Student Web Activity Lesson Plans

Chapter 5: The Organization of Congress

Introduction
In The Federalist, No. 64, John Jay wrote: "As all the States are equally represented in the Senate, and by men the most able and the most willing to promote the interests of their constituents, they will all have an equal degree of influence in that body, especially while they continue to be careful in appointing proper persons, and to insist on their punctual attendance." Was Jay ultimately correct? In this activity, students will take a look at a timeline of Senate history.

Lesson Description
Students will explore the Web site of the U.S. Senate. They will read a timeline of Senate history. Students will then research their own state's U.S. senators, their involvement in committees, and their influence in the passage of legislation.

Instructional Objectives

Learners will trace events in U.S. Senate history.
Learners will identify their own U.S. senators.

Student Web Activity Answers

The Senate used its power to refuse to seat an elected member in 1794. It refused to seat Albert Gallatin of Pennsylvania.
The Senate established standing committees in 1816.
In 1818, 28-year-old John H. Eaton from Tennessee was sworn in as senator.
In 1841 the Senate conducted its first filibusters over the issues of "dismissal of the printers of the Senate" and the "establishment of a national bank."
Students will research their U.S. senators, which committees they serve on, and important legislation they have helped write and/or pass.