Date: August 28, 1997

Objectives: The students will

I. review terms associated with principles of government.

II. Identify the major duties and responsibilities of American citizenship.

III. Compare and contrast the systems of American democracy and authoritarian government.

Warm Up Activity (Anticipatory Set): Matching Vocabulary Terms

A) Display a transparency that contains one of the following matching activities. The links below will bring up the activity.

B) When students have completed the activity, review responses and allow student to make corrections:

1) From Government in America, Chapter 1
2) From American Civics, Chapter 1
 

Main Activity (Instructional Input): Duties of American Citizenship

A) Display a transparency that lists the duties and responsibilities of American citizenship.
B) Have students take notes by copying the information into their notes.
 
Examples (Modeling): Comparing Forms of Government

A) Have students copy or create the following chart:

Forms of Government

Type of  Government	Short  Description	Example in History   or Current Events
Unitary Government	Power is not shared by the central  government.
Confederation	A loose association of nations who  hold more power than the central  government.
Federal System		The United States
Representative  Democracy
	Any government whose leader or leaders keep power by the threat of arrest, torture, or death.  The people have no rights or freedoms.

 
Check For Understanding: Writing Sample

Give the students the following writing prompt:

Imagine you are going to send an e-mail or letter to a friend who lives in a non-democratic nation. Write a letter that describes what it is like to live in a democracy. Include some guesses at what it must be like for your friend to live in a non-democratic nation.
 

Guided Practice: Discussion: What is "The American Dream"?

Ask the students what they believe the American dream to be. Have them evaluate whether all groups in America have the same chances to realize the dream they describe. Discuss the contributions of the various minority groups to American society, politics, and culture.
 
Homework (Independent Practice): Multiple Choice Questions

Have students develop 3-5 multiple choice questions on forms of government using their notes and the textbook.
When students assemble tomorrow, have them exchange multiple-choice questions to check their understanding.

Wrap-Up Activity (Closure): Examining Symbols of American Democracy

A) Have students analyze and discuss the key symbols of American politics, democracy, and economy.
B) Ask students to define such terms as freedom and liberty in the context of these symbols. Have them evaluate America's dedication and commitment to these ideals.
 
Evaluation: The lesson will be evaluated by:

I. the accuracy of student's written responses;

II. student's scores on future tests and quizzes.
 
 

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