Examine the House vote on Bush's Iraq resolution

Overview: The House voted 296-133 to give President Bush the authority to launch a unilateral strike against Iraq. Have students consider why the House vote is politically significant and whether it is evidence of bipartisanship. Ask students to research how a "resolution" differs from a "bill," and why Bush's Iraq resolution doesn't need to go through the process of becoming a law.

Have students read the story "House Votes to Back Up the President" and answer the following questions:

1. What White House-backed measure did the House of Representatives vote on yesterday? By what margin did the House vote to approve President Bush's Iraq resolution? What new powers and responsibilities does Mr. Bush have under the new resolution? What are the implications of the resolution for the United Nations, Iraq, and the U.S.?

2. Refer students to multimedia resources, including their textbooks and the links below, to answer the following questions: What is a "resolution"? How does it differ from a "bill"? Why doesn't Bush's Iraq resolution need to go through the process of becoming a law?

3. Have students define the term "bipartisanship." Why is bipartisanship in Congress important? Why does the political composition of Congress pose challenges for Bush in terms of promoting his legislative priorities? Point out that the House voted 296-133 to approve Bush's Iraq resolution. Ask students: Why is this vote politically significant? Do you think this vote is evidence of bipartisanship? Discuss.