U.S. History H300c

Mr. Healy

Reflection #2: The Living Constitution

Your second reflection paper of the year will be an analysis of a Supreme Court case that addresses any issue particularly relevant to life in the United States today.  While the case can come from any historical era, the issue should be one widely considered to be important in modern times.  Your analysis should consist of the following:

• A brief explanation of your chosen case and its history.  You must be sure to quote the relevant passage of the Constitution (no more than a phrase or paragraph) that is at the heart of the conflict.  Discuss why this part of the Constitution is at issue, and connect it to the controversy.  You may use any part of the Constitution as currently amended.  If there is no specific language in it that relates to your topic, then you must choose another topic.
• A summary of the different points of view on the case’s key issue.  Discuss at least two conflicting sides or interpretations.  You will need to research your topic using the online databases available at the library web site (ProQuest, JStor, LexisNexis, Opposing Viewpoints, History Resource Center: US). Also use the library’s collection of books and periodicals.  Do NOT rely on Wikipedia (where your little sister can write an article) or sources from Google that are not peer-reviewed; i.e. stick to “scholarly” sources. Do not be afraid to directly quote from your sources, and make sure you cite all information you use.
• A statement of your own opinion and defense of that opinion using well-developed arguments. Support your arguments with further evidence and examples from your research.  Identify your position as a “loose” or “strict” constructionist approach, and explain why.

To make this assignment particularly interesting (and to develop the highly important skill of collaboration on an important project) you are to work with a partner to develop this assignment.  Together you will hand in ONE product: the result of close and effective collaboration on your part.  Your paper of the year must be 1-2 pages in length (give or take ONE page), and must be written in Times New Roman font, 12-point size, with 1.5-line spacing.  The paper should take into consideration all of the relevant class discussions and readings you have done to this point in the course.  In addition, you are to read the text and any background information on a landmark Supreme Court case of your choosing (available online).  Papers must be submitted to me electronically no later than the close of the school day (3 p.m.) on Friday, November 11.  This paper is worth 50 points.