site navigation | sitemap | search

The Dirksen Congressional Center

Mock First Congress

This unit contains eight lessons that focus on major bills, amendments, and issues debated by the First Federal Congress (FFC). Most of the lessons are part of an ongoing simulation or, more specifically, mock Congress. The primary goal of the instructional activities is to help students understand some of the roles that Congress plays in our government as illustrated by some of the debates that took place at the First Federal Congress.

(see full Introduction to the Unit)

0
 

Lesson

Description

1

Rules of Debate

Students learn simplified rules of debate to follow during the mock Congress.
 

2

How Does Congress Represent Us?

Mock Congress – students debate theories of representation in the context of the Bill of Rights.
 

3

Tariff Bill

Mock Congress – students debate proposals to place "imposts" on imports.
 

4

Funding Bill

Mock Congress – students debate the plan to repay the national debt.
 

5

Removal Resolution

Mock Congress – Congress debates who has the power to remove executive officials.
 

6

Assumption Issue and Residence Bill

Mock Congress – students debate proposals to have the federal government assume state debts and to create a permanent capital. Opportunities for compromise await perceptive participants.
 

7

National Bank Bill

Mock Congress – students debate proposals to create a national bank when the power is not specifically granted in the Constitution.
 

8

Unit Review

Students complete a chart to review major decisions of the First Federal Congress and how they relate to the roles of Congress.