A cornerstone of governance in a representative republic is free and open debate within an agreed upon framework. In a legislative setting, this is accomplished through the application of parliamentary procedure, a set of rules used to govern debate and ensure different voices are heard.

One of the most common sets of rules for meeting management is called Robert’s Rules of Order. The following video offers a good synopsis of three of the most important motions in parliamentary procedure:

Source: Susan Leahy, 2010

Building on what we saw in the video, here is a chart that lists a few more of the basic motions in Robert’s Rules of Order.

Chart of Motions (Source: RobertsRules.org, 2020)

Comment:

Offer an observation on the ways in which a well-run meeting using parliamentary procedure provides opportunities for individuals on both sides of an issue to be heard in a debate.

In 1776, Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence, including its well-known words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of happiness.” The men who signed that document outlining the aspirations of our new country, could not have been unaware that their statements were anything but universal in application at that time. Across the span of history since then, however, their vision has gradually been realized as men and women fought for their rights in this ever-developing “more perfect Union.”

Here in Ohio, we pay tribute to trailblazers who represented the first of their race or gender to serve as members of the state Legislature. Special galleries located on the House side of the Statehouse are dedicated to the first African-American and women legislators elected to our state’s legislative branch. When we tour the Statehouse, we will visit the George Washington Williams Room and the Ladies’ Gallery. Please take a few minutes to take a look at the following websites that describe these rooms:

George Washington Williams Room (Source: WOSU)

http://www.ohiostatehouse.org/museum/george-washington-williams-room

Source: Ohio Statehouse, 2020

Ladies' Gallery (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

http://www.ohiostatehouse.org/museum/ladies-gallery

Source: Ohio Statehouse, 2020

Comment:

The United States of America is a dynamic representative republic that is built upon certain fundamental beliefs enshrined in our charter documents - the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Many of the changes that have been enacted to the Founders’ original documents have been fought for by trailblazers who stood up and challenged the status quo.

Please make a comment on what it means to have the freedom to call for such change, keeping in mind other forms of government still in existence today that do not allow dissent. Then, offer your thoughts on a policy or issue in America you believe still requires correction in order for us to realize the “more perfect Union” the Founders envisioned.

Update:

After reviewing the websites describing the special galleries at the Ohio Statehouse, select one of the African-American or women members highlighted and post an update for your peers that provides a biographical sketch of the individual and a few experiences or characteristics from their professional or personal lives you believe are worthy of emulation.

Nowadays, our country seems to be a deeply divided place in which people have burrowed into two political tribes unwilling or unable to agree on much of anything. In reality, the United States has experienced strong differences of opinion since the Federalists and Anti-Federalists formed during the debate over ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Watch the following video for a creative look at some of the contentious issues involved in that first major national dialogue on public policy, paying special attention to the compromises that resulted in ratification:

Source: Mineola Creative Content, 2019

Today, the news media, which itself seems divided largely into two camps, regularly presents the notion that nothing at all is being accomplished in government, a phenomenon often called gridlock. But there are a couple of additional considerations we need to take into account. First, the Founders created a constitutional system of checks and balances designed to protect the people from a government that could make rash decisions to limit their freedom. Second, it is important to realize that despite these built-in barriers to efficiency, important work continues to be accomplished in government through compromise.

Yet, important work is being done, particularly at the state level here in Ohio, where the vast majority of bills are passed with wide bipartisan support in both chambers of the Legislature. Compromise, tradeoffs, and “logrolling” (vote trading by legislators to gain support for policies of interest to both members) remain important elements of the legislative process.

The following video offers a good example of a legislative compromise in the Delaware General Assembly on the public policy issue of transportation funding:

Source: John Fluharty, 2015

Comment:

After watching the videos, make a comment on your thoughts about the role that compromise plays in the lawmaking process. Who are some Members of Congress you have seen in the news that you believe represent a good faith effort to work with members of the opposite political party to accomplish good public policy on everyone’s behalf?

Update:

Now it’s your turn. Provide an example of a compromise you have made, whether within your family or among friends. Or research and describe a compromise that has advanced a policy issue in your community or at the state/national level. What actions needed to be taken to achieve consensus or a result that the various parties involved could agree to?

One of the key traits embodied in the individuals who have served the Nation in uniform is determination, a steadfastness to complete the mission against all odds, even when its outcome seemed impossible. Less than six months after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the patriot army was in bad shape. Forced from New York by the British forces, it risked disintegration in a matter of weeks when the enlistments of many troops would expire.

