Unit 1:

Government Beginnings

Day 1:

Learning Target: Students will be able to identify and explain the purpose of government through group/class discussions.


  1. Opening Question: "Name one thing besides human thoughts and desires that the governmet doesn't involve itself."

2. Syllabus: Students will go over the syllabus

3. Quote: Students will learn how to respond to the opening quote to open class.

“Why has government been instituted at all? Because the passions of man will not conform to the dictates of reason and justice without constraint.”

-Alexander Hamilton

4. Class discussion on why government exists

-students responses/list

5. Students read "Theory of American Founding: Why Government?"

What is the state of Nature?

Who is in control and why?

6. PPT on the 4 purposes of Government.

7. (HONORS) Students will read into the 3 different perspectives on government and their importance on how government acts.


Exit Ticket: Students will identify the purpose of government that they feel is most important.