2024 Summer Institute to tackle allocation of power

The Missouri Bar citizenship education department will host its annual Summer Institute July 29-31, focusing on the theme of "Allocation of Power" within the U.S. Constitution. 

The program will bring together 36 Missouri teachers specializing in American history, government, and civics. 

"What we always seek to do at the Summer Institute is to take foundational constitutional concepts and examine how they function in the modern context," said Dr. Tony Simones, director of citizenship education. "We will continue that approach this year and focus on topics that matter to today’s students and tomorrow’s citizens and leaders." 

This year’s institute will delve into pressing issues like: 

- The evolving relationship between the federal government and states, with a particular focus on the recent immigration policy disputes at the Texas/Mexico border. 

- The U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Loper Bright v. Raimondo, which alters the Court's approach to reviewing regulations from administrative agencies.  

- The role of citizens in electing leaders and shaping policies established by law and the Constitution. 

Teachers will participate in interactive activities, including a mock congressional hearing and a role-playing exercise where they advise the president on a complex issue. Teachers are encouraged to incorporate these types of interactive activities into their classrooms when discussing topics with their students. 

Summer Institute aims to equip educators with the knowledge and resources to effectively teach these evolving concepts to their students, fostering a deeper understanding of the Constitution's role in modern American society. 

The Missouri Bar offers a variety of resources for teachers, including lesson plans and professional development. View the full list of resources here.