The True Justice League

by: Don Burke

All Links Validated on 12-7-03.

Introduction

It has been said that the greatness of America is its freedom of religion. Over the past century and a half the Supreme Court has examined many cases dealing with religion in our society. Although the Supreme Court has answered many issues it is still redefining and reconsidering the issue.

Religion is a controversial issue to many people. The religious freedom guaranteed by the 1st Amendment is weighed on the scales of justice in every generation.

Task

Freedom of religion is one of the founding principles of the United States. In so much, that it was included as a 1st Amendment right and many states wouldn't ratify our present constitution without the individual rights guaranteed as amendments.

For this assignment you will be a high school junior in a social studies classroom. Your teacher has placed a copy of the Ten Commandments on his/her classroom wall. He/She has stated that the Ten Commandments are historically based and belong with other historical posters and documents. The board of education has had several complaints and is currently convening an emergency meeting. You have been selected as one of the student delegates to speak on the subject at the emergency meeting.

1) Independently, using the resources provided, research the history of cases the Supreme Court has heard about religion and government. Write a paper on it.

2) In your group, you must poll your high school classmates to see what percentages are pro or con.

3) In your group, you must prepare two speeches, one pro and one con, for a presentation to the board of education.

Procedures

If you need to know what steps to take with your research paper, then click here!

If you need to know how to do the classroom poll then click here!

If you need to know how to do the two speeches then click here!

Resources on the Web.

First Amendment Cyber Tribune
FindLaw
Google
Yahoo
Excite
Ask Jeeves
Infoseek
Lycos

Expectations

If you need to know how to find out your score for the research paper then click here!

If you need to know how to find out your score for the classroom poll then click here!

If you need to know how to find out your score for the two speeches then click here!

Conclusion

The freedom of religion issue is a topic that affects all of American society. The court decisions are still being defined and revisited. In order to become an active member of society you must be aware of current and relevant issues.

To finalize your WebQuest experience, email the teacher a paragraph in which you reflect on and/or critique the WebQuest project to the following address, dburke@floyd.k12.ky.us.

Credits.

Teachers go here.