STEP-BY-STEP
WHY DO WE HAVE A HOU SE
AND SENATE, ANYWAY?
Time: One class period
DISTRIBUTE
one “Why do we have a House and Senate, anyway” packet to each student.
ANTICIPATE
by having students answer the questions reviewing their knowledge of Congress. Go
over the answers.
ASK
students to answer the three questions regarding “Cell Phones at Your School” and
briefly discuss the class’ answers.
DIVIDE
the class into two groups; one must be larger.
DISTRIBUTE
a “teacher” square to each member of the smaller group and a “student” square to
each member of the larger group. These squares assign each student a role for the
entire lesson.
INSTRUCT
students to check off on page 2 what role they are playing and then complete the top
in that role.
CALL
on individual students to help you complete the chart entitled “Battle of the Plans”
based on whether teachers or students would be more likely to support Option 1 or
Option 2. Write the responses on the transparency. (The answers are designed to
favor one group over the other.)
LEAD
students through the first two rounds of voting described in the Group Activity Guide
(see next page). Mark the results on the “Teachers vs. Students” transparency.
INSTRUCT
students to complete the rest of page 2 of the packet, and review the correct
responses with the students. Ask what seemed fair and unfair with the voting.
TRANSITION
to what it would be like if we did not have a House or Senate today by having students
complete page 3, “What if everything was different?.” Discuss the results.
TRANSITION
back to completing the cell phone activity. You can either lead this yourself and ask
both “students” and “teachers” for input on how to craft a cell phone policy that both
groups like. Or you can divide the class into five groups that include both “teachers”
and “students.” Assign each group one part of the plan and ask them to develop a
compromise for that part.
COMPILE
the compromises on the “Compromise!” transparency.
CLOSE
the class through the final vote on the plan described in the Group Activity Guide (see
next page). Ask students how having a House and Senate ensures that all states
have a voice and requires compromise among them.
GROUP ACTIVITY GUIDE
VOTING ACTIVITY
By participating in this exercise, students will experience the simulated effect of three
possible ways our legislative branch could have been set up:
Round 1: Each student and each
teacher gets one vote.
States represented based on population only. Would favor large states.
Round 2: Each group gets one vote.
Representation by one vote per state.
Would favor small states.
Round 3: Both teachers and students
must separately vote to approve the
plan.
House of Representatives (population)
and Senate (2 per state) must agree in
order for a plan to pass.
PART 1 OF LESSON: ROUNDS 1 AND 2
FIRST
Tell the students to group themselves with the other students who have the
same number or letter on their card and have the “teacher” groups go to one
side of the room and the “student” groups go to the other. (If you have a
small class, it’s OK if some of the teacher “groups” only have one student. The
most important thing is to have more teacher groups than student groups, and
more individual students than individual teachers!)
NEXT
Lead the class through the first two rounds of voting. Record the results on
the “Teachers vs. Students” transparency.
LAST
Students may return to their own seats. Continue through the lesson as
described on the PagePlan.
PART 3 OF LESSON: FINAL VOTE
FIRST
Ask only the “teachers” how many are for the plan and how many are against.
Record the results on the “Compromise!” transparency.
NEXT
Ask only the “students” how many are for the plan and how many are against.
Record the results on the “Compromise!” transparency.
LAST
Determine whether the compromise passed each group. Based on this,
determine whether the plan passed or failed. Mark the result on the
transparency.
Name:
Why do we have a House and Senate,
anyway?
Directions: Complete the following sentences with one of the words below. (Yes, you should
have some left over!)
1.)
Congress is in the _________________________ branch.
2.)
Congress’ main job is to ______________________________.
3.)
Congress is divided into two houses: ____________________________ and the Senate.
4.)
Each state has _____ Senators.
5.)
A state’s number of members in the House of Representatives is based on its
____________________________.
Word Bank:
1
Carry out laws
House of Representatives
2
White House
Interpret laws
3
Senate
Make laws
Population
Legislative
Executive
is it?
r
O
!
