This week we will begin to understand the functions and purpose of Government. We will be analyzing important historical documents such as the Articles of Confederation, The Constitution and The Declaration of Independence to gain a better understanding of how the ideas and dreams of our forefathers became a reality.
Additionally, we will also analyze and read about other key European philosphers such as Locke, Rousseau, Montesque, and Hobbes. We will compare and contrast the ideas of these European philosophers with our own political philosophies found in our American democracy.
Arizona State Standards addressed this week:
3SS C3 – HS PO1: Analyze the functions of gov’t. as defined in the preamble to the Constitution.
PO1 Examine the foundations of democratic representative government
a. Greek direct democracy
b. Roman republic
PO2 Trace the English roots of American democracy:
a. Magna Carta
b. English Bill of Rights
c. Representative government – Parliament, colonial assemblies, town meetings
PO3 Describe the Philosophical roots of American Democracy:
a. moral and ethical ideas from Judeo-Christian tradition
b. John Locke and social contract
c. Charles de Montesquieu and separation of powers
PO4 Examine the fundamental principles (e.g., equality, natural rights of man, rule of law) in the Declaration of Independence.
BELLWORK
1. Describe what Government is in your own words?
2. Is it important? Why or why not? Give specific reasons and or examples for your answer.)
CLASSWORK
1. Collaborate with a partner and identify a law or rule you must follow in your daily life.
2. Predict what your life would be like without that law or rule. List both negative and positive results.
3. Class discussion on laws and results.
4. Scenario activity- each group will be given a specific scenario to analyze and will report their findings to the class.
HOMEWORK
Look for the link at the bottom of the page titled " Role of Government"
Read Section 1 - pages 3-7 and answer questions 1-4 on page 7. This assignment is due NEXT CLASS! (25 points)
BELLWORK- Review from your reading.
1. List the 4 functions of government described in the reading. Choose the function that you feel is the most important and explain in detail why you believe this particular function is so vital. Give examples to support your opinion.
2. What is a social contract? Describe an example of a social contract in America.
CLASSWORK
1. Activity- w/ a partner- Decoding the preamble puzzle- have students try and scramble the letters to reveal the correct preamble.
2. School House Rock video “We the People”
3. Class discussion on the six functions of government as described in the Preamble of the Constitution.
4. Speculation: How did our Founding Fathers come up with these functions? What background information, events and writings did the creators of the Constitution look to when writing the Preamble?
Do governments always protect and defend the public good? If not, what can happen? If so, what can happen?
5. Watch 2 short videos on the origins of American Democracy. students will take notes on the packet they receive. (Each video is about 2 minutes long.) Notes will be taken.
HOMEWORK
Read Chapter 1 Section 2- "Forms of Government" pages 8-11. Answer questions 2-4 on page 11. Use this section to complete your Types of Government handout. Government types that are not included in the section need to be researched via the internet or other resource.
Use internet resources and the reading to complete the map of governments located in your handout. A few suggestions (links) can be found below or you can surf for yourself.
This packet is due on Tuesday July 31st and Wednesday August 1st.
Origins of American Government
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5.3 MB
)
Roots of Democracy
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7.2 MB
)
Bellwork
1. What could happen if a government no longer protects or looks out for its citizens?
2. List the 6 functions of government listed in the Preamble of the Constitution. Choose the function that you feel is the most important and explain why.
3. If you could create a law, what law would it be? Why?
4. If you could remove a law, what law would it be? Why?
CLASSWORK
1. Go over results/answers from bellwork.
2. Discussion: How did Judeo-Christian and Greek traditions influence our government?
3. Students into groups of 5. Each group will be given a philosopher to research.
4. Students will identify 4 European Philosophers whose ideas inspired the writings of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Each class will form 4 groups and each group will be given a particular philosopher to research. Students will create a poster of their philosopher that includes:
Biography: Where was the philosopher born? What was his upbringing? What
was his job? Where did he study? What book(s) did he write?
•Philosophical Ideas: Did this political thinker think people could govern
themselves? Is humankind basically good or bad? What, if any, are the
underlining ideas behind this person’s thinking?
Beliefs in government: What did this thinker believe is the best form of
government? Did this thinker contribute any new political ideas?
What U.S. document did he contribute to? Give 2 examples “quotes” in the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution that directly correspond to the ideals/beliefs of your philosopher.
** This document will be stapled on to the back of the group poster. ************
5. After students have completed their research, each group will present their findings to the class. Students will take notes via the Philosopher handout.
6. If time permits have students start presenting and taking notes on each philosopher. If not, presentations begin on Tuesday. No extra time given!
Homework
Finish philosopher poster. Different types of government packet due on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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