1

Read Tim Echols’ book, Real Citizenship.

• You can purchase a paper-back copy of the book online during the registration process. Call the TeenPact office for more information.

• Tip: Try breaking it up into 4 or 5 sections and setting aside an hour each day for a week.

2

Pray for your STATE Representative and STATE Senator by name every day before you come to the class.

• Type a letter to both of them. We recommend that you spell-check and grammar-check your letter, thank them for serving and tell them about one issue/idea you think is important to your state.
• Remember to be respectful and to address them with their proper titles.
• Mail them (no emails please) at least 2 weeks before the class to ensure they arrive in time.
• Bring one copy of each letter to turn in.
• Purpose: to experience how easy it is to communicate to your governmental leaders and to participate in the process of making your opinions known

• Tip: Try asking questions about their personal beliefs on specific issues or why they wanted to become involved with the political arena.
• Tip: Remember to write your STATE senator and STATE representative, not federal.

3

Define the terms and thoroughly answer the questions on the Pre Class Vocabulary List.

• Bring one copy of your work to turn in. All students, first-timers and alumni, will be responsible for this information on the first quiz.
• Purpose: to be prepared for in-class discussions

• Tip: Check multiple dictionaries to better understand any terms that you’re confused about. Think about how you have understood the term or heard it used and how that may differ from the dictionary.
• Tip: Use complete sentences when defining each term.

4

Write a one-page bill on an issue (serious topic for the first bill, optional: write a second bill with a funny topic) important to you and relevant to your state. (Our Sample Bill shows a format to use.)

• Bring three copies of your bill: one copy to turn in, one for the committee, and one to keep for your own use during the class.
• Include at least three sections in your bill: a purpose, a section explaining the bill’s goal and plan of action, and a section listing when the bill will become law.  Check the Sample Bill to make sure that your format is correct.
• Please choose topics that are appropriate for the age and environment of the class.
• Purpose: to be presented before the TeenPact Legislature

• Tip: Think outside the box about issues that will spark conversation between you and your peers. Be respectful and age appropriate.

5

Complete the State Political Fact Sheet using resources on the Internet and in your local library.

• You may have to use several sources to get this information: Type http://www.state.xx.us (insert your state’s abbreviation in place of xx) to log onto your state’s official web site.
  • Your local library is also likely to have an index of elected officials in your state.
  • Stateline.org
  • Project Vote Smart
• If you are completing the homework before January 1 it is possible that some government seats may change occupants because of elections. It is better to wait and complete the Fact Sheet after you are sure that all elections are over and the current officials are serving in their respective roles.
• Bring two copies of your Fact Sheet: one copy to turn in and one to keep as a reference during the class. You will be responsible for this information on the first quiz.
• Purpose: to be informed regarding the current leaders and political trends in your state

• Tip: Remember to complete the fact sheet according to your STATE government information, not federal.
• Tip: Don’t be intimidated– all this project takes is a little patience! Make sure that all of your information is up to date. Double check the number of legislators in the House and Senate.

6

Memorize 1 Timothy 2:1-3 and Romans 13:1-2 using a Bible translation of your own choice.

• Be prepared to write them from memory when you come to class.
• Purpose: to begin the process of developing a biblical world view on government and citizenship

• Tip: Find creative ways to memorize these verses. Start early and practice often.

7

Read or watch your Governor’s most recent State of the State Address.

• You can usually find the speech on your governor’s web site under “Press Releases” or “Speeches”. In some cases you may have to call the Governor’s office and ask how to get a copy. If your governor was recently elected or hasn’t given an address yet, use the last Address available.
• Create a list of the issues (at least 3 or more) addressed by the Governor in his or her speech.
• Bring two copies of this list: one copy to turn in and one to keep as a reference during the class.
• Purpose: to know the current issues in your state, as defined by your current (or recent) Governor

• Tip: Keep these questions in mind while you read–How does this affect your state? What does this tell you about your governors priorities? What key issues didn’t they address?

