Nature of Government
Ideas for this unit borrowed from Elizabeth E. Heilman.
"Understanding and Teaching Core Democratic Concepts." Social Studies and Diversity Education: What We Do and Why We Do It. Ed. Elizabeth E. Heilman, Ramona Fruja. Amthor, and Matthew T. Missias. New York: Routledge, 2010. N. pag. Print.
"Understanding and Teaching Core Democratic Concepts." Social Studies and Diversity Education: What We Do and Why We Do It. Ed. Elizabeth E. Heilman, Ramona Fruja. Amthor, and Matthew T. Missias. New York: Routledge, 2010. N. pag. Print.
| Nature and Purpose.pptx |
Essential Questions:
Why is civics education important?
What is the purpose of government?
How do governments gain and maintain authority?
Do governments have a responsibility to ensure human rights?
Why is civics education important?
What is the purpose of government?
How do governments gain and maintain authority?
Do governments have a responsibility to ensure human rights?
LESSON: Political Philosophy
Imagine there was no preconceived idea of how governments should be run, who should rule, and what they should do for the people they govern. How would you want a government to be run?
Read the article below. Respond to the question, "Why do we need political philosophy?"
Imagine there was no preconceived idea of how governments should be run, who should rule, and what they should do for the people they govern. How would you want a government to be run?
Read the article below. Respond to the question, "Why do we need political philosophy?"
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LESSON: Authority
In class discussion considering the question, Why do we submit to authority? Read the article below. Complete a KIM Card to demonstrate your understanding. Then, create a Vocabulary Card for "Political Authority" using the template organizer. |
Political Authority
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LESSON: Political Philosophers
Consider what you read in the previous lesson about political philosophers. Read articles about the political theories of the worlds most referred to philosophers (whose theories were used to form our own government). What do each of these philosophers think is the purpose of government? |
Plato
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LESSON: Functions of Government
Each political philosopher has a perspective on the purpose of government. Today, there are five commonly accepted functions (or purposes) of government:
Read chapter 1 section 1 of textbook (p.6-13) and respond to the question, "Which function of government is most important and why?" Complete the graphic organizer below and use evidence to support your claims.
Each political philosopher has a perspective on the purpose of government. Today, there are five commonly accepted functions (or purposes) of government:
- Ensure national security (defense)
- Maintain order (police)
- Resolve conflict (courts)
- Provide services (highways, snow plowing roads, welfare, schools, jail, rehab, food stamps, PBS)
- Provide for the public good
Read chapter 1 section 1 of textbook (p.6-13) and respond to the question, "Which function of government is most important and why?" Complete the graphic organizer below and use evidence to support your claims.
| Functions of Government.pdf |
LESSON: Human Rights
Compare and contrast the various documents on human rights using a Venn Diagram.
Examine the human rights not considered in the U.S. Bill of Rights. Are there any you feel should be included? Why or why not? Explain your rationale for each.
Compare and contrast the various documents on human rights using a Venn Diagram.
- FDR's Proposal for the Second Bill of Rights
- UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- US's Bill of Rights
- New Hampshire State Bill of Rights
Examine the human rights not considered in the U.S. Bill of Rights. Are there any you feel should be included? Why or why not? Explain your rationale for each.
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LESSON: Forms of Government
Which form of government is most effective in ensuring the rights of citizens?
BLUE Full presidential republics.
GREEN Republics with an executive president dependent on a parliament. YELLOW Semi-presidential republics. ORANGE Parliamentary republics. RED Parliamentary constitutional monarchies in which the monarch does not personally exercise power. PURPLE Parliamentary constitutional monarchies in which the monarch personally exercises power (often alongside a weak parliament). PURPLE Absolute monarchies. BROWN Single-party republics. GREEN Countries in which constitutional provisions for government have been suspended (e.g. Military dictatorships) GREY Countries which do not fit any of the above systems. | ||
Need Extra Help?
Similarities and Differences between Types of Democracy
Similarities and Differences between Communism and Socialism
Similarities and Differences between Types of Democracy
Similarities and Differences between Communism and Socialism
Competency
Essay: Which form of government is most effective in ensuring the rights of its citizens?
- Dissect the above question. What does effective mean to you? Which rights are the most important to protect? You can use your explanation of government effectiveness as your introduction.
- Choose which form of government you feel is most effective in meeting your definition of effectiveness. Make sure you choose a system that will stay effective regardless of who is in leadership positions.
- Research three reasons why this is the most effective form of government.
- Consider counter arguments. Why is this form more effective than that form?
- Summarize your main points.
TEST: Nature and Purpose
Below are some sample questions that could be on the test.
Below are some sample questions that could be on the test.
- What are the similarities and differences between Aristotle and Marx’ theories on the purpose of government?
- What are the similarities and differences between communism and socialism?
- Are the United States a true democracy? Why or why not?
- Why do people submit to government authority? Use evidence from class discussion to support your claims.
- Iran’s government is a theocracy. What potential problems could this present in the United States’ relationship with that country? Name at least two.
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