GOVERNMENT MASTERY ASSIGNMENTS
ICAN #1 I Can Explain the fundamental principles and values of American democracy as expressed in the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, and other essential documents of American democracy.
Poster: Students will draw, use magazine pictures, online images, their textbook, and any other available materials to make a poster to teach others about the 7 principles of American Democracy.
ICAN #2 I Can analyze the unique roles and responsibilities of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of government to include separation of powers and checks and balances, as established by the U.S. Constitution.
Who's Got the Power?
Should state government have the power to legislate what is best for its citizens? Develop a claim about whether state government should have the power to decide what is best for its citizens.
Possible case study sources for the following issues:
• Legal Drinking Age
• Environmental Protection
ARGUMENT Who has the power? Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay) that addresses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from contemporary sources while acknowledging competing perspectives.
ICAN #3 I Can take and defend positions related to my rights and responsibilities as United States’ citizens.
Get Active: Tic Tac Toe choice board
Students will choose 3 activities in a row to complete.
-Pass the citizenship test
-Vote (students will be 18)
-Create a protest sign
-Sign a petition after researching a political issue. (Students will be 18)
-Attend a political meeting and take meeting notes
-Watch a trial for 1/2 a day and take "jury" notes
-Write a 3 min. campaign speech or create a 3 min. video campaign add
ICAN #4 I Can evaluate the impact of landmark U.S. Supreme Court interpretations of the Constitution and its amendments.
Power Point Presentation on student's choice of landmark decision (chosen from a teacher provided list)
ICAN #5 I Can compare and contrast the powers of the national, state, tribal, and local governments.
Bulliten Board: Students will create a classroom bulliten board display