8

Bill Analysis Worksheet

• Find and browse the list of legislation from your STATE legislature’s web site and print a bill of interest to you.
• Analyze this bill using the worksheet given. (Bill Analysis)
• Bring a copy of your bill analysis to turn in.
• Purpose: to develop critical thinking skills regarding current issues and legislation. *Worksheet compiled from David Barton’s article “Analyzing Legislation”.

• Tip: Thoroughly answer every question on the worksheet. If a question is not relevant to the bill that you chose, explain why it does not apply.

9

Constitutional Analysis

Read the first Five Articles of the United States Constitution, as well as the first Ten Amendments (the Bill of Rights). Choose three of the first Ten Amendments and write a paragraph answering the following questions about each:

• What right(s) does this secure?
• How does this amendment provide checks and balances to federal government?
• What is a possible example (real or fictional) of the federal government stepping outside its bounds in relation to this amendment?
• How would you interpret the purpose of this amendment?
• Bring a copy of your constitutional analysis to turn in.

• Tip: Have a dictionary on hand to look up words or terms that you don’t understand.

1

Pray for your STATE Representative and STATE Senator by name every day before you come to the class.

• Type a letter to both of them. We recommend that you spell-check and grammar-check your letter, thank them for serving and tell them about one issue/idea you think is important to your state.
• Remember to be respectful and to address them with their proper titles.
• Mail them (no emails please) at least 2 weeks before the class to ensure they arrive in time.
• Bring one copy of each letter to turn in.
• Purpose: to experience how easy it is to communicate to your governmental leaders and to participate in the process of making your opinions known

• Tip: Try asking questions about their personal beliefs on specific issues or why they wanted to become involved with the political arena.
• Tip: Remember to write your STATE senator and STATE representative, not federal.

2

Review the vocabulary and questions from the Pre Class Vocabulary List.

• All students, first-timers and alumni, will be responsible for this information on the first quiz.  Alumni are not required to turn in the vocabulary and definitions.
• Purpose: to be prepared for in-class discussions

3

Write a one-page bill on an issue (serious topic for the first bill, optional: write a second bill with a funny topic) important to you and relevant to your state. (Our Sample Bill shows a format to use.)

• Bring three copies of your bill: one copy to turn in, one for the committee, and one to keep for your own use during the class.
• Include at least three sections in your bill: a purpose, a section explaining the bill’s goal and plan of action, and a section listing when the bill will become law.  Check the Sample Bill to make sure that your format is correct.
• Please choose topics that are appropriate for the age and environment of the class.
• Purpose: to be presented before the TeenPact Legislature

• Tip: Think outside the box about issues that will spark conversation between you and your peers. Be respectful and age appropriate.

4

Complete the State Political Fact Sheet using resources on the Internet and in your local library.

• You may have to use several sources to get this information:Type http://www.state.xx.us (insert your state’s abbreviation in place of xx) to log onto your state’s official web site.
  • Your local library is also likely to have an index of elected officials in your state.
  • Stateline.org
  • Project Vote Smart
• If you are completing the homework before January 1 it is possible that some government seats may change occupants because of elections. It is better to wait and complete the Fact Sheet after you are sure that all elections are over and the current officials are serving in their respective roles.
• Bring two copies of your Fact Sheet: one copy to turn in and one to keep as a reference during the class. You will be responsible for this information on the first quiz.
• Purpose: to be informed regarding the current leaders and political trends in your state

• Tip: Remember to complete the fact sheet according to your STATE government information, not federal.
• Tip: Don’t be intimidated– all this project takes is a little patience! Make sure that all of your information is up to date. Double check the number of legislators in the House and Senate. Be sure that you fill this out on your state level.

5

Read or watch your Governor’s most recent State of the State Address.

