Does the United States Congress Function as the Framers Wanted it to?

Scenario:   You and your classmates have designed a time machine and you have been selected try it out.  It works!  You find yourself back in 1787.  You are seated at the table with the framers of the Constitution, including Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison, as they discuss the formation of the legislative branch of the United States government.

Task:   Knowing what you do about the government today, does the United States Congress function as the framers of the Constitution wanted it to?

The answers to the following questions will assist you with your assignment.

1. What is the history of the development of the Legislative Branch of the United States government?
2. What was the intent of the framers of the Constitution?
3. How are members of Congress elected?  Is this the same as when it was founded?
4. What is the role of Congress today? Are the duties the same today as when it was originally set up?
5. How do the checks and balances play a part in the role of each branch of the United States government?

Definitions:

Framer: The founders of the Constitution, sometimes referred to as the "founding fathers."

Congress: The legislative branch of the United States government.

Resources:

Use the following resources to complete your task.

1. The Center on Congress at Indiana University.  This site has some useful links, such as "Learn About Congress" and "Congress Today."

http://congress.indiana.edu/
 
2. This site has links to articles about Congress and its proper role according to the United States Constitution.

http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/congpowers.htm
 
3. An Outline of American History: Debate and Compromise:

http://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/H/1994/ch4_p5.htm
 
4. Library of Congress Internet Resource Page:

http://thomas.loc.gov/links/
 
5. The Dirksen Congressional Center, many links, including Congressional Insight:

http://www.dirksencenter.org/
 
6. The United Constitution online:

http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html
 
7. General background information about Congress:

http://www.britannica.com/bcom/eb/article/3/0,5716,26273+1+25864,00.html?query=congress
 
8. The Founding Fathers, a brief overview:

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution_founding_fathers_overview.html
 
9. Biographies of the Founding Fathers:

http://www.colonialhall.com/biodoi.asp

Product: Compose a web essay describing whether the United States Congress functions as the framers of the Constitution wanted it to. Include how legislators are elected, their duties, and the system of checks and balances.

Samples: 

The following samples were created by 8th grade students. Click on the links below to their web essays.

Sample 1
Sample 2
Sample 3
Sample 4
Sample 5

Assessment Rubric

 

Teacher Resources