EBAS - Legislative Branch

TASK
The student will demonstrate the ability to evaluate sources and use evidence.
- The student will evaluate the credibility of the sources by considering the authority, origin, type, context, and corroborative value of each source.
- The student will identify credible, relevant information contained in sources.

The student will demonstrate the ability to communicate and critique conclusions.
- The student will construct arguments using precise and knowledgeable claims, with evidence from multiple sources. 

The student will evaluate how the principles of government assist or impede the functioning of the [Legislative Branch] of government by: 
- Describing the bicameral structure, powers, and organization of the United States Congress.

The student will evaluate how the principles of government assist or impede the functioning of government by: 
- Describing the structure, powers, and organization of the legislative branch on the federal, state, and local level. 
- Describing how the Constitution provides for separation of powers and checks and balances. 
- Comparing and contrasting the powers, roles, and responsibilities of local, state and national executives.

INTRODUCTION
A student is researching the legislative branch of government which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate, collectively called Congress. The students’ compelling question is:

Do the principles of checks and balances and separation of powers create equality amongst the three branches of government?

Use the sources provided below to answer the question.
BACKGROUND
The Legislative Branch of government is described and outlined in Article I of the Constitution.  The Legislative Branch includes a bicameral Congress that includes a lower house, the House of Representatives, and an upper house, the Senate.  The membership of the House of Representatives is based on population.  The membership of the Senate is based on equality or two per state.  Article I, Section 8 lists the 17 enumerated powers of Congress.  Article 1, Section 9 describes the denied powers of Congress.

Bicameral- Having two chambers

Which source provides the best evidence for the claim above?

Source B was most likely created to 

How do Sources B, C, and D corroborate with Source A?

Which sources alleviate the biggest concern of the delegates at the Constitutional Convention?

Which statement below is true based on Source A? 

Assume that the information provided in the sources is credible. Complete the following extended-response question:


Do the foundational principles and structures of government assist or impede the functioning of government in the legislative branch?
- A claim in response to the question.
- Cited evidence from the provided sources to support your claim. 
- Use of corroboration, contextualization and synthesis   
- Use of your knowledge of government 
- A rubric is added at the end of this page to assist you.