January Journeyman Class

January Journeyman Class

“What is the answer to the dilemma that surrounds us?  The answer is to love our Founders, our country, our founding document, and the God that gave them to us.  We must teach that love to our children, pray for our leaders and plead for help.  The answer is to get involved.” 

- Pam Openshaw, author of “Promises of the Constitution”

Study/Learn

1 – Read: “Promises of the Constitution.”  Chapters 8 & 10.  Write one or more sentences at the end of each mini chapter that summarizes the main point.  Find one or more principles in each of the chapters.  Rewrite it in the "if, then" format and come to class prepared to share it.  You can look here for information on finding principles.

2 - Read "The Divinely Inspired Constitution" by Elder Dallin H. Oaks.    Print out the article, and as you read mark principles of your personal responsibilities to the Constitution.


Know/Understand

Choose 1 of the following:

• In chapter 10.3 of "Promises of the Constitution" we read about the way the Electoral College was set up by the Founders.  Imagine that you have been chosen as an elector and must select two people to nominate for president of the United States.  Write at least 1 paragraph explaining at least three characteristics you are looking for in a good president.  Why are these characteristics important to you?  

• In chapter 10.8 we read about the steps that have to be taken to amend (change, alter or add to) the Constitution.  Change can be good - but what happens is there is too much change? Describe what your life would be like if you moved to a new house every month, or if you got new parents every year, or if the days of the week changed around frequently.  Choose one of these situation, or come up with one of your own, and explain in at least 1 paragraph the negative effects of this change.  How uncertain would life be with these unnecessary changes? How does this apply to changes made to the Constitution?  Is the Constitution strengthened or weakened when tampered with too much?

• In order to expect the leaders of our nation to be responsible in their spending, we as citizens, must also be responsible with our personal spending.  Prepare a FHE for your family on responsible money management.  You can find quite a few resources at LDS.org if you search for "money management".  You can also use any other resourced you find.  Be prepared to teach the class a short FHE on what you presented to your family.

Become/Serve

In the article by Elder Oaks, we read a quote by Adlai Stevenson:

“What do we mean by patriotism in the context of our times? … A patriotism that puts country ahead of self; a patriotism which is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.”

Look through quotes about our country's Constitution and find one that you love, that inspires patriotism in you.  Print it on a paper, decorate it and make it pleasing to look at.  Post it in your room where you will see it often to remind you what an amazing, God-inspired country we have.