Teach kids how laws are made by creating a list of classroom rules the students want implemented. Divide the students into four groups to represent the Democrats and Republicans in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Select two students to debate in the House and two to debate in the Senate. Allow the students to vote after hearing the debates, just as in the judicial system. For added interest, invite another class to sit in on the debates in the lower level and ask for volunteers to testify in front of the class congress for the final debate.
There is much debate about school uniforms and whether school districts should incorporate a uniform dress code. Students generally have a strong opinion about the school dress code. Suggest the teams debate not only the pros and cons but the impact on the economy due to fewer name brand clothes sold and the increase in demand of certain clothing styles. Your students may want to discuss the issues of individualism and freedom of expression during the debate, as well.
With the arrival of e-book readers and budget cuts in schools, certain educational boards are replacing textbooks with an e-reader. The students can incorporate this change in educational practice to debate the "No Student Left Behind" policy. The pros and cons are many, from the cost of textbooks versus the initial investment of the readers or kids not having access to the same information at home. Limit the debate to laws that would help schools fund the purchase of either the books or the readers. Suggest the students prove their points only with information issued by the federal, state and local governments.
Involve your students in the local government issues by choosing a proposition on the upcoming local election. Ask supporters and those opposed to the proposition to speak to the class so each student can gain more insight into the issue. Suggest the speakers leave an email address or phone number of people involved with the issue, so that students can do their own fact finding. Offer a list of newspaper articles and online resources to the students that provide more information pertaining to the subject.