Government Class

Ok, so we haven't reached the Constitution yet...I don't know why I'm surprised. It always takes longer than I originally imagined. I think this is why I can't follow the Noah Plan - it's TOO structured. (Not very conducive to 6 grade levels, either.)

So we're wrapping up the Political Principles of the Founders on Monday, and THEN heading into the Constitution. I'm enjoying the prep in "Steve." To wrap up the previous section, the kids have to define American Federalism and how it is maintained or eroded. We've been discussing how this applies to the 'promises' of the candidate hopefuls... I have been intrigued by new information about how the 3 branches were set up. I used to use 3 lines in a triangle, with the points disconnected, to demonstrate them. Now, however, I see that this is somewhat inaccurate. Instead, as "Steve" shows, it is more like 3 circles, of different sizes (different percentages of power and responsibility are given to each circle), but with another percentage of overlapping (and conflicting) powers and responsibilities. Montesquieu outlined this separation of powers, but Madison expanded on it, developing a uniquely American Federalism.

Next year, I am looking forward to more of The Federalist Papers, more of Madison, more of Paine...and the beginning of Adam Smith, who helped to define the Free Market System for America, which is founded on individual liberty - to fail or succeed, and to act upon conscience in buying and selling.

For the Economics section of our work, we are going to focus on the 10 pillars, found in GACE, along with the Free Market section of "Steve." I've found "Steve" to be quite informative, at a ground level, something I have needed for my own learning.

As a summary of the political principles, I'm going to contrast American Constitutional Federal Republic with a time line of collectivism, beginning with the Garden and ending with Revelation. (Thanks to Ted for his invaluable help in this area.)

Some assignments they have been given...They are going to evaluate a particular issue, as presented by the candidates, and compare that with the model of Federalism, and/or the Free Market system. Another one is to write a letter to our representatives regarding homeschooling, in light of the CA issues. They are to examine the ideas of conscience in individual liberty as laid out by our Founding Fathers and present this as a case for individual choice in homeschooling. The test at the end of "Steve" requires that they memorize an outline of the Constitution, using the main ideas of each section.

On a completely different subject, my children went to 'take your child to work day' at Lockheed Martin today. (I couldn't go - I'm considered a security risk!) They came home with 'sticky brains' which, when thrown against a wall, or the refrigerator, will slowly crawl down the vertical surface to the floor. Remember, I have 5 boys - they're totally awed by this gooey toy. When they got home I was immediately confronted with, "Dude, Mom! Look at this!" (Yes, they really do call me 'Dude, Mom.'