Embedded Files
ARCHIVED WEBSITE from Spring 2020 schools closures due to pandemic. Note: Some content may not be available to students & families after June 2020.
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Week 1: April 6-10
Week 1: April 6-10
Learning Goal:
Learning Goal:
I can explain the factors affecting the political process and their role in government such as political parties, interest groups, campaigns and elections, and media in politics.
Estimated Time for The Week:
Estimated Time for The Week:
2 hours, 120 minutes
Learn & Practice:
Learn & Practice:
For the Google Slides to click-through the below directions, click here!
- Watch an overview of American political parties from Discovery Education and summarize the main points.
- Read this excerpt and develop an argument that responds to the following statement: The two party system serves the United States well.
- Watch an overview of interest groups and lobbying from Discovery Education and summarize the main points.
- Review political parties here and continue your investigation of interest groups here.
- Construct a Venn diagram of the functions of both political parties and interest groups.
- Reflect upon what you have learned:
- Do political parties and interest groups undermine American democracy?
- Is it possible, given the various groups in American society, for the government to create public policy that benefits everyone?
- Read the following overview of campaigns and elections here. As you read, think about the following questions. Describe the differences between primary elections and general elections. What is the function of a national convention?
- Read the following article from Time magazine about campaign finance here. Answer the following questions:
- Which of the commentators do you agree with the most? Why?
- While you might disagree with the other commentators, which one makes the most compelling argument against your position?
- How could you refute the argument made by the commentator you mentioned in question two?
- Watch this video about political ads on social media from Discovery Education. Summarize the main points.
- Watch this video about fake news from Discovery Education.
- View an infographic on the media and politics. Respond to these questions:
- What harm do you see in mass media promoting election candidates and their own agenda on political issues?
- Do you think mass media has been a positive or negative addition to the election process?
- What criteria would you use to determine that a news story is biased?
Week 2: April 13-17
Week 2: April 13-17
Learning Goal:
Learning Goal:
I can understand the electoral process.
I can identify the issues and describe the significance of Bush v. Gore (2000) and Citizens United v. F.E.C. (2010).
Estimated Time for The Week: 2 hours, 120 minutes total
Estimated Time for The Week: 2 hours, 120 minutes total
Learn & Practice:
Learn & Practice:
For the Google Slides to click-through the below directions, click here!
- Watch an overview of the Electoral College and summarize the video.
- Debate the Electoral College. Read this article from ProCon.org. A new page will open.
- Develop an argument that responds to the following statement - The Constitution should be amended to remove the Electoral College.
- Write a thesis statement and several bullet points that support your position.
- Feel free to provide additional research that supports your position.
- Watch this excerpt from an interview with retired justice, John Paul Stevens about Bush v. Gore (2000) decision. After watching the interview, respond to these questions:
- According to Justice Stevens, how did Bush v. Gore (2000) affect the public's opinion of the Supreme Court?
- What are Justice Stevens's opinions on the outcomes of the 2000 election? Why does he disagree with the ruling?
- Read a brief of the Citizens United v. F.E.C. (2010) decision.
- Watch this video clip to understand the impact of Citizens United v. F.E.C. (2010) decision then watch this video to understand the positive and negative aspects of corporations having these rights.
- Reflect on Citizens United v. F.E.C.
- In your opinion, was the ruling in Citizens United v. F.E.C. properly decided? Support your argument with examples from previous court cases, the Constitution and the video clips.
- Based on what you learned, should corporations have the Constitutional rights of people?
- Using the information from the video clips, should money count as free speech?
- Communicate with your teacher if you have any questions.
Week 3: April 20-24
Week 3: April 20-24
Learning Goal:
Learning Goal:
I can understand the Bill of Rights.
I can identify the issues dealing with inalienable rights, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and the social contract
Estimated Time for the Week: 2 hours, 120 minutes total
Estimated Time for the Week: 2 hours, 120 minutes total
Learn & Practice:
Learn & Practice:
For the Google Slides to click-through the below directions, click here!
Read the article, Retired FBI Agent Reflects on Tragic Day and How it Shaped the Bureau. How did the OKC Bombing impact the FBI?
Watch a video on the Oklahoma Standard. How do you display the Oklahoma Standard?
- Listen to this podcast and answer the questions on the slide.
- Research the Fourteenth Amendment here and answer the following questions.
- Why was the Fourteenth Amendment created?
- What was the first case that tested the Fourteenth Amendment?
- What three things does the amendment specifically protect?
- Read this summary of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company v. Chicago Supreme Court Case. After reading respond to these questions:
- Why did the Supreme Court uphold the one-dollar judgment to the railroad owner?
- Do you think that the one dollar payment was just compensation?
- Why is Quincy Railways v. Chicago a landmark case?
- Civil liberties in the news today. Read or listen to the following interview.
- Answer the following questions dealing with COVID-19 and Civil Liberties.
- What is a possible civil liberty someone might be dealing with during the crisis?
- According to the survey were people willing to give up some civil liberties?
- Did the responses fall along political lines?
- Are these restrictions Constitutional?
