Embedded Files
I CAN ...
... cite and evaluate how the U.S. Constitution protects citizens’ rights by limiting the powers of government.
...cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
...determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to domains related to history/social studies.
GPS Performance Outcomes Addressed:
Present research and understanding of how different governments around the world establish laws that protect their citizens natural/ human rights.
Students will gain a clear understanding of the differences that exist between different forms of government and cultures.
Essential Questions:
Why do different cultures view human rights differently?
How do societies balance individual and community rights and goals?
1. Go back and review the U.S. Constitution. Focus on the ideas in the preamble as well as the general structure of the U.S Government.
These two links will help
U.S Constitution for Dummies (I'm not calling you Dummies)
2. Use the sites below to pick the constitution from another country. You can choose any country you want, unless you already have a Model UN country then use that one.
Use this site . Select the country of your choice and the United States of America. Once you have selected the two countries, click the compare button on the left and the Constitutions will come up side by side..
What is the age of each constitution?
What are some of the key ideas in each preamble ?
Compare the purposes of government in the Preamble of each. How would you explain the similarities and differences between them?
As we know, the U.S Constitution is divided into three branches of Government with separate powers. How is the government of the other country's government set up?
Go along the left side and pick at least 5 different topics (like I showed you in class) and compare/contrast how the topic is addressed in each Constitution.
Finally, was there anything that stuck out or surprised you about the other constitution?
3. The United Nations has a Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Watch the video (more than once if you need to) and the look at the text.
Does the United States and the other country follow these declarations? If so, describe how they do, if not explain where they fall short.
What factors/cultural/religious differences does your "other country" have that may change their view on human rights issues that may change your view of how they protect human rights?
Do a little research on your country. Name and describe at least two areas where the rest of the world may "accuse" this country of human rights violations? Check out what North Korea said about the issues in Ferguson
4. Your choice choose 1 or both:
Compose an email or letter to a government official to voice their opinion on a current Human Rights Issue/ Violation of Human Rights happening in the other country you researched. Explain your view and decide what role the United States should or should not act upon.
-or
Go to the United Nations site and find the contact information for the country and compose a letter or email to clarify a question you may have about their country and their government regarding perceived human rights violations or differences in cultures. Make sure you are specific in your questions and be polite and respectful in asking. Remember what we may think is wrong/different is usually connected to their customs or lifestyle.
*It is your choice if you actually send the email, but you must submit your letter/email in Google Classroom. I have set up an assignment for you.
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