Learning About Our Government
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This lesson provided by:
Author: Matthew Carpenter
System: Muscle Shoals City School: McBride Elementary School
General Lesson Information
Lesson Plan ID:
4367 Title:
Learning About Our Government Overview/Annotation:
This lesson is designed to inform students about the organization of our nation's government. Students will be introduced to the three branches of American government and the responsibilities of each. They will discuss the requirements for becoming President and take a "virtual tour" of the White House. All of this is done through the use of a digital slideshow, which includes a direct link to the Internet for further study.
Associated Standards and Objectives
Content Standard(s):
Social Studies 9 ) Explain how inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation led to the creation and eventual ratification of the Constitution of the United States.
• Describing major ideas, concepts, and limitations of the Constitution of the United States, including duties and powers of the three branches of government
• Identifying factions in favor of and opposed to ratification of the Constitution of the United States
Example: Federalist and Anti-Federalist factions
• Identifying main principles in the Bill of Rights
• Analyzing the election of George Washington as President of the United States for its impact on the role of president in a republic
Unpacked Content
Strand: History, Civics and Government
Course Title: United States Studies: Beginnings to the Industrial Revolution
Evidence Of Student Attainment:
Students:
Describe and analyze the role of the Articles of Confederation and influential groups and individuals on the development of the United States Constitution.
Identify the main principles of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and analyze events such as the election of George Washington as President for their impact on the development of the republic. Teacher Vocabulary:
inadequacies
Article of Confederation
ratification
limitations
factions
Federalist
Anti-Federalist
republic
powers
principles Knowledge:
Students know:
Inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation and the impact these had on the creation of the Constitution of the United States.
The duties and powers of the three branches of government.
The supporters and oppositions of the constitution.
The main principles of the bill of rights.
The impact of George Washington as president in a republic. Skills:
Students are able to:
Analyze and describe the impact of government documents.
Describe and provide examples of major ideas, concepts, and limitations of the Constitution including the duties and powers of the three branches of government.
Compare and contrast the positions of various groups involved in historic events, such as the writing of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Analyze primary source documents. Understanding:
Students understand that:
The Articles of Confederation and influential groups and individuals played a role in the development of the United States Constitution.
Alabama Alternate Achievement Standards
AAS Standard:
Local/National Standards:
Primary Learning Objective(s):
Students will be able to identify the three branches of American government as well as characteristics of each. Students will be able to name the qualifications for President of the United States. Students will be able to define democracy and recognize that they are part of a democracy.
Additional Learning Objective(s):
Preparation Information
Total Duration:
31 to 60 Minutes
Materials and Resources:
Technology Resources Needed:
Computer with Internet access, PowerPoint or other presentation software, LCD projector or other large-group projection device
Background/Preparation:
Procedures/Activities:
1.)Begin with an introduction through the use of the textbook.
2.)Explain to students that our country is not ruled by the President, but is a system of self-government with checks and balances.
3.)Present the attached slideshow to the class. Follow the hyperlink on the slide and tour the White House for Kids web site. Encourage plenty of interaction and discussion among students. (The slides should captivate student interest.)
4.)See assessment suggestions for wrapping up the presentation.
Assessment
Assessment Strategies
1. Using "Let's Review" slides (18 and 19), have students answer questions before you reveal answers or, adapt to your needs.
Acceleration:
Intervention:
View the
Special Education resources for
instructional guidance in providing modifications and adaptations
for students with significant cognitive disabilities who qualify for the Alabama Alternate Assessment.
