Understanding the Nuances of Law Creation In an innovative joint
venture program between eighth grade Humanities and twelfth
grade AP Government classes, students worked together in their
study of US government. The twelfth graders first assumed roles
of political party leaders and taught the eighth graders about
basic current political party stances and its influence in
creating bills. Then, during the eighth grade prep and during
their model senate simulation bill debates, the twelfth graders
assisted the eighth graders with the writing and or revision of
their bills. During the eighth grade model senate bill debates
to the class (on the "Senate Floor"), the seniors took the roles
of lobbyists and interest groups challenging and questioning the
eighth graders to understand the complexities and difficulties
in creating laws.