Class Hearing and How Is It Connected to Oregon Elections? Framing lessons in this way honors students as learners and thinkers. The lessons guide students through an inquiry into issues surrounding elections so that they engage in thoughtful, meaningful and academically rich discussions and activities. Their questions are invited and encouraged throughout. The unit also incorporates use of community leaders in the culminating activity. When culminating with a mock legislative hearing in your classroom, students will practice the knowledge and skills of active, informed citizens. All students "testify" before a "legislative committee" made up of community leaders. Students deliver prepared remarks about questions they have answered – or may still have – about Oregon elections. How-to’s are included in these materials. We encourage educators to include CLP staff in your hearings. We are ready, willing and wanting to help! A Table of Contents follows. Let it be your guide as you consider what lessons to use in your classroom. You will also find connections to State Standards and the Common Core. You are free to use whatever works best for you and your students. Speaking of free, a shout out of gratitude goes to the Rose E. Tucker Charitable Trust for funding this project. Use. Enjoy. Vote! Best wishes,
Marilyn R. Cover Executive Director Classroom Law Project
Elections 2014 – Through a Civic Virtue Lens
Introduction
Oregon Elections: Governor, US Senator, and Initiatives TABLE OF CONTENTS
Standards Oregon Social Studies Content Standards and Common Core State Standards 8th Grade 9-10th Grade 11-12th Grade
1. Governor Unit What does it take to be Governor? What do we know about the candidates for governor? Handouts: 1. Constitution of Oregon: 2013 Version; Article V, Executive Branch 2. How to Become a Governor 3. Qualities of a Good Governor 4. Dennis Richardson (from his campaign) 5. Dennis Richardson (from Project Vote Smart) 6. John Kitzhaber (from his campaign) 7. John Kitzhaber (from Project Vote Smart) 8. Incumbents: The Basics 9. SWOT Analysis Form
2. U.S. Senator Unit What does it take to be United States Senator? Handouts: 1. U.S. Constitution Article I, Section 3 (with and without commentary) 2. Monica Wehby (from her campaign) 3. Monica Wehby (from Project Vote Smart) 4. Jeff Merkley (from his campaign) 5. Jeff Merkley (from Project Vote Smart) 6. Incumbents: The Basics 7. SWOT Analysis Form 8. Declaration of Conscience by Margaret Chase Smith
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620 SW Main, Ste. 102, Portland, OR 97205
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Elections 2014 – Through a Civic Virtue Lens
Introduction
TABLE OF CONTENTS, continued, 3. Initiatives Unit What is a ballot initiative? Handouts: 1. What is a Ballot Initiative? 2. How Does an Idea Become a Law via the Initiative Process? 3. How Does an Idea Become Law via the Legislative Process? 4. 2014 Oregon Statewide Ballot Measures List 5. 2014 Oregon Statewide Ballot Measures Student Organizer 6. OMG, GMO: Legislative Hearing Roleplay! 7. Citizen Initiative Review Commission, Review of Measure 92 – Final Report
4. Weighing the Information Unit How Does an Informed Voter Weigh All the Information? Handouts: 1. Media: The Basics 2. Campaign Financing: The Basics 3. Campaign Advertising: The Basics 4. Debates: The Basics 5. Polls: The Basics
5. Class Hearing Culminate with a Class Hearing Handouts: 3. Parent Letter 4. Class Hearing 3. Voting Quotations 4. Of Elephants and Donkeys
3 CLASSROOM LAW PROJECT
620 SW Main, Ste. 102, Portland, OR 97205
503-224-4424
www.classroomlaw.org
