Lesson Plan for Unit 2
Grade: 9 | Content Area: Social Studies | Course Name: Government |
Learning Target 2.1: I can explain how Congress works and describe the lawmaking process.
Lesson | Duration | Supporting Targets | Resources |
1 | 1-2 days*
*It would take longer than 1-2 days to include all 5 activities. Teachers should choose which activities to include. | - I can explain the structure and powers of the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government.
- I can describe the legislative process in the U.S. Congress.
- I can analyze a primary source (excerpts of Article 1).
- I can describe how a bill becomes a law.
- I can create a flowchart depicting the lawmaking process.
- I can describe the factors members of Congress weigh when voting on bills.
- I can demonstrate how members of Congress weigh factors by voting on hypothetical bills.
- I can identify my governmental representatives at the federal, state, and local levels.
- I know how to contact my governmental representatives in order to express my thoughts and opinions.
- I can research an issue by gathering and synthesizing information from a variety of sources.
- I can compose a letter to a governmental representative in support or nonsupport of an issue or bill.
- I can describe the factors that invite abuse and manipulation into our redistricting system.
| Lesson Outline Activities:1.1: Congress in a Snapshot 1.2: Making Laws 1.3: Voting in Congress 1.4: Contacting Your Federal Legislator 1.5: The Redistricting Game |
Learning Target 2.2: I can describe the purposes, types, and sources of laws and rules.
Lesson | Duration | Supporting Targets | Resources |
2 | 1-2 days*
*It would take longer than 1-2 days to include all 4 activities. Teachers should choose which activities to include. | - I can explain the main reasons laws are necessary.
- I can explain why I would prefer to live with laws, when compared to living without laws.
- I can identify the purpose of currently pending legislation.
- I can identify sources of laws in the United States, including constitutions, statutes, regulations, judicial precedent, and local ordinances.
- I can compare and contrast civil and criminal law.
- I can describe the military and juvenile justice systems.
- I can identify the roles of trial participants.
- I can distinguish between civil and criminal trials.
| Lesson Outline
Activities: 2.1 Why We Need Laws 2.2 Sources of Law 2.3 Types of Law 2.4 Trial Court Go Fish |
Learning Target 2.3: I can explain how the Executive branch works and describe the roles of the President.
Lesson | Duration | Supporting Targets | Resources |
3 | 1-2 days*
*It would take longer than 1-2 days to include all 3 activities. Teachers should choose which activities to include. | - I can explain the structure of the executive branch of the U.S. federal government.
- I can assess problems with the Electoral College system.
- I can list, explain, and provide examples of the seven roles of the president.
- I can research a past or present president.
- I can synthesize the findings of my presidential research in a Google presentation.
| Lesson Outline
Activities: 3.1: What is the Executive Branch, Anyway?
3.2: The Seven Hats of the President 3.3 A Presidential Report |
Learning Target 2.4: I can explain the structure of the U.S. Court system, including the Supreme Court.
Lesson | Duration | Supporting Targets | Resources |
4 | 1-2 days*
*It would take longer than 1-2 days to include all 3 activities. Teachers should choose which activities to include. | - I understand why we have two systems of courts in the United States, and I can give examples of each system’s areas of jurisdiction.
- I can explain the structure of the Minnesota state court system.
- I can explain the structure of the federal court system.
- I understand the importance of having a system of appeals.
- I can list the justices that serve on the Supreme Court of the United States.
- I can assess similarities and differences between the justices.
- I can use research skills to gather necessary information.
- I can synthesize information and compile a report in various formats.
| Lesson Outline
Activities: 4.1 A Quick Guide to the Courts 4.2 Court Quest 4.3 Supreme Court Farcebook |
Learning Target 2.5: I can determine how the three branches interact and hold each other accountable.
Lesson | Duration | Supporting Targets | Resources |
5 | 1-2 days*
*It would take longer than 1-2 days to include all 4 activities. Teachers should choose which activities to include. | - I can explain the difference between enumerated (expressed) and implied powers.
- I can explain the significance of the Necessary and Proper Clause.
- I can define federalism.
- I can explain that government power in the U.S. is shared between state governments and a central government.
- I can identify federal, reserved, and concurrent powers.
- I can explain the significance of the Supremacy Clause.
- I can describe the ongoing tension between federal and state power.
- I can identify the strengths and weaknesses of federalism.
- Describe how the Constitution limits the power of government through separation of powers.
- I can analyze the structure, functions and processes of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
- I can list one or more powers that belongs to each branch of government (legislative, executive, and judicial).
- I understand how the Congressional separation of powers created a system of checks and balances.
- I can give examples of checks each branch has on the others.
| Lesson Outline
Activities: 5.1: Enumerated & Implied Powers: What’s the Difference? 5.2: The “Federal” in Federalism 5.3: Branches of Power 5.4: Checks & Balances |
Learning Target 2.6: I can evaluate the importance of independent judiciary, judicial review and the rule of law.
Lesson | Duration | Supporting Targets | Resources |
6 | 1-2 days*
*It would take longer than 1-2 days to include all 5 activities. Teachers should choose which activities to include. | - I can explain the concept of the rule of law.
- I understand the importance of the rule of law.
- I understand the factors that guarantee the judicial branch’s independence.
- I understand the importance of judicial independence.
- I understand how the Supreme Court justices analyze cases to make decisions.
- I realize that the same right can be interpreted in opposite ways by different people.
- I can explain how judges consider precedent when making a decision.
- I can evaluate the effect of landmark cases on everyday life.
- I can explain the importance of judicial review.
| Lesson Outline
Activities: 6.1: The Rule of Law 6.2: Judicial Independence 6.3: Supreme Decision |