Southeast Polk High School AP US Government and Politics students took a tour of the Iowa state capitol recently. On the tour, they learned about the history of the capitol building as well as the history of the state of Iowa. Students were impressed by the amount of history in the state capitol, especially the meaning and importance behind every piece of art, including a set of mosaics showing the six pillars of government. Led by knowledgeable guides, they were able to see the chambers for both the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as the governor’s office. Additionally, they saw the old Supreme Court Chambers, the impressively beautiful 5-story Iowa Law Library, and go up into the Whispering Gallery at the top of the building. This was a highlight as it provided the opportunity to see the capitol from a completely different viewpoint.
During the tour, the students discussed many of the differences between state and federal government, which they had studied in class. They were also able to see the original Constitution for the State of Iowa!
It was a great opportunity that provided students with real-world connections to many of the things they learned about this semester in AP US Government and Politics.
