Civics Concept: Military Service: Volunteer or Conscription

Each Oregonian is represented by a single Senator and a single Representative in the state legislature, which gathers in Salem, each January. Oregon’s legislative assembly consists of a 60-members House of Representatives and a 30-member Senate, serving for two and four year terms, respectively. Each of the 90 members must be United States citizens, at least 21 years old, and have lived in the legislative district from which they were elected for at least a year. The main duty of the Oregon Legislature is to “enact new laws and revise existing ones relating to the health, education and general welfare of Oregonians, and to make decisions that keep the state in good economic and environmental condition,” according to its website. The Legislature is also responsible for the state budget. This lesson takes students into the state lawmaking process and shows them how to follow and interact with this process, using a bill considered in the 2024 short session. We hope this lesson teaches students (and teachers) how to participate in their state government and make their voices heard beyond just voting.

Conflict is a normal part of human existence, yet we all can learn to manage conflict more effectively. Diplomacy helps countries avoid war, build important trade relations, and form long standing alliances. Likewise, diplomatic skills can help us interact better with people in our day-to-day lives. We can all improve how we handle tense situations, in order to experience more positive outcomes.

One of the core tenants of U.S. law is the right of private property ownership. But what about property that is public? According to Cornell Law, “Public trust doctrine is a legal principle establishing that certain natural and cultural resources are preserved for public use. Natural resources held in trust can include navigable waters, wildlife, or land. The public is considered the owner of the resources, and the government protects and maintains these resources for the public's use.” This is the core concept behind federal environmental protection regulations such as the Endangered Species Act which celebrated its 50 year anniversary in 2023. When designating and administering public lands, a wide variety of considerations are included, such as the rights of impacted private property. Trying to balance all these considerations can lead to tensions stemming from the government’s actions in protecting, maintaining, and regulating public lands. Routinely the actions taken on behalf of public land and resources will negatively affect individuals and entities, sparking the continued debate between the common good (public resource stewardship) and individual rights. In using the interactive Continuum Dialogue activity, students can explore their own opinions on what that balance should be and which considerations should be at the forefront of the government’s decision making. 

What portion of a group is big enough to make decisions for the whole? Some say a majority is fair enough, some say a supermajority is best, and others are patient enough to work toward consensus. Should virtual attendance count for governing bodies to vote or only an in-person presence? Is busting quorum an acceptable method of asserting minority views? These are important questions for the procedures of a fair and representative democracy. In this lesson, students compare quorum requirements in our national and state constitutions and take a stand on the issue by composing an opinion piece for a newspaper.

Explore the Rule of Law in our Civics Concept Lesson Plan. Students will analyze current events, identifying instances where the Rule of Law was upheld or violated, and apply the concept to notable court cases, including those involving the 14th Amendment and eligibility for office as highlighted in CLP’s “Current Events: The 14th Amendment & Insurrection.” Through these discussions, gain a deeper understanding of the Rule of Law's crucial role in shaping legal frameworks and democratic processes.   CLP is enhancing Current Events with an additional resource – Civics Concept Lesson Plans! These lesson plans connect with the prior week's current event, offering a deep dive into the civics principles behind each week's Current Event.  What to Expect: Comprehensive Approach: Each lesson plan not only delves into the previous week's Current Event but also includes a dedicated vocabulary section for deeper understanding of content Standards Based: aligned with Oregon State Standards for multiple grade levels Ready to use: Each lesson plan is ready for the classroom, designed to follow in class, as is CLP remains committed to enhancing the classroom experience, valuing teacher input as we strive for student growth in civic learning areas. Please let us know if you used the lessons! Tag us on social media (@civicslearningproject) or send us an email at [email protected]

This resource explores the complexities of free speech with students through the RAFT (Role, Audience, Format, Topic) strategy, encouraging critical thinking and persuasive writing. In this lesson, students will delve into the First Amendment, examining its scope, limitations, and the societal consequences of free expression. By adopting various perspectives, students articulate and support their viewpoints on free speech issues, crafting persuasive arguments that consider the balance between freedom of expression and the potential for harm. This approach not only deepens their understanding of democratic principles but also hones their ability to reason and communicate effectively on contentious topics.