Topic: The 14th Amendment and the eligibility of former President Trump for the 2024 primary ballot
A judge in Cook County, Illinois, on Wednesday ruled that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, also known as the “insurrection clause,” bars former President Donald Trump from the 2024 Republican primary ballot.
The order overrules a January determination from the Illinois State Board of Elections that Trump could remain eligible.
Cook County Circuit Judge Tracie Porter placed an immediate stay on her decision until March 1 “in anticipation of an appeal to the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, or the Illinois Supreme Court.” Source: ABC News
- Warm-up Ask the students what they know about the 14th Amendment and its relevance to the current political situation in the US. Elicit some key terms and concepts, such as citizenship, due process, equal protection, insurrection, and disqualification.
- Reading: Give the students the article and ask them to read it carefully. Tell them to underline any unfamiliar words or phrases and to note down any questions they have about the content.
Read the article from ABC News: Illinois judge says 14th Amendment bars Trump from 2024 primary ballot
- Comprehension check Answer the comprehension questions below based on the article. Check the answers as a class and clarify any doubts or misunderstandings.
- Video Watch the video below and ans the students to pay attention to the historical and legal background of the 14th Amendment. Tell them to compare and contrast the video with the article and to identify any similarities or differences.
- DiscussionDivide the students into small groups and ask them to discuss the prompts on the worksheet. Encourage them to express their opinions and arguments, using evidence from the article and the video. Monitor and facilitate the discussion, providing feedback and correction as needed.
- Wrap-up Ask each group to share their main points and conclusions with the rest of the class. Summarize the main ideas and issues raised by the lesson and elicit any further comments or questions from the students.
Worksheet:
Comprehension questions:
- What is the main issue that the article reports on?
- What is the name of the judge who made the ruling in Illinois?
- What is the name of the section of the 14th Amendment that the judge cited?
- What is the main argument of the judge for applying the 14th Amendment to Trump?
- What are some of the counterarguments or challenges to the judge’s ruling?
- What are some of the other states that have similar lawsuits pending or decided?
- What is the role of the U.S. Supreme Court in resolving this dispute?
Discussion prompts:
- Do you agree or disagree with the judge’s ruling? Why or why not?
- How do you think the 14th Amendment should be interpreted and applied in the current context?
- What are some of the potential consequences or implications of barring Trump from the 2024 primary ballot?
- How do you think Trump and his supporters will react to the judge’s ruling and similar decisions in other states?
- How do you think this issue will affect the 2024 presidential election and the future of American democracy?
Aditional sources
- NBC News: An article from NBC News provides detailed information about the judge’s ruling and the legal basis for excluding Trump from the primary ballot. It also mentions similar rulings in other states and the ongoing debate over the application of the 14th Amendment to presidential eligibility. Read more.
- International Business Times (IBTimes): The IBTimes article reiterates the judge’s decision, emphasizing that the 14th Amendment prohibits Trump from participating in the primary ballot due to his actions related to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Read more.
