How did the teachers’ union get into this at all? Who gave them information from the school board? What business is this of the teachers’ union in any way?
The worksheet included questions like “To what issue do House Republican leaders insist on tying the federal budget?” and “Whom do you hold most responsible for the government shutdown?” <<
Too bad it did not include process questions like:
Does the House originate all spending legislation?
Can a congress obligate a future congress to any issue?
What processes are available to the congress and the president when they disagree? Please include both formal and informal processes in increasing levels of difficulty.
I would not expect a group of eighth graders to answer, but to think about how to resolve issues between groups that disagree.
Years ago, schools were to educate a student so as an informed voter, they would be able to try the above questions. I doubt some congress people know the answer and they should have known them for years BEFORE going to congress. I would put as a case in point my favorite congressmen, Congressman Hank Johnson asking an admiral in a hearing “Would the island of Guam capsize?” if more servicemen and women were put on the base on that island.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7XXVLKWd3Q
I believe the Admiral deserves a medal for not even cracking a smile when answering the man who holds the purse strings.
DK