Today I am an inquisitor.

Texas Congresswoman Barbara Jordan was selected to give the Opening Statement to the House Judiciary Committee on July 25, 1974, as it began its momentous proceedings on the impeachment of Richard Nixon. Her statement has often been called a needed constitutional lecture in a time of national crisis. Listen to Barbara Jordan: Statement on the Articles of Impeachment or watch video of statement choose ONE of the following options for your post.

Option #1 What did Mrs. Jordan mean when she claimed " I am not going to sit here and be an idle spectator to the diminution, the subversion, the destruction, of the Constitution." Explain

Option #2 Cite specific references in the statement to checks and balances, separation of powers, or executive authority.

Option #3 Cite historical examples/quotations/convention remarks that establish the criteria for impeachment

Option #4 Cite specific impeachable offenses by President Richard Nixon as outlined by Mrs. Jordan

Option #5 After reading/listening to her statement do you agree with her assertion "If the impeachment provision in the Constitution of the United States will not reach the offenses charged here, then perhaps that 18th-century Constitution should be abandoned to a 20th-century paper shredder."

Perspectives on the Ratification Debate

On September 17, 1787, after 16 weeks of deliberation, the finished Constitution was signed by 39 of the 42 delegates present. Ben Franklin, pointing to the half-sun painted in brilliant gold on the back of Washington's chair, said: " I have often in the course of the session...looked at the [chair] behind the president, without being able to tell whenther it was a rising or setting sun; but now, at lenght, I have the happines to know that is a rising, and not a setting sun."

The Convention now over and the crucial part of the struggle for a more perfect union was yet to be faced. The consent of popularly elected state conventions was still required before the document could become effective.

Your task is to assume the identity of a state Ratification convention delegate and provide support for your position at your respective State Convention.

FOR YOUR POST....Read all directions before your begin

1. Pick a state -Click here for delegate biographies by State

2. Pick a delegate - Click here for delegates experiences. Scroll down to State Ratification Conventions

3. Pick a side Federalist or Anti-Federalist

4. Provide a quote or anecdote attributed to your delegate that supports the (his) position

5. First come, first serve... Once a state is represented by both a Federalist and Anti-Federalist quote, etc. The state is "off the board. "Translation - the quicker you respond the better chance you have of posting under the name of a prominent delegate.

6. You may uses outside websites or resources. Be sure to identify the source.

7. Make sure your post reflects the time period (1787-1788) Ex. Don't quote George Washington as the first President of the US, we need to ratify the document first.

Please post your response by Tuesday, October 24th by 9:00pm

Untrodden Ground

I want to applaud many of you for your honest reflections concerning weeks #1-5 in APUSH. I am happy that all you decided to push yourself into a more challenging course. Remember Day #1 in class we discussed how heart and brains are a potent combination, just like attitude (open-minded and positive) and aptitude (innate or acquired capacity for something). These will take you well beyond the challenges of this or any academic course.

What I took from the conversation:

You are struggling with time management and the heavy reading load compared to past social studies classes.
The reading load will remain constant, but I may tinker with how we publish and process the content. I will balance the text readings with supplemental excerpts and audio content from leading historians to help paint the picture :)

I also want to make sure the journal is a workable study tool, without being a bunch of guided reading questions you can not incorporate into discussions (in class or on-line). We will continue to work on this point.


Most of enjoy the Web 2.0 applications (Blogs, Podcasts, and Wikis) and are excited about using these tools.
I will continue to employ this tools as we "uncover" the curriculum. I think you all have adapted well to the web 2.0 environment (Web 2.0 - refers to second - generation of internet based services such as social networking sites, wikis, and other communication tools that let people collaborate and share information online in previously unavailable ways). Since we are walking on untrodden ground, our wiki and blog can go in some exciting directions.

Keep in mind our class (as a group or individually) will be producing several podcasts this academic year. I will begin posting show options after Santa comes so you can start thinking about the role you want to play in the production process. We are not going to get lost in the "tech" side of production. We will produce relevant, accurate, and articulate audio programming that will help you (and fellow AP students) master the content!!

Mr. H

October Reflections

Now that we have had a couple of weeks exploring the AP US History curriculum, please comment how you are handling the process.

Some things to consider:

What has been you biggest adjustment?

How are you navigating through all the print, digital, and multi-media resources that are available to you?

How has the outside reading prepared for mutliple choice and essay assesments?

Has the journal served as an effective study tool?

Thanks for joining the conversation.

MR. H

PS - Happy Homecoming weekend :)

Thomas Paine

We will start our class blog posts with a simple reflection/reaction to the Thomas Paine program that you listened to in preparation for class #13. Include reference to the following in your post:

Did you enjoy the format of the podcast?

Did you have any problems accessing the file?

Would you be interested in future content based podcast assignments?

Share one ancedote or fact about Thomas Paine that you found interesting