The Battle of the Cake

     Our country has fought many battles since becoming a free nation. We have fought for our freedom, fought over land, and fought for justice. We are a determined people with a fierce resolve to expand and grow in knowledge, acquire new territories, and design our future. Our desire to expand is clearly demonstrated through the Lewis & Clark expedition. After purchasing the Louisiana Territory, Thomas Jefferson had an ambitious desire to discover uncharted land from the American interior to the Pacific Northwest. Jefferson allocated $2,500.00 for Lewis & Clark's expedition into the lands west of the Mississippi River.  Through harsh winters, dangerous waters, hunger, illness, injury, and fatigue, Lewis & Clark braved their way across rough terrain, along with their team, to discover and chart uncharted territory. This journey took over 2 years and inspired others to follow in their footsteps and create great interest in the new region. They opened the doors for America to expand.

     We also fought for justice. In the Marbury V. Madison case, William Marbury fought for his right to acquire his commission as justice of the peace for the District of Columbia, appointed to him by Thomas Jefferson. When James Madison assumed his role as President, he refused to deliver the commission to Marbury. Marbury brought a lawsuit before the Supreme Court in an attempt to force President Madison to deliver his commission. Chief Justice John Marshall declared the position rightfully his but was unwilling to issue a Writ of Mandamus to Madison. He claimed it was unconstitutional. It was through this case that the Supreme Court announced for the first time that a court may declare an act of Congress void if it is inconsistent with the Constitution. Today, the Supreme Court is hearing a case on religious liberty. At the center of the case is Jack Phillips, who owns a bakery called Masterpiece Cakeshop in Colorado. In 2012, he refused to make a cake to honor a couple's same-sex marriage, citing his religious beliefs. Lower courts ruled in favor of the couple, citing a state anti -discrimination law. Now the Supreme Court will determine the outcome of the "Battle of the Cake". 

     This week we will be reading about our nation's "Growing Pains." Be sure to take notes!  

Here is your homework for the week:
1. Complete Bible study reading and answer questions from each lesson and write the memory verse (Proverbs 14:32-35).  
2. American Voices: excerpts from the Monroe Doctrine.
3. Take notes for your Timeline. 

4. Optional: start reading Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass for extra credit.
5. Optional: Complete 2-3 paragraph paper on Narrative of the life of David Crockett for extra credit.

Thank you for another great week of discussions! I love hearing your thoughts on our nation's past and current problems. There is so much to discuss right now! I am also extremely happy to have two new friends joining our class. Jake and Grace were a wonderful addition to our group, and I can't wait to get to know them better through our discussion time which is pretty much the whole class time😆😆

Have a great week!