Where can you find references to make a speech for government class more interesting?

In President Washington’s Farewell Address he made it clear, for all and future presidents: "Observe good faith and justice towards all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all. -Religion and Morality enjoin this conduct; and can it be that good policy does not equally enjoin it?"

President Washington’s Farewell Address, September 17th, 1796, in Marvin Meyers, eds., et al., Sources of the American Republic: A Documentary History of Politics, Society, and Thought; rev.ed., (Glenview, Ill: Scott Foresman and Co., 1967), Vol. 1 doc. # 64, 202.

,

Answer

When I give a speech (in your case, presenting a class) I like to throw "curve balls." I would suggest that you read the Constitution (shouldn't take more than a couple of hours.) Then go through the Bill of Rights (another ten minutes?) Focus on the Tenth Amendment in the Bill of Rights which basically states that "if it ain't in the Constitution, the Federal Government needs to keep its hands off." Then go through the list of functions the FedGovt is involved in for which they have no authority. Some of these include Dept of Labor, Dept of Education, Health and Human Services, Dept of Veterans Affairs, etc. The topic "Government at work" can be presented as "Government doing things it shouldn't be doing and spending far more money than it is legally entitled to."

Answer

I would recommend reading the U.S. Constitution. It shouldn't take more that a couple of hours. Then read the Bill of Rights (the first ten amendments to the Constitution). Pay particular attention to the Tenth Amendment which basically says that the Constitution describes what the Federal Government is allowed to do. If the Constitution does not give particular authority or responsibilities to the Federal Government, these belong to the States or the People. Then consider the many things the Federal Government is involved in that it has no authority to do. Some of these include Department of Labor, Department of Education, Veteran's Administration, Social Security, Health and Human Services, etc. Should be interesting when your speech indicates that the work being done by the Federal Government is often illegal.

First answer by Nancy Hale. Last edit by Polalor. Contributor trust: 61 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 174 [recommend question]