Congress and Civility by Design

Summary:

The First Congress established civility as a core value of American government. Studying documents from this period reveals how congressional processes and the rules for debate promoted civility.

Rationale:

Studying congressional processes and analyzing the rules of debate from the First Congress shows how civility played a central role in its actions. This lesson helps students better understand the role of civility in civic life today.

Guiding Question:

How did the procedures and rules of debate promote civility as a core value of Congress?

Materials:

1 Handout (View facsimile in the National Archives Catalog.)
3 Worksheets
3 Worksheet Answer Keys

Recommended Grade Level:

6 -12

Courses:

Civics, Government, U.S. History

Topics:

Civility, Rules of Debate in Congress, the House and Senate Journals, the First Congress

Time Required:

Two 45 minute periods

Vocabulary:

adjourned, motion, ordered, oath or affirmation, quorum, resolved
(See list of definitions below.)

Learning Activities:

Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Assign each group to complete the tasks detailed below.

Activity 1: Studying the House of Representatives in Action

1. Copy and distribute to each student a copy of Handout 1.
2. Copy and distribute to each student a copy of Worksheet 1.
3. Instruct the students in each group to read the Handout and collaborate to complete Worksheet 1.
4. When the students have finished, instruct them to share their findings in a whole class discussion.

Activity 2: Studying the Senate Rules of Debate

1. Copy and distribute to each student a copy of Worksheet 2.
2. Instruct the students in each group to complete Worksheet 2.
3. When the students have finished, instruct them to share their findings in a whole class discussion.

Activity 3: Reflection Questions

1. Copy and distribute to each student a copy of Worksheet 3.
2. Instruct the students to work in their small groups to answer the review questions on Worksheet 3.
3. When the students have finished, instruct them to share their findings in a whole class discussion.

Vocabulary Definitions:

Adjourned: When used in congressional procedure, this word means that an agreement was adopted by a majority vote to end a meeting and resume it later.
Motion: A motion is a formal proposal made in parliamentary procedure.
Oath or affirmation: An oath is a promise, often calling upon God as a witness, regarding one's future action or behavior. An affirmation is a promise allowed to those who object to calling upon God as a witness.
Ordered: Ordered is used in congressional journals meaning that a majority vote has determined that something shall be done.
Resolved: Resolved is used in parliamentary procedure meaning that a formal proposal has been agreed to by a majority vote.
Quorum: A quorum is the minimum number of members that must be present in order for a group to conduct official business. In the House and the Senate the Constitution requires a simple majority (more than half) of members to constitute a quorum.