NOTE: This page is a repository for some of the more interesting, insightful, and applaudable comments and questions from my students. It will be updated frequently.
At the end of each class meeting this semester (fall 2017), I’m asking students to reflect on what they learned that day that was important or interesting, then to jot down any questions or curiosities they have. What continues to strike me about this exercise is how insightful, piercing, and straightforward some of these questions are. They suggest that those unfamiliar with the government can be enticed to care, if their curiosities are allowed to marinate.
Here are some of my favorites:
- I don’t know where the actual power in government comes from.
- Why was nothing done to Andrew Jackson when he went against the Supreme Court?
- Why is our government still so spineless and unimpactful about issues that don’t matter to the majority?
- Not a question, necessarily, but I’m interested in reading the Constitution. What does it say? It seems like something most people should know.
- How can the Constitution change laws?
- Why were the Federalist Papers written ONLY to the people of New York?
- What would be a good way for a president to get Congress to cooperate?
- Why do people always hate the president?
- Why are there no term limits with Supreme Court justices?
- How can the president choose to enforce or not enforce federal laws?
Last updated: Sept. 10, 2017