- Reflect on Bill of Rights and Civil Liberties
- In your opinion what are a few key Amendments in the Bill of Rights that you find most important to you?
- What are your thoughts on the doctrine of incorporation? Is it fair?
- During this time, what civil liberties would you be willing to sacrifice? Which ones would you not be willing to give up?
- Communicate with your teacher if you have any questions.
Week 4: April 27 - May 1
Week 4: April 27 - May 1
Learning Goal:
Learning Goal:
I can name the five freedoms guaranteed under the First Amendment and understand how they protect my civil liberties.
Estimated Time for The Week: 2 hours, 115 minutes total
Estimated Time for The Week: 2 hours, 115 minutes total
Learn & Practice:
Learn & Practice:
For the Google Slides to click-through the below directions, click here!
- Read an overview of the First Amendment here and then list the five freedoms guaranteed under the First Amendment:
- Five Freedoms:
- Based on this reading, decide if the statements are true or false.
- Watch this short video clip on the freedom of religion. After watching respond to these questions:
- What are some examples of religious freedom in the United States?
- What are some examples of restrictions to religious freedoms?
- When the Constitution was created, what made this freedom unique compared to other countries around the world?
- The Establishment Clause. Read about the Establishment Clause here, then respond to the following scenario on this slide. Finally, read this article and answer the following question:
- Do you agree with the Court’s ruling in this case? Why or why not?
- Watch this short video clip on the freedom of speech. After watching respond to these questions:
- What does freedom of speech truly mean?
- What makes freedom of speech vital to a democracy?
- Give some specific examples of forms of speech protected under the First Amendment.
- What forms of speech are considered illegal, and not protected under the First Amendment?
- After watching this video clip, read this summary of Tinker v. Des Moines and answer the following questions:
- Why were John and Mary Beth Tinker suspended?
- Why did the Supreme Court find their suspension unconstitutional?
- Were the armbands worn by the students a form of “speech?” Why or why not?
- What would be a scenario today that would inspire students to stand up and practice their freedom of expression as John and Mary Beth Tinker did?
- Watch this short video clip on the freedom of the press. After watching respond to these questions:
- What are forms of modern media protected under the First Amendment?
- What are some of the legal restraints and regulations placed on the media by the government?
- Explain the Freedom of Information Act and why it would be necessary.
- Read or watch the video on the free press. Reflect on the video by responding to the question:
- After watching the video on the previous slide, reflect on the role the media and journalists play in our society. Why is it important for freedom of the press to be protected? When can protecting that freedom come into conflict with other societal needs and priorities? Did this video segment change your perspective on the role of the media at all? If so, explain how.
- Watch this short video clip on the freedom of assembly and petition. After watching respond to these questions:
- What is freedom of assembly? What does “freedom of petition” mean?
- What are some restrictions to the freedom of assembly?
- What is freedom of association? Give a specific example.
- Look through this slideshow and respond to the following questions:
- Do these protesters have a right to peacefully assemble against COVID-19 restrictions? What are their main concerns?
- Are there circumstances in which these protests could be harmful to the public? Explain.
- Extension: Think the Vote is a student debate platform designed to foster civil discourse on current event issues. Students with the best answer on both sides of the debate win an Amazon gift card, BRI swag, and are entered to win the grand prize of $1,000. This week, we are asking students to answer the question, Do Public Health Policies Supersede Civil Liberties?
Communicate with your teacher if you have any questions.
Week 5: May 4-8
Week 5: May 4-8
Learning Goal:
Learning Goal:
I can understand the role of government in the criminal justice system and how it provides for the protection of my own individual liberties while ensuring national and domestic security.
Estimated Time for The Week: 2 hours
Estimated Time for The Week: 2 hours
For the Google Slides to click-through the below directions, click here!
- Watch this video discussion on the importance of the 14th amendment and then list the 5 sections of the 14th amendment.
- Five Sections:
- Based on the video, decide if the statements are true or false.
- Study the Key terms:
- After reading the key terms, respond to these questions:
- What do you think the right to privacy in one’s everyday life includes?
- Do you agree the writers of the Constitution wanted citizens to have a right to privacy from the government even though they did not state so directly?
- The Death Penalty. Read about the death penalty here. After you have read the article, watch this video on the Supreme Court’s role in deciding the legality of of the death penalty. Answer the following reflection questions:
- According to the article, why is the death penalty on the decline in the United States?
- What is Justice Breyer’s argument against the death penalty?
- Explain the role that the US Supreme Court has played in establishing rules for the death penalty.
- What percentage of Americans support the death penalty?
- Search and Seizure: Watch this video clip on search and seizure laws and the Supreme Court case Mapp v Ohio. After watching respond to these questions:
- What does the fourth amendment say about search and seizure of personal property?
- What was the illegally seized evidence in the Mapp case and what was Dolly charged with?
- Explain the exclusionary rule.
- Do you agree with the Court’s decision in the Mapp case? Give one reason for your answer.
- Watch this video clip of Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor discussing the right against unreasonable search and seizure and the case Mapp v Ohio. Then answer the following questions:
- Is the exclusionary rule exclusive only to the United States?
