Assignments
The Origins of Government and the Constitution
The Origins of Government and the Constitution
1.1. Persuasive Essay: Due to the nature of the Social Contract, it is necessary that you learn how to convince people of your point of view. To begin this process, you will be writing a 1 page paper convincing me of something. That can be trying to convince me to watch you favorite TV show, that cats are better than dogs, to root for your favorite sports team, etc.
This will be graded based off of the writing rubric handed out in class.
1.2 4 Types of Government Drawing/Journal- Students will write 1.) A positive element 2.) A negative Element 3.) Describe living conditions for the 4 types of government we studied in class: Direct Democracy, Aristocracy, Republic, and Monarchy.
1.3 Declaration of Independence- Students will write their own Declaration of Independence declaring themselves free of my classroom. They will use 3 quotes from the actual Declaration of Independence as well as use the 5 parts of the Declaration. 1.) The Preamble 2.) The statement of Equality 3.) List of Complaints 4.) Attempts at Compromise 5.) The final Declaration.
1.4 Practice Checkup (Open Notes) #1- Practice Open Note Questions to checkup on material.
1.5 The Federalist Papers Students will write a persuasive essay defending their new school government established in class.
1.6 Constitution Breakdown- Students will put parts of the Constitution into their own words
1.7 Study Guide for Opportunity 1.
This will be graded based off of the writing rubric handed out in class.
1.2 4 Types of Government Drawing/Journal- Students will write 1.) A positive element 2.) A negative Element 3.) Describe living conditions for the 4 types of government we studied in class: Direct Democracy, Aristocracy, Republic, and Monarchy.
1.3 Declaration of Independence- Students will write their own Declaration of Independence declaring themselves free of my classroom. They will use 3 quotes from the actual Declaration of Independence as well as use the 5 parts of the Declaration. 1.) The Preamble 2.) The statement of Equality 3.) List of Complaints 4.) Attempts at Compromise 5.) The final Declaration.
1.4 Practice Checkup (Open Notes) #1- Practice Open Note Questions to checkup on material.
1.5 The Federalist Papers Students will write a persuasive essay defending their new school government established in class.
1.6 Constitution Breakdown- Students will put parts of the Constitution into their own words
1.7 Study Guide for Opportunity 1.
The Legislative Branch
2.1 Big Gov't/Small Gov't Essay- Students reflect on how much they believe the government should get involved. Students are given 1 page to reflect on 3 of the following topics: 1.) Healthcare 2.) Equality 3.) Public Education 4.) Homelessness and Welfare 5.) Minimum Wage
2.2 Party Perspective Paper- Students will write a 1 page paper on a controversial issue that we have watched in class. Students will defend one perspective and write which party agrees with that perspective.
2.3 Campaign Poster- Students will create a campaign poster for either House of Representatives or for Senate. Students will have the year they can first run for that office and something that relates to the Constituency.
Congressional Research Project- Students will use the website www.govtrack.us to do research on their own representatives and other representatives in the United States Congress
2.4 Creation of a Bill- Students will work in groups to create a new bill. Students will create a handout/pamphlet that advocates for that bill change. Students will also be graded on how well they present and defend the bill to the rest of the class.
2.5 Research and Debate- Students will research controversial topics in the Library and use that information to lead the class in debate.
2.6 Study Guide for Opportunity 2.
The Executive Branch
3.1 Presidential Help Wanted Poster- Students will develop a "Help wanted" poster for the President of the United States. This will have students think through the characteristics and qualifications of the President of the United States.
3.2 Presidential Power Paper- A one page essay on if students believe that the President has too much power based on what we have discussed in class.
3.3 Electoral College Map- Students will label a map based on red states, blue states, and swing states.
3.4 Electoral College Essay- A 1 page essay on if the Electoral College is the best system to use to chose our President.
3.5 Map Quiz 1: State Quiz
3.6 Map Quiz 2 Middle East
3.7 Voting Essay: Students will write a 2 page essay on why Millennials do not vote and propose a strategy to encourage younger peoples to get out and vote.
3.8 Study Guide for Opportunity 3.
3.2 Presidential Power Paper- A one page essay on if students believe that the President has too much power based on what we have discussed in class.
3.3 Electoral College Map- Students will label a map based on red states, blue states, and swing states.
3.4 Electoral College Essay- A 1 page essay on if the Electoral College is the best system to use to chose our President.
3.5 Map Quiz 1: State Quiz
3.6 Map Quiz 2 Middle East
3.7 Voting Essay: Students will write a 2 page essay on why Millennials do not vote and propose a strategy to encourage younger peoples to get out and vote.
3.8 Study Guide for Opportunity 3.
Judicial Branch and the Media
4.1 Breakdown of Major Court Cases- Students will provide summaries and precedents for past landmark court cases.
4.2 Court Quiz 1- Students will have a matching quiz as the match court case names with descriptions of the case
4.3 Court Quiz 2- Students will use previous court cases as Precedents for current situations.
4.4 I Have a Dream Speech- Students will write their own "I have a dream" speech describing the world they want their kids to grow up in.
4.5 News Outlet Comparison- Students will fill out and compare different news sources
4.6 Media Essay Students will write a one page essay arguing that the media is either good or bad for our United States government.
4.7 Study Guide for Opportunity 4
4.2 Court Quiz 1- Students will have a matching quiz as the match court case names with descriptions of the case
4.3 Court Quiz 2- Students will use previous court cases as Precedents for current situations.
4.4 I Have a Dream Speech- Students will write their own "I have a dream" speech describing the world they want their kids to grow up in.
4.5 News Outlet Comparison- Students will fill out and compare different news sources
4.6 Media Essay Students will write a one page essay arguing that the media is either good or bad for our United States government.
4.7 Study Guide for Opportunity 4