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CIVIL GOVERNMENT- NOVEMBER, 2025
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HOW TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN COLORADO, INCLUDING PRE-REGISTRATION. ESSENTIAL FILES: INTERACTIVE CONSTITUTION, SIMPLE ENGLISH CONSTITUTION. |
| DATE |
Information/Activities/Projects and Assignments |
FRIDAY
11/21/25 |

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BELLRINGER: FIRST, we do a quick preview of the upcoming RIGHTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE. This is a very long and difficult test. You want to study for it, as it will be CLOSED NOTEBOOK. Unless you don't want to take it at all and still receive a 100 percent grade, in which case you might be interested in hearing about...
We get to play a game- "Do I have the Right?- Bill of Rights Edition." (instructions are below)! Awesome! Oh, and the person with the highest score on this game will BE EXEMPT FROM THE REALLY DIFFICULT UPCOMING RIGHTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL EXAM! |
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FOR TODAY: We get to play a game! All students should be working on the following in class today:
- To begin some preparation for our upcoming exam regarding the Rights of the Citizen, which is coming soon, I would like students to head to ed.iCivics.org. Click on LOG IN in the upper right corner. Your usernames and passwords are listed below. Sorry, but your account name will be your last name. My fault.
- Once you are logged in, click on CLASSES. Notice that you have a GAME ASSIGNMENT, due the Wednesday after Thanksgiving, to play a complete game of "Do I have the Right?- Bill of Rights Edition." MAKE SURE YOU COMPETE IN BILL OF RIGHTS EDITION MODE! You might want to get out your Bill of Rights notes for this game, you might need them!
- The game will SAVE each day (you play through seven days) and will pick up where you left off when you log back in.
- This game will get students reviewing Bill of Rights concepts and issues. It is a "play by yourself" game, in which you get a final score at the end of your rounds.
- THE HIGHEST SCORE FOR THIS GAME WILL BE EXEMPT FROM THE UPCOMING RIGHTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL EXAM and will receive an automatic 100 percent on that test. (Hopefully, that will give you some incentive do take the game seriously and do well.) You are allowed to play the game as many times as you wish!
- If you decide to complete the game a number of times to receive a higher score, you will need to send me a screen shot of your highest score, as I can only see your FIRST score on my classroom assignment sheet!
- IF STUDENTS ARE NOT TAKING THIS SERIOUSLY, WE WILL COMPLETELY CANCEL THE GAME AND THE CHANCE FOR AN EXAM EXEMPTION AND WE WILL JUST WORK ON THE 14TH AMENDMENT CASE STUDIES, INSTEAD.
- BELOW ARE YOUR LOGIN NAMES (mine is Regional Protestor 536) Your password is HuskiesCG
- Class Code: Jay82176
- Amos, Skyler : Orange Justice 3l2z
- Bailey, Lillian : Scarlet President 5y8s
- Ball, Annora : Emerald Plaintiff 7z9u
- Becerra Torres, Alex : Pine Researcher a7f3
- Burkhard, Mr.: Regional Protestor 536
- Falagrady, Noah : Ruby Senator n9k8
- Nelson, Cole : Grape Politician 9q2e
- Ornelas Rascon, Carlos : Crimson Representative h2x2
- Rodriguez Loma, Adamary : Silver Chef n0r2
- Rojas Rincon, Sebastian : Country Reporter 7w0l
- Ruiz De Leon, Viviana : Mustard Plaintiff y7h2
- Usery, Noah : Village Representative 3e8a
- Whiting, Chloe : Chrome Politician u1z0
DUE After Thanksgiving Break:
14th Amendment Case Studies: We will be reviewing two landmark cases regarding the 14th Amendment, the first being Plessy v. Ferguson, the second being Mendez v. Westmnster School District. Review the cases in the links below and answer the questions, using complete sentences and proper grammar.
- 14th Amendment Case Study- Plessy v. Ferguson: Regular Reading version, including Supreme Court Decision Summaries.
- 14th Amendment Case Study 2- Mendez v. Westminster School District (1946)- Here is the link to the NPR story regarding the case. Refer to it as needed to answer the questions of the Case Study.
RIGHTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL EXAM WILL BE AT THE END OF THE FIRST WEEK BACK FROM BREAK.
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WEDNESDAY
11/19/25 |