!
!
ot fair
n
s
’
t
I
:
Part 1
Cell Phones at YOUR School
1) Does your school have a cell phone policy?
A. Yes
B. No
2) From your perspective as a student, how would you rate how your
school handles cell phones?
Fair
Unfair
3) If you were a teacher at your school, which of the following statements would you agree with?
A.
B.
C.
D.
I enforce the school’s rules on cell phones, so they are not a problem.
Cell phones are sometimes a problem in the classroom.
I hate cell phones in the classroom and wish I could get rid of them all!
It doesn’t bother me if students use cell phones in my classroom.
r
ir!!! O
a
f
t
o
: It’s n inued)
1
t
r
a
P
(cont
is it?
My Role: Teacher ____
Student ___
Directions: Putting yourself in the role of a teacher or student, answer the questions below. Circle the
choice that most closely reflects your opinion. Remember, stay in your role! The more true you are to
your role, the better this activity will work.
Option 1
Option 2
Before and after school only
Anytime a student wants
Texting for family emergencies
only
Texting or talking, depending on
what a student needs
3. Can students listen to
music on cell phones during
class?
No
Yes
4. What should happen if a
student makes a cell phone
call during class?
The principal holds onto it, and a
parent or guardian must come to
pick it up.
The student must turn off the cell
phone and put it in his or bag
until the end of class.
Only when the teacher permits,
and it is for educational purposes.
Yes, the Internet is a practical
tool that has become a part of
our everyday lives. Students
should be able to check this
whenever necessary.
1. When can cell phones be
used?
2. How can cell phones be
used?
5. Can students use the
Internet on their cell phones
during class?
Round 2:
Round 1:
voted.
OK, we
t’s the
So, wha ?!!
ce
differen
ns:
Directio best
he
Circle t
.
answer
2
1. In round 1, each [ person or
group ] got 1 vote.
1. In round 2, each [ person or
group ] got 1 vote.
2. This favored the side that had more
[ people or groups ].
2. This favored the side that had more
[ people or groups ].
3. The group with the [ teachers or
students ] had more people.
3. Who had more groups? [ teachers
4. When the group with more people
4. When each groups gets an equal
wins a vote, this is most like what hap-
number of votes, this is most like what
pens in [the House of Representa-
happens in [the House of Represen-
tives or Senate ].
tatives or Senate ].
or students ]
Part 2: What if everything was different?
2008 Population
House of Representatives:
Number of Votes
Senate:
Number of Votes
California
36,756,666
53
2
Texas
24,326,974
32
2
New York
19,490,297
29
2
South Carolina
4,479,800
6
2
Hawaii
1,288,198
2
2
Montana
976,440
1
2
Delaware
873,092
1
2
Source for 2008 Population: quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/index.html
Bill: More Money for Public Schools
Let’s say, Congress is considering a bill that would give money to states to improve public schools. And the bill gives WAY MORE money to the large states
(over 15 million people) because they have more students.
Just looking at the 7 states listed above, see what would happen if Congress were
just one house and not two.



Imagine if we only
had a House of
Representatives!!!
Imagine if we only
had a Senate!!!
The large states (over
15 million people)
would vote YES on
this bill. Add up
HOUSE their votes
here:
The small states (less
than 15 million people) would vote NO
on this bill. Add up
their HOUSE votes
here:
YES votes: _____
NO votes: ______
The large states (over
15 million people)
would vote YES on
this bill. Add up their
SENATE votes here:
The small states (less
than 15 million people) would vote NO
on this bill. Add up
their SENATE votes
here:
Who won?
Circle one.
YES votes: _____
NO votes: ______
Small States
Since we have both … they must COMPROMISE!
Who won?
Circle one.