• You can usually find the speech on your governor’s web site under “Press Releases” or “Speeches”. In some cases you may have to call the Governor’s office and ask how to get a copy. If your governor was recently elected or hasn’t given an address yet, use the last Address available.
• Create a list of the issues addressed (at least 3 or more) by the Governor in his or her speech.
• Bring two copies of this list: one copy to turn in and one to keep as a reference during the class.
• Purpose: to know the current issues in your state, as defined by your current (or recent) Governor

• Keep these questions in mind while you read–How does this affect your state? What does this tell you about your governors priorities? What key issues didn’t they address?

6

Constitutional Analysis

Read the first 5 Articles of the United States Constitution, as well as the first 10 Amendments (the Bill of Rights). Consider as you read:

• What right(s) does this secure?
• How does this amendment provide checks and balances for federal government?”
• What is a possible example (real or fictional) of the federal government stepping outside its bounds in relation to this amendment?
• How would you interpret the purpose of this amendment?

• Tip: Have a dictionary on hand to look up words or terms that you don’t understand.

7

Research the history of entitlement programs in US history starting with the New Deal in the 1930′s, how they have impacted spending and economics, and how they are perceived by both conservatives and liberals nationwide.

Why is this important? Because debt ceiling debates and economic instability have placed a heavy emphasis on the discussion of entitlement reform in Congress in order to reduce our national debt. However, many people disagree on the value and even Constitutionality of US entitlement programs such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and the newly passed Health Care program. As citizens we must be informed as to what we believe on these topics and why we believe it so we can do our part to help our country remain strong. As renowned journalist Jim Lehrer once said, “If we don’t have an informed electorate we don’t have a democracy.”

• Using the questions below as a guide (you don’t have to answer all of them), examine the history of entitlement programs in US history.
• Write two essays(500 words each minimum), one defending the concept of entitlements in the United States, and one critiquing them.
• Bring two copies of each essay, one to turn in and one to discuss during the class.
• Purpose: to understand the nature of entitlements and what role we should play in them.

Questions to consider:

1. What role, if any, should the government play in creating or sustaining economic growth?
2. Millions of Americans cannot afford healthcare. How should the government address this crisis if not through a government healthcare program?
3. Why shouldn’t those who have resources and finances give more in order to help those who have less?
4. If the government doesn’t help the underprivileged, and the church doesn’t have the resources, who will provide the basic care needed for those in poverty such as the disabled, children and others?
5. Is there a Biblical call to Christians regarding caring for the underprivileged or those who need assistance? How should that impact our political views on such programs?
6. What was the New Deal and how did it impact the role of government?
7. What were the short term consequences?
8. What were the long term consequences?
9. Should the government play a role in helping people prepare for retirement? Why or why not?
10. What does it mean when people refer to a “culture of entitlement”?

• Tip: Read this article by the Cato Institute, or head to your local library for books such as New Deal or Raw Deal by Burt Folsom or Life at the Bottom by Theodore Dalrymple. (NOTE:  Please be aware that Theodore Dalrymple does not write from a Christian worldview. However, the book is endorsed by Summit Ministries and other Christian Conservatives.  This book does contain some questionable language.  Please consult your parents before reading.) Books and Think Tanks can be great resources for research projects like this one.

1

Memorize 1 Timothy 2:1-3 using a Bible translation of your own choice.

• Be sure to bring your Bible to class!
• Purpose: to develop a biblical worldview of citizenship.

• Tip: Find creative ways to memorize these verses– ie. using 3×5 cards as flash cards.

2

• Bring two copies of your bill: one to turn in and one to keep for your own use during the class.
• Please choose topics that are respectful and are appropriate for the age and environment of the class.
• Purpose: to be presented before the TeenPact Legislature.

• Tip: Parents, it’s all right for you to help your child with this process. Be sure to have them come up with the topic of their choice, something that an 8-12 year old would find interesting to talk about. Have fun with it!

OPTIONAL: The following assignments will give students a better understanding of the One Day class, however are not required.

3

Read chapters 2, 6 & 13 of Tim Echols’ book, Real Citizenship.

