Government Lesson Plans

American President's

1. Candidate Debate- : To stimulate a political debate based upon issues relevant to third to fifth graders, their parents, and the community.
2. Citizenship and the Constitution- To identify government officials and resources on a local, state and national level. To demonstrate an understanding of the government on a local, state and national level.
3. Community Government- The learner will identify the mayor/city council (city manager) form of government as the leadership of community government.
4. Considering the Theme of Progress- Students will be able to understand the purpose of the upcoming unit and contribute to its development.
5. Ethics in American Government- Students analyze the statement "Those who govern in a democracy hold a 'public trust'." This activity provides exploration of ethical dilemmas which might face our present government officials.

1. Foreign Policy Simulation- This activity is intended to help students understand how various elements of the US foreign policy system operate and to give them practice in conflict resolution.
2. Home-Made Political Parties- The purpose of this activity is to provide students with an understanding of the role of political parties in our democracy, by offering them an opportunity to participate in one of the primary activities of any party, writing a platform.
3. How a Bill Becomes a Law- The purpose of this activity package is to provide activities that will encourage students to understand how our government introduces, passes laws, and makes policy decisions and, also, to develop in them an increased awareness of the issues affecting their lives and how they can provide input into the American political process.
4. Images in World War II- Students will understand the impact of World War II on day-to-day life in the U.S.
5. Impact Of Government On The Individual- The purpose to this activity, used during the early part of the school year in a required secondary government class, is to begin the process of helping students visualize the government of the United States as a very important part of their everyday existence--- a part which they can impact.
6. Introduction of Restriction on Freedom of Speech- To demonstrate limits to freedom of speech.
7. Inviting Candidates to Class- The purpose of having candidates speak is to show that politicians are people and that the students are old enough to decide who they want to represent them in the legislature.
8. Justice- To provide an opportunity for students to discuss both strengths and weaknesses of the court system in providing equal justice for all and to identify factors that cause these weaknesses and recommend solutions.
9. Know Your Local Government- The purpose of this activity is to introduce students to the local government structure and the people in the various power positions.
10. Political Polls- : Students will understand A) terms of polling B) philosophy of how polls are constructed C) how polls may be inaccurate D) how polls may be used.
11. Reorganizing the Bill of Rights- The purpose of the activity is to ask students to look critically at the 26 amendments. Are some more important than others? Can we live without some of them? Do some of them address similar issues?
12. Role Of The Government- The intent of this activity is to introduce students to the meaning of the word "government." The students will examine why society needs a government to exist.
13. Search & Seizure- A simple simulation inspired by a teacher's guide to a government text engages students in a search and seizure activity that allows an exploration of students' rights within a school setting.
14. Separation Of Powers Between The Three Branches Of Government- : The purpose of this lesson is to help students understand the concept of the three branches of government.
15. Supreme Court Decisions and Their Effect On Us- The purpose of this activity is to help students understand how Supreme Court decisions affect all of us and what the Supreme Court bases its decisions on.
16. Supreme Court Decisions on Freedom of Religion- The wide range of cases help students to understand that this "freedom" has limits and bounds and is constantly under attack.
17. The Constitution: Behind Closed Doors- Through the process of simulation students gain insight into the special interests delegates brought to the convention and the compromises made in order to form the most revolutionary document on the history of the world.
18. The Constitution: Our Plan for Government- Name the three branches of government; explain how each is dependent on the other to complete its work; describe how the courts acts as a referee.
19. The Declaration Of Independence and Your Own Rights- Students will discuss and write about their own personal rights and how their rights are neglected or violated.
20. The Search for a Meaningful Dialectic- : The primary purpose of this activity is to introduce each student to a framework of political and social values which may be used to evaluate the validity of any public policy debate, bill, law, etc.
21. The U.S. Constitution Power Grab Game- : To encourage students to comprehend these points of emphasis and relate them to the study of the three branches of our federal government.
22. The Voting Game- Students will be able to classify political parties between the radical-conservative range. Students will identify their interests with a political party.
23. To Be Or Not To Be Armed- The purpose of this activity (to be used in a secondary governments class) is to begin the process of teaching students communication and thinking skills and the procedures necessary to resolve problems.
24. Topical Discussions- The purpose of this activity is to encourage students to share their opinions on controversial topics and to be able to state why they hold those particular beliefs.
25. Town Meeting: Direct Representation- : Students are to use discussion, negotiation, and political skill to make a group decision.
26. U.S. Constitution and Amendments- The students will begin to learn about our framework for government and examine the actual document ans see its direct impact on their lives.
27. Voting a Privilege Through Registration- One major theme that rings true is that voting is a privilege; however, this privilege is not possible without voter registration.
28. Voting in Legislatures- This activity may be used in connection with a social studies unit on local and state government.
29. Voting Simulation- The purpose of this lesson is to help students become aware of the rights and responsibilities of voting.
30. We the People- This lesson would take a few class periods. The lesson you see is what I would do the very first day of school to help establish classroom rules.
31. Who Gets The Job?- The purpose of this lesson is for students to understand that even though Senate approval is needed for presidential Cabinet appointments, there are no qualifications or standards set for each position.
32. You and the U.S. Constitution- To understand why people who work and play together need to follow rules; and how these rules are developed.