Large States
Or
Small States
Large States
Or
3
Teacher
1
Teacher
2
Teacher
3
Teacher
4
Teacher
5
Teacher
1
Teacher
2
Teacher
3
Teacher
4
Teacher
5
Student
A
Student
B
Student
C
Student
A
Student
B
Student
C
Student
A
Student
B
Student
C
Student
A
Student
B
Student
C
Student
A
Student
B
Student
C
Student
A
Student
B
Student
C
Student
A
Student
B
BATTLE OF
THE
Teacher Plan
PLANS
Student Plan
1. When can cell
phones be used?
2. How can cell
phones be used?
3. Can students
listen to music on
cell phones during
class?
4. What should
happen if a student makes a cell
phone call during
class?
5. Can students
use the Internet
on their cell
phones during
class?
Overhead Transparency Master
TEACHERS VS. STUDENTS!
Rules for Voting:
1.) There will be 2 rounds of voting. Each will be counted slightly differently. During round 1, each person gets one vote. During round 2, each
group will get one vote.
2.) You can vote for the student or teacher’s set of rules. Whichever gets
the most votes will be carried out starting tomorrow. These will be the
new official cell phone rules for the school.
3.) Vote in your role – teacher or student. Vote for the plan that will be
the best for you as a teacher or student!

Teachers’ Plan

Students’ Plan
Round 1
Round 2
Each person gets one
vote.
Each group gets one
vote.
Winner!
Winner!
Teachers’ Plan
Teachers’ Plan
Or
Or
Students’ Plan
Students’ Plan
Overhead Transparency Master
Part 2: What if everything was different?
2008 Population
House of Representatives:
Number of Votes
Senate:
Number of Votes
California
36,756,666
53
2
Texas
24,326,974
32
2
New York
19,490,297
29
2
South Carolina
4,479,800
6
2
Hawaii
1,288,198
2
2
Montana
976,440
1
2
Delaware
873,092
1
2
Source for 2008 Population: quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/index.html
Bill: More Money for Public Schools
Let’s say, Congress is considering a bill that would give money to states to improve public schools. And the bill gives WAY MORE money to the large states
(over 15 million people) because they have more students.
Just looking at the 7 states listed above, see what would happen if Congress were
just one house and not two.



Imagine if we only
had a House of
Representatives!!!
Imagine if we only
had a Senate!!!
The large states (over
15 million people)
would vote YES on
this bill. Add up
HOUSE their votes
here:
The small states (less
than 15 million people) would vote NO
on this bill. Add up
their HOUSE votes
here:
YES votes: _____
NO votes: ______
The large states (over
15 million people)
would vote YES on
this bill. Add up their
SENATE votes here:
The small states (less
than 15 million people) would vote NO
on this bill. Add up
their SENATE votes
here:
Who won?
Circle one.
YES votes: _____
NO votes: ______
Small States
Since we have both … they must COMPROMISE!
Who won?
Circle one.
Large States
Or
Small States
Large States
Or
Overhead Transparency Master
COMPROMISE!
Compromise Proposals
1. When can cell phones be
used?
2. How can cell phones be
used?
3. Can students listen to
music on cell phones during
class?
4. What should happen if a
student makes a cell phone
call during class?
5. Can students use the
Internet on their cell
phones during class?
Final Vote: The Rules
1.) First, all the teachers will vote. 1 vote per person. The teachers will
represent the Senate because there are fewer of them.
2.) Second, all the students will vote. 1 vote per person. The students
will represent the House of Representatives since there are more of them.
3.) If the proposal wins BOTH votes, it’s approved! If it only wins in one
group or in neither group, it FAILS.
Compromise Plan:
Yes Votes:
No Votes:
Teachers:
Students:
_______ Plan wins!
_______ Plan fails!
Overhead Transparency Master
Name:
Why do we have a House and Senate,
anyway?
Directions: Complete the following sentences with one of the words below. (Yes, you should
have some left over!)
1.)
Congress is in the __legislative_______________________ branch.
2.)
Congress’ main job is to _____make laws_________________________.
3.)
Congress is divided into two houses: __House of Representatives_________ and the Senate.
4.)
Each state has _2_ Senators.
5.)
