Unit

Timeframe

Essential Question

Major Learning Experiences from Unit 

Foundations of Government

September

• What is the purpose of government?  

• What are some of the different systems of government?  What are the characteristics of each?

Students will:

• Explore  the development of societies, laws, and governments among ancient peoples

• Compare the features and trace the contributions of the governments of ancient peoples.

Assessments include:

•  Create your own government project

The Enlightenment

October

• What were the roots of the ideas that influenced the development of the United States political system?

• What are the rights that everyone should have?  What are “natural rights”?

Students will:

• Explain the influence of Enlightenment ideas upon the American Revolution and the framework of American government

• Explore other important influences upon the US Constitution including the Magna Carta, the English Bill of Rights and the Mayflower Compact

Assessments include:

• Enlightenment Thought Module Assessment

The Road to Independence

October - November

• How did British actions and legislation lead to changes in colonial attitudes and perspectives and ultimately American independence?

• Why is the Declaration of Independence considered one of the most important documents in United States and World history?

• What methods can citizens use to enact change in government (ie. boycott)?  

Students will:

• Investigate the experiences that led the American colonies to declare independence

• Describe the actions used by the American colonists and contemporary Americans to change / improve their government.

• Explain the key ideas included in the Declaration of Independence

Assessments include:

• Boston Massacre Woodcut Module Assessment

• Declaration of Independence Module Assessment

US Government:

Form / Functions

December - January

• How do the institutions of the U.S. political system work?

• How and why does each branch of government check the powers of others?

• Why did political parties form?  What purpose do they serve?  Do they help or hinder democratic government?

Students will:

• Explore the features of the US Constitution and learn the functions of each branch of government

• Examine the relationship between each of the branches of government

• Describe the role of political parties in elections

Assessments include:

• Daniel Shays: Hero of Villian? Monument Project

• “Should we keep the Electoral College?” Debate

• Preamble to the Constitution Module Assessment

The Supreme Court / Citizenship

February - March

• How has the content and interpretation of the Constitution evolved over time?

• How has / does the Supreme Court and its decisions (precedents) impact our lives?

Students will:

• Explain the role of courts in local, state and federal government.

• Explore how the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Constitution and its Amendments has shifted over time and has impacted life in the US

• Research major precedents / decisions of the Supreme Court

Assessments include:

• Supreme Court: “Which Amendment was Violated?” group activity

• Mock Supreme Court Trial

• Texas v. Johnson Module Assessment

The Media

April - May

• How does a free press support a democratic government?

• What is bias?  How does bias affect history/the media?

Students will:

• Explain why freedom of the press was included in the First Amendment and explain the role of a free press in a democratic society

• Give examples of how a free press can provide differing views of events, governments and politics

Assessments include:

• News sources analysis and comparison activity

• Internet Bill of Rights activity

State and Local Government

May - June

• What is the role of state and local government in the U.S. political system?

• How do / can citizens participate in local and state government?

Students will:

• Learn the structures and functions of our state and local governments

• Explore the ways in which citizens can participate in state and local government

Assessments include:

• Action Civics Project