In these bleak circumstances, General Washington relied upon Thomas Paine, who possessed a remarkable ability to move men with words. Two days before Christmas 1776, Paine published the following writing, which Washington ordered distributed to his troops:

https://www.ushistory.org/paine/crisis/c-01.htm

Source: Independence Hall Association, n.d.

Then on Christmas night, he proposed a daring sneak attack on the garrison of Hessian troops, mercenaries hired by the British crown to supplement their army, lodged at Trenton. To reach the objective, it would require a risky river crossing at three locations under cover of darkness in a snowstorm, followed by a lengthy march. Take a few minutes to read some of the key facts about this ambitious act by the father of our Nation:

https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/the-revolutionary-war/the-trenton-princeton-campaign/10-facts-about-washingtons-crossing-of-the-delaware-river/

Source: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 2020

"Washington’s Crossing at McKonkey’s Ferry" by Mort Künstler (Source: Washington Crossing Historical Park, 2019)

Although many elements of the operation went awry, the result was an unexpected, and much needed, victory for the Americans, which was soon followed by another patriot victory at Princeton, New Jersey. This succession of events, for which Washington exhibited incredible determination to carry out, saved the American forces to continue the revolution which would eventually lead to independence and the creation of a new country. The following video explains in greater detail the bold gamble General Washington made in order to carry out his plan:

Source: Crossroads of the American Revolution, 2017

Comment:

After considering the facts and watching the video on this military operation, what are your thoughts on General Washington’s decision? With almost every imaginable factor running against him in this scenario, how do you believe he overcame his doubts and lead his fellow patriots to victory in this encounter and the rest of the Revolution?

Update:

American history is full of other examples of leaders who prevailed over incredible odds through determination and faith. Research and provide an update on a government, military, or private sector leader – or perhaps even someone you know in your life – who has demonstrated willpower or fortitude to succeed in a challenging situation. Reflect on how this individual serves as an exemplar in your life when tough circumstances present themselves.

The experience of African-Americans in the Civil War is one that not only exemplified the courage of men serving in combat but that required the fortitude to overcome being turned away, being denied equal pay, and being exposed to greater peril than their white counterparts when captured by Confederate forces. The story of their perseverance is one that should be told with greater frequency when considering the war that tore apart the Nation less than a century after its birth. Take some time to review the resources at the following website:

https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/blacks-civil-war

Source: National Archives, 2017

The following video provides additional background on the impact of service by black soldiers in the Civil War:

Source: ColumbiaLearn, 2015

Comment:

Reflect on the experiences of the African-American solider in the Civil War. Post a comment on the political, military, and human factors that were considered by the country’s leadership, as well as the black men and women who stepped forward to serve the Nation in various ways. What are your thoughts on Frederick Douglass’ quote at the beginning of the National Archives article?

Update:

Identify another example of perseverance in American history when it comes to a group or class of individuals overcoming institutionalized discrimination. What lessons have we learned as a nation from these circumstances in our history? How do they continue to impact our culture today and what actions can be taken to ensure equal justice under law?

In reflecting on the sacrifice of the United States Marines who fought on the island of Iwo Jima in the winter of 1945, Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz observed, “Uncommon valor was a common virtue.” Valor is, indeed, a common characteristic exemplified by the men and women who have stepped forward to serve our country in uniform.

Consider the story of Sergeant Sylvester Antolak, a native of St. Clairsville, Ohio, whose actions on May 24, 1944, near Cisterna di Littoria, Italy, earned him the Medal of Honor, our Nation’s highest military decoration. Take a few moments to read the citation accompanying Sgt. Antolak’s award:

http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/2618/antolak-sylvester.php

Source: Congressional Medal of Honor Society, 2020

The following video provides a brief look at Sgt. Antolak’s acts of valor, which earned him our Nation’s highest military decoration:

Source: Ari, 2019

And this video offers some broader context on the Medal of Honor, which two of the more recent recipients from the Global War on Terror describe with the word “love” – a willingness to put yourself in harm’s way on behalf of others and a motivation not to hate the enemy but to love your brothers in arms.

Source: Netflix, 2018

Comment:

After reviewing this information and watching the videos, reflect on your thoughts about the meaning of valor and offer a comment for your peers to consider. How does the exemplification of valor relate to the citizenship elements of the program we experienced a few weeks ago? What are some of the ways in which a good citizen can behave in a valorous manner outside combat?

Update:

Identify and research another Medal of Honor recipient and provide an update on that individual. Include a biographical sketch as well as details of the specific actions for which the individual was awarded the Medal.