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Lesson · Point-Counterpoint

Point Counterpoint: Federalism in the 21st Century

Guiding question

How can opposing viewpoints be critically evaluated to inform understanding?

Grade
9–12
Published
Jul 30, 2025
American flag waving in front of a classical building with columns. Black and white image.
Is American federalism an outdated principle that is ineffective in solving twenty-first century problems?

Virtues

Moderation, Humility

Objectives 

  • I can summarize, compare, and evaluate two claims.

Directions: Complete the graphic organizer as you read the point and counterpoint essays.

Point

The Issue on the Table

Counterpoint

Summarize in your own words:

 

 

Select and record the sentence(s) that best demonstrate the point of view of this claim:

Summarize in your own words:

 

 

Select and record the sentence(s) that best demonstrate the point of view of this claim:

Lesson Components

ActivityGovernment and Politics Point-Counterpoint Graphic Organizer

Critically analyze two opposing claims on a given topic by summarizing their core arguments, comparing their key points of divergence, and evaluating their strengths and weaknesses.

EssayFederalism: A Prop, Not a Principle Point-Counterpoint

Is American federalism an outdated principle that is ineffective in solving twenty-first century problems?

EssayFederalism: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Point-Counterpoint

Is American federalism an outdated principle that is ineffective in solving twenty-first century problems?

Scholarly Claim Essays + Student Activity

Text excerpt from an article titled "Federalism: A Prop, Not a Principle" discussing American federalism.
EssayFederalism: A Prop, Not a Principle Point-Counterpoint

Is American federalism an outdated principle that is ineffective in solving twenty-first century problems?

Text excerpt from an article titled "Federalism: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" by Clyde Wilcox.
EssayFederalism: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Point-Counterpoint

Is American federalism an outdated principle that is ineffective in solving twenty-first century problems?

Graphic organizer for comparing point-counterpoint essays with space for summarizing viewpoints and key sentences.
ActivityGovernment and Politics Point-Counterpoint Graphic Organizer

Critically analyze two opposing claims on a given topic by summarizing their core arguments, comparing their key points of divergence, and evaluating their strengths and weaknesses.

Lesson plan

    • Compare the two arguments. To what extent do these claims support or oppose each other?
    • Which argument do you find more convincing? Explain what led you to this point of view.
    • What questions are you left with, or what other relevant details could you add to either claim?

Standards

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