MIDDLE SCHOOL

Foundations of Government Debate Class

In this debate and discussion-based class, students will learn all about the foundations of government and engage in similar debates that the American Founding Fathers during the Founding Era of the United States. For grades 7th and 8th.

Course Detail

THIS CLASS IS CLOSED FOR THIS SEMESTER. PLEASE FILL OUT THE WAITLIST/INTEREST FORM AND WE WILL CONTACT YOU WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE. THANK YOU!

In this class, we’ll dive into exciting topics like the Articles of Confederation, the Constitutional Convention, the start of political parties, and what republicanism and democracy really mean.


We’ll look at the big ideas, important events, and key people from this time to understand the challenges of governing the early United States faced and the debates that helped shape the country.

This class will need a minimum of 9 students and a maximum of 15 students. Please join the waitlist if you would like to enroll. We will notify you if enough people have expressed interest in order for the class to proceed.

Key Skills and Objectives

  • Debating, Critical Thinking, Public Speaking, Teamwork, Civic Understanding
  • Explore Government Concepts: Discuss what republicanism and democracy mean.
  • Analyze Governmental Challenges: Look at the problems the early United States faced and how they were addressed. Explore similarities and differences with today’s government.
  • Understand Government Structures: Learn about the Articles of Confederation, the Constitutional Convention, and the start of political parties.

Emmi McCabe

Instructor

Mrs. McCabe has been teaching history and social studies for over a decade. She loves teaching students through debates, films, and discussions.


  • Requires about 2 hours of outside class work (readings, videos, debate prep)
  • Meets Fridays, 9 AM – 10 AM
  • 12 weeks from Sept 20 – Dec 13 (With a break on Thanksgiving Week)
  • Meets at Wichita Learning Lab (703 E. Douglas Ave., Suite 250, Wichita, KS 67202)

Tentative Course Outline

12 in-person class meetings • 2 hours of outside work per week • weekly online office hours

In-Class: Introduction to the course, overview of key topics, rules of debate, and basic debating techniques.
Outside Work To Be Completed Before Class: None

Topics of the Week: Overview of the Articles of Confederation, its strengths, and weaknesses.
Debate Topic: “Were the Articles of Confederation a successful first form of government?”
Outside Work To Be Completed Before Class: Prepare arguments and evidence for the debate. Estimated time: 1-2 hours.

Topics of the Week: Overview of the Constitutional Convention and the drafting of the Constitution.
Debate Topic: “Was the Constitutional Convention justified in creating a new government?”
Outside Work To Be Completed Before Class: Research the debates at the Convention and prepare arguments. Estimated time: 1-2 hours.

Topics of the Week: Introduction to federalism and the balance of power between state and federal governments.
Debate Topic: “Should states have more power than the federal government?”
Outside Work To Be Completed Before Class: Research historical examples and prepare arguments. Estimated time: 1-2 hours.

Topics of the Week: Continuation of the debate on state vs. federal power.
Debate Topic: “Is a strong federal government necessary for a stable country?”
Outside Work To Be Completed Before Class: Further research and preparation. Estimated time: 1-2 hours.

Topics of the Week: Introduction to the debate between small and big states during the Constitutional Convention.
Debate Topic: “Should representation in Congress be based on population or equal for all states?”
Outside Work To Be Completed Before Class: Research the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan, and prepare arguments. Estimated time: 1-2 hours.

Topics of the Week: Continuation of the debate on representation.
Debate Topic: “Is the Great Compromise fair and effective?”
Outside Work To Be Completed Before Class: Further research and preparation. Estimated time: 1-2 hours.

Topics of the Week: Introduction to the concepts of republicanism and democracy.
Debate Topic: “Which is a better system for the United States: republicanism or democracy?”
Outside Work To Be Completed Before Class: Research definitions, historical contexts, and prepare arguments. Estimated time: 1-2 hours.

Topics of the Week: Continuation of the debate on republicanism vs. democracy.
Debate Topic: “Should the U.S. government be more democratic?”
Outside Work To Be Completed Before Class: Further research and preparation. Estimated time: 1-2 hours.

Topics of the Week: Discuss the process and challenges of ratifying the Constitution, including the Federalist and Anti-Federalist debates. Highlight the regional and socioeconomic differences that influenced the ratification process.
Debate Topic: “Was the ratification of the Constitution necessary for the stability and success of the United States?”
Outside Work To Be Completed Before Class: Research the Federalist and Anti-Federalist arguments and prepare for the debate. Estimated time: 1-2 hours.

Topics of the Week: Introduction to the Bill of Rights and its importance.
Debate Topic: “Are the protections provided by the Bill of Rights still relevant today?”
Outside Work To Be Completed Before Class: Research the Bill of Rights and prepare arguments. Estimated time: 1-2 hours.

Topics of the Week: Final debate on a comprehensive topic covering all key areas discussed.
Debate Topic: “Is the current system of government in the U.S. the best it can be?”
Wrap-Up: Review key takeaways from the course, discuss what students have learned, and reflect on the importance of these debates in understanding American government.
Outside Work To Be Completed Before Class: Readings and videos on our current government, final reflections and possibly a short written summary of what they learned and their personal stance on the key issues discussed. Estimated time: 1-2 hours.

Foundations of Government Debate Class Waitlist

Please fill out the form below to join the waitlist. Thank you for your interest!


I’m so glad that we found this class! In addition to growing her knowledge of American History, my daughter learned how to think critically and form and evaluate arguments. Now she points out logical fallacies in everyday life!
Corinne Mayans
Parent

Loreto Learning Values

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Caring and Experienced Teachers

Our teachers have extensive classroom experience teaching through discussions, debate, and providing one-on-one or small group support. We come from a Christian background and are guided by Christian moral principles.

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Communication and Critical Thinking Skills

Our classes focus on helping students build meaningful human connections by helping them develop their critical thinking and communication skills.

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Tech as a Tool

Loreto Learning works to help students learn to use technology as a tool to aid communication, expression, critical thinking, and human connection.

Start Debating, Connecting, and Gaining New Knowledge With Other Wichita Middle & High Schoolers!

Check out our other available classes for the school year 2024-2025!