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BELLRINGER: Let's think about the 14th Amendment. Wait, we haven't discussed that yet. Oh, well. Answer these questions anyway: "THE FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT THINKING SHEET." By the way- This should take you about 5-10 minutes, NOT 45 minutes. Get it done and move on to the 8th Amendment Case Studies. |
FIRST HALF OF CLASS- EIGHTH AMENDMENT CASE STUDIES: These are due TODAY.
SECOND HALF OF CLASS- MORE LEARNING: The 9th, 10th and 14th Amendments.
14th Amendment Case Studies: We will be reviewing two landmark cases regarding the 14th Amendment, the first being Plessy v. Ferguson, the second being Mendez v. Westmnster School District. Review the cases in the links below and answer the questions, using complete sentences and proper grammar.
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MONDAY
11/17/25 |
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FRIDAY
11/14/25 |
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| 11/12/25 |
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| 11/10/25 |

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BELLRINGER: What about the case BEFORE Gideon v. Wainwright? We consider and complete the LAWYERS FOR CRIMINALS THINKING SHEET. |
FOR TODAY:
CASE STUDY TWO: We begin work on the SIXTH AMENDMENT CASE STUDY- GIDEON V. WAINWRIGHT. FOR THIS CASE STUDY (PLEASE NOTE- The movie that you will be watching, Gideon's Trumpet, contains exact courtroom testimony, as recorded in the courtroom by the court reporter):
- PART ONE: Case Background Summary and movie review.
- PART TWO: Review of movie BEFORE Supreme Court decision, Review of move AFTER Supreme Court decisions,
- PART THREE: Analysis of the Supreme Court Ruling in the case.
- PART FOUR: Analysis of Political Cartoon. Review the cartoon and answer the questions. RESEARCH as needed to answer questions!
- PART FIVE: Reflection regarding the case and the "Rights of the Accused." This should be a critical thinking exercise with a well-thought out response!
- THIS WILL ALSO BE A 50 POINT ASSIGNMENT.
VIDEO LINKS FOR GIDEON'S TRUMPET VIDEO:
IF WE HAVE TIME: We survey our knowledge of the 8TH AMENDMENT.
ADDITIONAL LEARNING MATERIALS: The SEVENTH and EIGHTH AMENDMENT.
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11/7/25
CLASS SUMMARY |

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BELLRINGER: Time to analyze THE landmark case of the SIXTH AMENDMENT. Let's start by completing the HISTORIC DOCUMENT ANALYSIS. You will have 20 minutes to analyze this document and answer the questions!
If it helps, you can work with a partner for this.
Please do not use online resources or AI models for this exercise!
The partnership that gives the BEST set of answers to the two EXTRA CREDIT QUESTIONS will be awarded 25 extra credit points each!
Here is a link to the starting document, in case you need it. |
FOR TODAY:
CASE STUDY TWO: We begin work on the SIXTH AMENDMENT CASE STUDY- GIDEON V. WAINWRIGHT. FOR THIS CASE STUDY (PLEASE NOTE- The movie that you will be watching, Gideon's Trumpet, contains exact courtroom testimony, as recorded in the courtroom by the court reporter):
- PART ONE: Case Background Summary and movie review.
- PART TWO: Review of movie BEFORE Supreme Court decision, Review of move AFTER Supreme Court decisions,
- PART THREE: Analysis of the Supreme Court Ruling in the case.
- PART FOUR: Analysis of Political Cartoon. Review the cartoon and answer the questions. RESEARCH as needed to answer questions!
- PART FIVE: Reflection regarding the case and the "Rights of the Accused." This should be a critical thinking exercise with a well-thought out response!
- THIS WILL ALSO BE A 50 POINT ASSIGNMENT.
VIDEO LINKS FOR GIDEON'S TRUMPET VIDEO:
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11/5/25
CLASS SUMMARY |

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BELLRINGER: None for today, we have too much actual work to do. Please work on the TWO CASE STUDIES below. |
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11/3/25
CLASS SUMMARY |
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10/31/25
CLASS SUMMARY |

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BELLRINGER: At the start of class, please complete the FOURTH AMENDMENT QUIZ, because we REALLY need to get our grades up! You may use your notes, but I do not want you looking up information on the internet or with AI, that will be considered cheating. |
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10/29/25
CLASS SUMMARY |

