Structure of Government
Ideas for this unit borrowed from Barbara Slater Stern, Jim Hogan, and the National Archives.
"Those Pesky Little Words." 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.
"Those Pesky Little Words." 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.
Essential Questions:
Does the constitution ensure a peoples authority?
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?
In what ways are the main ideas within the Constitution still issues today?
Is it in the government interest to mediate between two equally supported groups (the majority and the minority)? Or, does the government have an interest in maintaining the distribution of power in the hands of the majority?
Does the constitution ensure a peoples authority?
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?
In what ways are the main ideas within the Constitution still issues today?
Is it in the government interest to mediate between two equally supported groups (the majority and the minority)? Or, does the government have an interest in maintaining the distribution of power in the hands of the majority?
History of the U.S. System
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Essential Questions:
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? Objectives: To assess the failure of the Articles of Confederation and success of the Constitution. |
LESSON: Articles of Confederation
In class we will discuss the failure of the Articles. Take notes on Ms. Eckert's presentation. Read the article below, then respond to the question, "How did the Articles of Confederation fail?" LESSON: Vocabulary
Complete a vocabulary card for each term below. |
| Articles of Confederation.pdf |
| Vocabulary Card.docx |
The Structure of the U.S. Constitution
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Essential Questions:
Does the Constitution ensure a peoples authority? In what ways are the main ideas within the Constitution still issues today? Is it in the government interest to mediate between two equally supported groups (the majority and the minority)? Or, does the government have an interest in maintaining the distribution of power in the hands of the majority? Objectives: To dissect the meaning and values within the Constitution. To evaluate the meaning behind the Constitution and assess the still relevant issues within it. |
LESSON: Core Democratic Values
Examine the text below. We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. Consider: What is the purpose of the Preamble to the Constitution?
Create a vocabulary card for each of the values we discuss. If you need help defining them, click on the Core Democratic Values.
LESSON: Mapping the Constitution
The six Big Ideas in the Constitution:
Choose an idea to explore more in depth. Examine the Constitution to identify two examples of your Big Idea in action (quotes from the text). Rephrase the quote in your own words to hone in on its meaning. There will be multiple correct answers for each Big Idea. Each group/person will share their examples with the class. Use the Outlining the Six Big Ideas document. Example: Separation of Powers-Article II, Section 2, clause 2 says that the Executive "shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur." This means that two branches, the President and Congress (the Senate), have to agree before a treaty goes into effect.
LESSON: Success of the Constitution
Read the article below then respond to the question, "Why was the Constitution successful?"
LESSON: Basic Structure of the U.S. System
In class we will examine the basic structure of the U.S. system of government. We will look at the following elements of our governments structure and broaden our understanding of their powers and restrictions.
Take notes on Ms. Eckert's STRUCTURE PREZI by Clicking Here. Ms. Eckert will provide handouts of the following diagrams. Examine these documents to reinforce your learning. Participate in the in-class games to support your understanding of these concepts. PROJECT: Choose from one of the research questions below and create a poster to represent your learning. Determine whether this aspect of our government meets the needs of a broad base of people. Respond to the question, "Does this way of organizing ensure a people's authority?"
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FederalismThis inquiry leads students through an investigation of the perennial power struggle between federal and state governments to legislate. By investigating the compelling question “Who has the power?” students will consider the role of state government in initiating the best legislation for its citizens, even in cases where state law conflicts with federal law. In investigating evidence from historic and contemporary sources, students develop an interpretation of federalism and begin to evaluate both the historic and contemporary arguments and issues that are, in the words of Chief Justice John Marshall, “perpetually arising, and will probably continue to arise, as long as our system shall exist.”
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Great CompromiseThis inquiry leads students through an investigation of the Great Compromise using various sources related to its adoption. The Great Compromise was the pivotal breakthrough of the 1787 Constitutional Convention. Originally formed to revise the weak Articles of Confederation, the convention quickly took on the massive task of designing a new federal government. While the work of the convention occurred quickly, May 25 to September 17, 1787, it was not without considerable debate, disagreement, and compromise. The July 16th “Great Compromise” on the Connecticut Plan regarding the structure of the government was perhaps the most consequential compromise. By investigating the compelling question, students examine the structure of government under the Articles of Confederation, investigate two proposals (Virginia and New Jersey plans) for a new arrangement, and analyze the role of the Connecticut Plan and the Great Compromise in the development of the United States Constitution. By completing this inquiry, students will begin to understand the importance of compromise in democracies.
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ConstitutionThe goal of this inquiry is for students to gain an informed, critical perspective on the United States Constitution as it stood at the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention of 1787. By investigating the justness of the Constitution, students examine how the Constitution structures the government, the Constitution’s relationship to slavery, and the extent to which the amendment process makes the government more democratic. Through taking a critical look at the Constitution, students should understand the government the Constitution created and develop an evidence-based perspective that serves as a launching pad for informed action.
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Political PartiesThis inquiry leads students through an investigation of political issues and political parties. By exploring the compelling question about how well political parties represent individuals, students consider their own political ideology as a lens for learning about the extent to which political parties address international and domestic issues. In investigating political issues and political party platforms, students begin to develop an idea of how well the parties represent them and, more importantly, begin to develop their own political ideologies.
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Competency
TEST: Citizenship Test
| Citizenship Test Answers.docx |
DEBATE: Constitutional Ideals
| Constitutional Ideals.docx |
PROJECT: Create a Handbook
See the document below for a description of the project.
See the document below for a description of the project.
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| _thesis_response_template_no_research.docx |
OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES
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