- Do all judges agree on what ‘probable cause’ is?
- What part of the Constitution does Justice O’Connor refer to when she explains the importance of our protection against unreasonable search and seizure?
- Right Against Self Incrimination: Read this summary over the Supreme Court case Miranda v Arizona. After reading respond to these questions:
- In your own words, define ‘self-incrimination’.
- How did this case expand the rights of the accused?
- Explain why you think reading Miranda rights to an accused person is important, or why it’s not important.
- Watch this video over the Supreme Court case Miranda v Arizona. Then answer the following questions:
- What was the crime Ernesto Miranda was arrested for?
- Who has the burden to prove that a person committed a crime?
- What was the largest piece of evidence in Miranda’s trial that was used against him?
- What is one argument that is used to defend the right against self incrimination in criminal cases?
- Right to Personal Property: Read the following excerpt regarding the right to privacy in relation to the Roe v Wade case. Then answer the reflection questions.
- What do you feel falls under your own ‘right to privacy’?
- What does the Constitution say about the right to privacy?
- Watch these 2 short videos (watch one at a time) discussing the decision in the Roe v Wade case. Then answer the following questions:
- In what ways did the Supreme Court break new ground in the Roe v Wade case?
- Where did Justice Rehnquist stand on the issue of abortion?
- Why do you think Roe v Wade is still such a polarizing case today?
- Essential Questions: Criminal Justice
Reflect on the following question regarding rights of the accused as discussed throughout the lesson:
How does the criminal justice system protect the rights of the accused while ensuring domestic and national security?
Week 6: May 11-13
Week 6: May 11-13
Learning Goal:
Learning Goal:
I can understand what the census is and explain its purpose.
I can understand what a ballot initiative is and describe the opposing viewpoints on Oklahoma State Question 802: Medicaid Expansion
I can understand what my civic duties are like participating in civic life like participating in the census, voting, and becoming informed of the State of Oklahoma’s digital conversion.
Estimated Time for The Week: 1 hours, 30 minutes total
Estimated Time for The Week: 1 hours, 30 minutes total
Learn & Practice:
Learn & Practice:
For the Google Slides to click-through the below directions, click here!
1. Listen to this Census episode of the Civics 101 Podcast 21:26 minutes
- Take notes on concepts like apportionment, how the census affects government spending, and the controversies about the questions regarding identity.
- DIscuss at least one of these issues with family or a friend.
2. Explore the website my2020census.gov to learn what the government wants you to know about the Census.
- Read the the following sections, watch the videos, and explore the links:
- Get the facts
- How to respond
- Why your answers matter
- Privacy and security
3. Brainstorm a list of reasons for the Census. You might consider using your notes from the Civics 101 podcast episode you listened to about the Census to start your brainstorming.
- Rank the reasons for the Census in order of importance.
- Follow up your previous discussion about the Census and make your case for your rankings
4. EXTENSION Consider enrolling in this email course about the Census Want to understand the 2020 census? Take our new email course from Pew.
- You will receive five emails, one every two days, and a quiz at the end.
- Challenge a friend or someone in your family to take the course, too, so you can discuss the email and compare your quiz scores.
5. EXTENSION Encourage your family to fill out the Census, if they have not already, and join in the process with them.
6. Listen to this Midterm Edition: Propositions (aka Ballot Measures) episode of the Civics 101 Podcast 25:45 minutes.
- Reflect on the role ballot measures have had in contemporary Oklahoma considering examples like casino gambling, horse racing, etc.
7. Create a three column chart to collect information about the June 2020 Oklahoma State Question 802, Medicaid Expansion.
- Label the columns
- Left: SQ 802: Medicaid Expansion – Information and resources OK Policy Institute
- Center: Oklahoma State Question 802, Medicaid Expansion Initiative (June 2020) Ballotpedia
- Right: Stitt declares support for Medicaid expansion OCPA
- Take notes from the corresponding sources in the appropriate column.
- Compare the information based on the sources and determine which is the most informative and transparent in its intent.
- Choose which side you agree with. You may have an opportunity to weigh in if you are a registered voter!
8. Take your civic duty in hand by exploring these Internet resources that extend your civic responsibilities into the world wide web.
- Search for this app myOklahoma app and learn about its purpose. You may not be ready to download it yet but knowing about it keeps you informed.
- Read about the OK Mobile ID
- Decide if this is a resource you might create for yourself at some point in the near future.
- Review this checklist for the Real ID.
- Due to COVID-19 the deadline for this ID has been extended but you will still eventually have to gather the documents to apply for this new ID.
- Be mindful that if you move away from home for school or work after graduation you will need to have access to these documents.
- Embrace your civic duty by learning more about voting.
- Register to vote with this website Voter registration [17.5yrs old +].
- Use these Oklahoma Election Board resources to keep informed about your voting rights.
- Sign up for email notifications
- Save the website for the Oklahoma Voter Portal on your cell and laptop.
- Follow @OKelections on Twitter if you have an account.
9. EXTENSION Play the iCIvics Game Activate to learn more about how to exercise your civic responsibility by choosing an issue to advocate on behalf of.
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