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BELLRINGER: None for today, please meet me at the BIG TIV, bring your notebook, we have lots of 4th Amendment issues to discuss. We review the OZTURK CASE THINKING SHEET. |
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10/27/25
CLASS SUMMARY |

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BELLRINGER: None for today, please meet me at the BIG TIV, bring your notebook, we have lots of 4th Amendment issues to discuss. |
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| 10/24/2025 |

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BELLRINGER: None for today, please meet me at the BIG TIV, bring your notebook, you will absolutely need to take some notes today. |
FOR TODAY: THIRD AND FOURTH AMENDMENT LEARNING MATERIALS: We will be reviewing THE FOURTH AMENDMENT and EXCEPTIONS!
WHEN WE HAVE COMPLETED THESE VIDEOS: Reflect upon the Mapp v. Ohio case by answering the questions in The "MAPP V. OHIO" Thinking Sheet. This is a little more involved than the typical Bellringer and I would like evidence of thought and effort on these answers.
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| 10/22/2025 |

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BELLRINGER: Let's preview our next unit by completing the ICE Agents THINKING SHEET. |
FOR TODAY:
FIRST HALF OF CLASS- WORK TIME ON THE SECOND AMENDMENT POLITICAL CARTOON ANALYSIS PROJECT.
SECOND HALF OF CLASS- THIRD AND FOURTH AMENDMENT LEARNING MATERIALS: We will be reviewing THE FOURTH AMENDMENT and EXCEPTIONS!
WHEN WE HAVE COMPLETED THESE VIDEOS: Reflect upon the Mapp v. Ohio case by answering the questions in The "MAPP V. OHIO" Thinking Sheet. This is a little more involved than the typical Bellringer and I would like evidence of thought and effort on these answers.
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| 10/20/2025 |

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BELLRINGER: None for today. Please meet me at the BIG TIV. Bring your notebooks, we have some completely new information to learn by reviewing POLITICAL CARTOONS AND THEIR MEANING, TAKE NOTES, you will absolutely need this information on your SECOND AMENDMENT PROJECT. |
DUE ON THURSDAY: THE SECOND AMENDMENT POLITICAL CARTOON ANALYSIS PROJECT.
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10/7/2025 |
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10/2/25 |
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9/30/25 |

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BELLRINGER: We had our FIRST AMENDMENT EXAM TODAY. |
WORK DAY: ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSE CASE STUDIES, due on FRIDAY, worth 75 points, because there are SO many cases and questions!:
STUDYING GUIDE FOR THE TEST ON THURSDAY:
- Be familiar with all parts of the First Amendment.
- Know all First Amendment "Tests" such as the Miller Test, the Lemon Test, the Coercion Test, etc.
- Be familiar with ALL of the case studies that we have reviewed so far this semester- Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Assembly and Association and Establishment Clause Case Studies.
- Know ALL definitions, such as "Heckler's Veto," "Fighting Words," "Obscenity," "Libel," etc.
- Here are the slide shows for the First Amendment Lectures we have had this semester:
PLEASE NOTE: TODAY IS A WORK DAY REGARDING ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSE CASE STUDIES AND REVIEW FOR OUR UPCOMING EXAM. IF STUDENTS ARE NOT WORKING, WE WILL HAVE THE EXAM TODAY.
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9/25/25 |

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BELLRINGER: We discuss an ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSE GROUP CASE STUDY: As a class group, we will be completing analysis of the CHURCH OF THE FLYING SPAGHETTI MONSTER Warm-up Case Study Please note that this is an official WRITING ASSIGNMENT and will be a 25 point grade in the gradebook. |
FOR TODAY: ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSE CASE STUDIES:
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9/23/25 |

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BELLRINGER: None for today, we have too much to discuss. Bring your notebooks up to the BIG TIV! |
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9/19/25
CLASS
SUMMARY
(coming soon) |
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9/17/25
CLASS
SUMMARY
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9/15/25
CLASS
SUMMARY |
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FRI
9/12
CLASS SUMMARY
(COMING SOON) |