A state’s number of members in the House of Representatives is based on its
____population________________.
Word Bank:
1
Carry out laws
House of Representatives
2
White House
Interpret laws
3
Senate
Make laws
Population
Legislative
Executive
is it?
r
O
!
!
!
ot fair
n
s
’
t
I
:
Part 1
Cell Phones at YOUR School
1) Does your school have a written cell phone policy?
A. Yes
B. No
2) From your perspective as a student, how would you rate how your
school handles cell phones?
Fair
Unfair
3) If you were a teacher at your school, which of the following statements would you agree with?
A.
B.
C.
D.
I enforce the school’s rules on cell phones, so they are not a problem.
Cell phones are sometimes a problem in the classroom.
I hate cell phones in the classroom and wish I could get rid of them all!
It doesn’t bother me if students use cell phones in my classroom.
r
ir!!! O
a
f
t
o
: It’s n inued)
1
t
r
a
P
(cont
is it?
My Role: Teacher ____
Student ___
Directions: Putting yourself in the role of a teacher or student, answer the questions below. Circle the
choice that most closely reflects your opinion. Remember, stay in your role! The more true you are to
your role, the better this activity will work.
Option 1
Option 2
Before and after school only
Anytime a student wants
Texting for family emergencies
only
Texting or talking, depending on
what a students needs
3. Should cell phones be allowed for listening to music
during class?
No
Yes
4. What should the consequence be if a student uses
his or her cell phone against
the rules?
The principal holds onto it, and a
parent or guardian must come to
pick it up.
The student must turn off the cell
phone and put it in his or bag
until the end of class.
Only when the teacher permits,
and it is for educational purposes.
Yes, the Internet is a practical
tool that has become a part of
our everyday lives. Students
should be able to check this
whenever necessary.
1. When can cell phones be
used?
2. How can cell phones be
used?
5. Should students be permitted to use the Internet
with their cell phones?
Round 2:
Round 1:
voted.
OK, we
t’s the
So, wha ?!!
ce
differen
ns:
Directio best
he
Circle t
.
answer
1. In round 1, each [ person or
group ] got 1 vote.
1. In round 2, each [ person or
group ] got 1 vote.
2. This favored the side that had more
[ people or groups ].
2. This favored the side that had more
[ people or groups ].
3. The group with the [ teachers or
students ] had more people.
3. Who had more groups? [ teachers
4. When the group with more people
4. When each groups gets an equal
wins a vote, this is most like what hap-
number of votes, this is most like what
pens in [the House of Representa-
happens in [the House of Represen-
tives or Senate ].
tatives or Senate ].
or students ]
Part 2: What if everything was different?
2008 Population
House of Representatives:
Number of Votes
Senate:
Number of Votes
California
36,756,666
53
2
Texas
24,326,974
32
2
New York
19,490,297
29
2
South Carolina
4,479,800
6
2
Hawaii
1,288,198
2
2
Montana
976,440
1
2
Delaware
873,092
1
2
Source for 2008 Population: quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/index.html
Bill: More Money for Public Schools
Let’s say, Congress is considering a bill that would give money to states to improve public schools. And the bill gives WAY MORE money to the large states
(over 15 million people) because they have more students.
Just looking at the 7 states listed above, see what would happen if Congress were
just one house and not two.



Imagine if we only
had a House of
Representatives!!!
Imagine if we only
had a Senate!!!
The large states (over
15 million people)
would vote YES on
this bill. Add up
HOUSE their votes
here:
The small states (less
than 15 million people) would vote NO
on this bill. Add up
their HOUSE votes
here:
Who won?
Circle one.
YES votes:
_114____
NO votes:
__10____
Small States
The large states (over
15 million people)
would vote YES on
this bill. Add up their
SENATE votes here:
The small states (less
than 15 million people) would vote NO
on this bill. Add up
their SENATE votes
here:
Who won?
Circle one.
YES votes: __6___
NO votes: __8____
Small States
Since we have both … they must COMPROMISE!
Large States
Or
Large States
Or