• These chapters can be read online for free. You can also purchase the entire book during the registration process for only $10.00.
• Real Citizenship Book Chapter 2
• Real Citizenship Book Chapter 6
• Real Citizenship Book Chapter 13
• Purpose: to understand the necessity of being involved in your community.

• Tip: Parents: Try reading this out loud to your children or have them read it out loud to you. Make it interesting by helping them understand what the author is talking about.

4

Learn your state legislative district numbers and the names of the people currently serving as Senator and Representative in your district.

5

With your parent’s help, write an encouraging letter to both your State Senator and Representative and let them know you are praying for them.

• Tell them that you will be coming to the capitol– maybe they would like to meet you after the class ends at 4 p.m.!
• Mail the letters at least 2 weeks before the class to ensure that they arrive in time.
• Need to know where to send the letters?Go to http://www.stateline.org/live/ and select your state from the drop down column on the left side of the page.Follow instructions from here to your legislative website.
• Purpose: to experience how easy it is to communicate with your leaders.

• Tip: Be respectful and don’t forget to address them with their proper titles.
• Tip: Thank them for serving your state in this capacity, and tell them about one issue or idea that you think is important to your state.

1

Memorize 1 Timothy 2:1-3 using a Bible translation of your own choice.

• Tip: Find creative ways to memorize these verses– ie. using three by five cards as flash cards.

2

Write a one-page bill on an issue (serious or funny!) that is worthy of debate. (Our Sample Bill shows a format to use.)

• Bring two copies of your bill: one to turn in and one to keep for your own use during the class.
• Please choose topics that are respectful and are appropriate for the age and environment of the class.
• Purpose: to be presented before the TeenPact Legislature.

• Tip: Parents, it’s all right for you to help your child with this process. Be sure to have them come up with the topic of their choice, something that an 8-12 year old would find interesting to talk about. Have fun with it!

OPTIONAL: The following assignments will give students a better understanding of the One Day class, however are not required.

3

Complete the State Political Fact Sheet using resources on the Internet and in your local library.

• You may have to use several sources to get this information: Type http://www.state.xx.us (insert your state’s abbreviation in place of xx) to log onto your state’s official web site.
  • Your local library is also likely to have an index of elected officials in your state.
  • Stateline.org
  • Project Vote Smart

State Political Fact Sheet

1. My state Senator’s name is ___________________.
2. My state Representative’s name is _________________.
3. There are (#) _______ Representatives in my state.
4. There are (#) _______ Senators in my state.
5. Which party (Republicans or Democrats) has the majority in the house? ______________.
6. Which party (Republicans or Democrats) has the majority in the Senate?  __________________.
7. My Governor’s name is __________________.
8. My Lieutenant Governor’s name is __________________.
9. There are (#) ______ of State Supreme Court Justices in my state.
10. My State Chief Justice’s name is __________________.
11. Are my State Supreme Court Justices elected or appointed? __________________.
12. Define “justice.” ______________________________________________________.

Purpose: to be informed about the leaders in your state.

• Tip: Don’t be intimidated– all this project takes is a little patience! Make sure that all of your information is up to date, and be sure that you fill this out on your state level.

1

Research and write a resolution advocating change on a current US public policy issue. (Our Sample Resolution shows a format to use.)

• The resolution should contain a purpose, a statement defining why you feel that the change is necessary, and a statement declaring what change you would defend.
• You will be asked to propose and defend your resolution for at least 2 minutes, so please research the issue and prepare to discuss the questions that might be asked.
• Bring two copies of your resolution, one to turn in and one to refer to during the class.
• Potential topic ideas:
  • US interventionism
  • Flat tax policy
  • Death penalty
  • Social security reform
  • School vouchers
  • Cuban Embargo
  • Homeland security
• Purpose: to be informed about current events and to understand why or why not
  the United States should advocate its current policy.

• Tip: Choose an issue that will spark conversation between you and your peers. Remember to keep all topics age appropriate.