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BELLRINGER: First thing, Mr. Burkhard is out sick today. This does not mean we won't have presentations! Each student will be presenting their information on their specific case, as outlined below. My substitute will grade these for me based on your discussion of the FOUR MAIN PARTS OF THE CASE:
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DESCRIPTION OF THE MAJOR PLAYERS in the original event: Names, positions, school districts, states, etc.
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DATE and DESCRIPTION of the actions and repercussions (student suspended, expelled, etc.) that started the Court Case in question.
- DATES and OUTCOMES of the Supreme Court case pertaining to the event (in other words, summarize the OPINIONS of the case.)
- DISCUSSION OF the effect of the opinion on the rights of the modern student.
Here is the list of presenters and cases:
| Student |
Case Assignment |
| Skyler |
Engel v. Vitale (1962) |
| Lilly |
New Jersey v. T.L.O. (1985) |
| Annora |
Mahanoy Area School District v. B. L. (2021) |
| Alex |
West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette (1943) |
| Noah F. |
Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969) |
| Cole |
Student’s Choice |
| Carlos |
Kennedy v. Bremerton School District (2022) |
| Adamary |
Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier (1988) |
| Sebastian |
Bethel School District No. 403 v. Fraser (1986) |
| Viviana |
Morse v. Frederick (2007) |
| Noah U. |
Student’s Choice |
| Chloe |
Student’s Choice |
IF YOU BROUGHT AN EDIBLE PRESENTATION, PLEASE SEND MR. BURKHARD A PHOTO OF YOUR EDIBLE PRESENTATION, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE EXTRA CREDIT. |
FOR TODAY: After the presentations, students will begin work on our first case study assignment/project: The Freedom of Speech Case Studies. You may work in small groups of 1 or 2, but each person must answer with their own UNIQUE answers. I need to see thoughtful and thorough answers to EACH question to receive credit. Due on Monday, September 15th, grading on Wednesday, September 17th. Work not submitted at the time of grading will be given a ZERO.
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WED
9/10
CLASS SUMMARY
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MON
9/8
CLASS SUMMARY
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BELLRINGER: Do school districts ever deny the rights of students? Let's analyze a case: Complete the WONDER WOMAN LUNCH BOX THINKING SHEET. |

WORK DAY:"The Rights of the Student Project". Use today to research the cases, outline the major players, what happened in each situation, what the court said and how this effects YOU as a student. You should also plan how to present this, especially if you are looking for extra credit using the GLAZE RULE! |
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FRI
9/5
CLASS SUMMARY |
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WED
9/3
CLASS SUMMARY
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BELLRINGER: It's TEST DAY! YAY!
You may use your NOTES on the test, but NO OTHER MATERIALS. Here is the UNIT ONE EXAM- THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM AND POLITICAL PARTIES. You have until lunchtime for this test. |
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FOR TODAY- Please complete your UNIT ONE EXAM. You have the first half of class to complete this.
I would like students to finish this before lunch, so that we can start discussing VOTING IN AMERICA. |
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FRI
8/29
CLASS SUMMARY |
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BELLRINGER: None for today, we have too much to cover. Please get out your notebook. Lots of notes today! |
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FOR TODAY:
For the FIRST half of class, we will finish discussing FINANCING GOVERNMENT. If you are not mad at the end of this lecture, you are not paying attention!
SECOND half of class: We discuss Mr. B.'s Introduction to Political Parties Slide Show.
On WEDNESDAY NEXT WEEK, there will be an EXAM in this class. You may use your notes. You need to be able to demonstrate understanding of all of the information on THIS STUDY GUIDE SHEET. Please work on this so that you are ready for your test when it comes! |
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WED
8/27
CLASS SUMMARY |
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8/22
CLASS SUMMARY |
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WED
8/20
CLASS SUMMARY
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MON
8/18
CLASS SUMMARY
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- BELLRINGER: Time for a QUIZ! Yay! We can prove that we learned last week! Please complete the MONDAY POLITICAL SPECTRUM QUIZ. Please make sure that you complete the LAST QUESTION, it is worth 10 of the 30 points for this quiz. It is possible that this quiz takes up much of the class period.
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FOR TODAY: We begin to review the Liberal/Conservative Chart Assignment. Please note that you will be demonstrating your NOTES to Mr. B. for a 25 point assignment score. Mr. Baker assures me that this is now open for students!
OUR NEW ASSIGNMENT: THE CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS GRAPHIC PROJECT. |
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FRI 8/15
CLASS SUMMARY- 8/15/25
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TUE 8/13
CLASS SUMMARY- 8/13/25
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