Unit Overview: Our country's core values were established even before we broke away from Great Britain as an independent nation. The structure of our government and the rights of the people were outlined in a few very important documents that still influence the way our country runs today. You will explore these documents and discover the democratic ideals set forth by our forefathers that have lasted for almost 230 years!
The Continental Congress drafted the United States Constitution - the "Law of the Land." This document establishes our three branches of government and the checks and balances system that regulates government power, and outlines the rights of the people in this country.
Power Standard 2: Learner can demonstrate their understanding of the development of the U.S. government.
Learning Target 2.1 - Determine the impact of a democratic and nondemocratic governments on its citizens.
Class resources for Learning Target 2.1
* Government Comparison - Student Sheet
* Government video links
- Absolute Monarchy - Democracy
* Create a Country PROJECT (LT 2.1) - Student Project Info
* Political Ideologies - Student Sheet
* Government Stations - Reading for Stations
* Government Stations - Student Assignment
* Purpose and Types of Government - Seminar
* Purpose and Types of Government - Student Graphic Organizer
* Types of Gov't Vocab - Practice Vocabulary Terms
Learning Target 2.2 - Explain the impact of the Declaration of Independence on creating and sustaining democracies.
Class resources for Learning Target 2.2
* Declaration of Independence - Actor Reading Video
* Grievances and Declaration of Independence - Seminar
* Grievances/Declaration Guided Notes - Student Copy
* Declaration of Independence - in class video
*Materials for LT 2.2 - Declaration of Independence "Break Up"
Learning Target 2.3 - Explain why the Articles of Confederation were written as they were.
Class resources for Learning Target 2.3
* First Government Simulation - Student Materials
* First Gov't and Articles of Confederation - Seminar
* First Gov't and Articles of Confederation - Student Copy
* Materials for LT 2.3 - QUIZ
* Review Guide to prepare for QUIZ on the Articles of Confederation
Online Resources for LT 2.1
Online Resources for LT 2.2
Online Resources for LT 2.3
* Video: Government & Democracy
* North Korea Sources for Exploration
- Video: Inside North Korea (50 min.)
* Unit 2 Quiz 2 Study Guide - Student Sheet