HS Government Reading and Writing Workshop

Reading and Writing Workshop:  Congressional Organization and Leadership through Public Domain Works
​T​his workshop will explore the history, roles, and leadership of Congress, specifically focusing on the presiding officers, party leadership, and committee chairmanships. Students will read and analyze public domain works related to the structure and functioning of Congress and its historical evolution. They will also engage in writing exercises, reflecting on the significance of these roles in shaping legislation and political processes.

Workshop Objectives:By the end of the workshop, students will:
  1. Analyze historical public domain texts related to Congressional leadership and procedures.
  2. Write analytically about the roles of key officers and committees in Congress.
  3. Develop argumentative writing skills through exploring Congress’s organization and leadership.
  4. Synthesize their understanding through creative and reflective writing exercises.

Materials:
  • Public Domain Texts (see list below)
  • Writing materials (notebooks, pens, or digital devices)
  • Whiteboard/markers
  • Projector (if displaying excerpts from texts)
  • Online access to public domain resources (e.g., Project Gutenberg, Library of Congress)

Public Domain Texts to Use:
  1. The U.S. Constitution (1787) – Article I outlines the structure of Congress.
    • Focus on the powers of Congress and the roles of the Speaker of the House and Senate leadership.
  2. The Federalist Papers – Specifically, Federalist No. 58, which discusses the role of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
    • Focus on the role of representation, the balance of power, and the organization of Congress.
  3. Letters or Writings from Congressmen (19th Century) – Excerpts from Congressional debates and speeches. These could include letters by key figures like James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, or Abraham Lincoln that discuss the legislative process.
    • Analyze debates over Congressional procedures or leadership roles.
  4. Historical Documents on Congressional Reforms (Early 20th Century) – Materials like early legislative acts that reorganized Congress or speeches by members on Congressional leadership roles.

Workshop Outline:
Day 1: Introduction to Congress through the U.S. ConstitutionObjective: Understand the structure of Congress and the roles of its leadership as defined by the U.S. Constitution.
  • Activity:
    1. Reading: Students will read Article I of the U.S. Constitution.
      • Focus on sections that describe the role of the Speaker of the House, the Senate, and its leadership (Vice President as President of the Senate).
    2. Discussion: What does the Constitution say about how Congress is structured? How are leadership roles defined?
    3. Writing Exercise:
      • Write a short response (1-2 paragraphs): "How does the Constitution organize Congress, and what are the roles of the presiding officers?"
    4. Extension Activity: Have students search for any changes to this structure over time (e.g., the rise of party leadership) using other public domain works.

Day 2: Federalist Papers and the Representation of the PeopleObjective: Analyze how the Federalist Papers explain the structure and role of Congress, focusing on representation.
  • Activity:
    1. Reading: Students will read Federalist No. 58 by James Madison. Focus on his arguments about the House of Representatives and its leadership.
    2. Discussion: What does Madison say about the House’s powers and role in balancing the influence of the Senate? How does he view the role of the Speaker of the House?
    3. Writing Exercise:
      • Write an analytical paragraph: "According to Federalist No. 58, what is the importance of the House of Representatives in balancing power between the branches of government? How does this relate to the role of the Speaker of the House?"
    4. Extension Activity: Discuss how Madison’s arguments have held up over time. Do students think the structure of Congress still serves the same purpose?

Day 3: Analyzing Congressional Leadership and Party DynamicsObjective: Explore historical perspectives on Congressional leadership, focusing on party roles, and leadership responsibilities.
  • Activity:
    1. Reading: Students will read excerpts from speeches or letters by members of Congress from the 19th Century (such as speeches by Henry Clay or John C. Calhoun) discussing leadership roles in Congress.
      • Focus on the role of Majority and Minority Leaders, and the organizational structure of Congress.
    2. Discussion: How have the roles of party leaders in Congress evolved? What does this tell us about the shifting political landscape?
    3. Writing Exercise:
      • Write a letter from the perspective of a member of Congress in the 19th century addressing the role of the Majority Leader in ensuring the passage of important legislation. Use examples from the readings to support their perspective.
    4. Extension Activity: Have students compare the letter to a modern-day analysis of leadership roles, evaluating how much the positions have changed.

Day 4: Reflecting on Congressional Committees and Their PowerObjective: Synthesize understanding of Congressional committees and the role of committee chairmen in the legislative process.
  • Activity:
    1. Reading: Students will read a public domain document or speech that discusses the role of committees in Congress. Consider using speeches from the early 20th century about Congressional reforms or excerpts from committee reports.
    2. Discussion: What is the role of committees in shaping legislation? How do committee chairmen influence the legislative process?
    3. Writing Exercise:
      • Write a reflective essay: "What is the role of Congressional committees in the legislative process? How does the chairmanship of a committee influence the passage of laws?"
    4. Extension Activity: Have students research one specific Congressional committee and write a report on its historical significance and current function.

Assessment:
  1. Short Analytical Papers: Students will submit 2-3 analytical papers that focus on the topics covered in the reading (e.g., the role of the Speaker, party leadership, committee power).
  2. Final Reflection Essay: At the end of the workshop, students will write a final essay synthesizing their understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Congressional leadership, incorporating insights from the readings.
  3. Peer Review: Students will peer-review each other’s essays, providing constructive feedback based on the analysis of public domain texts.

Extension Activities:
  • Creative Writing: Students can write a historical fiction piece imagining a day in the life of a Congressional leader (e.g., Speaker of the House or a Committee Chairman) based on the roles discussed.
  • Class Debate: Students will debate a historical issue (e.g., the role of party leaders in Congress) using arguments drawn from the public domain texts.

This workshop allows students to connect historical primary sources to the present-day functioning of Congress, improving both their reading comprehension and writing skills while deepening their understanding of political systems.
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