Unit
Unit 4: Civic and Constitutional Life for 6-8
Guiding question
How can understanding the principles of the Constitution help citizens participate effectively in a democratic society?
- 8 Lessons
- 22 Activities
- 4 Essays
Lessons
Students will analyze the Bill of Rights amendments and categorize those into thematic groups.
How is the government’s power is limited by the Bill of Rights?
How can understanding the principles of the Constitution help citizens participate effectively in a democratic society?
How do the three branches of government interact to create a system of checks and balances?
Explore case studies of branches asserting their constitutional authority to check one another.
How can understanding the principles of the Constitution help citizens participate effectively in a democratic society?
What are the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democratic society?
How can understanding the principles of the Constitution help citizens participate effectively in a democratic society?
Unit resources
A whole-group classroom game that challenges students to successfully navigate the policy-making process by passing laws, executing orders, and reviewing actions - while maintaining the balance of power among the three branches of government. The branch with the most points wins.
The text of the Amendments I, III, IV, and VIII accompanied by scenarios and reflection questions.
Excerpts of Miranda v. Arizona (1966) and Engel v. Vitale (1962) and a simplified framework to analyze the meaning and impact of these Court rulings.
A student handout to guide students understanding of the structure and purpose of a Supreme Court decision.
Students will evaluate their own knowledge of the branches of government, checks and balances, and separation of powers.
A self-checking formative assessment to gauge student understanding of The Constitutional System of Government Lesson.
A student handout to accompany the case study essays.
A handout to facilitate student understanding of civil society groups in their community.
A handout for student Investigation into local civic groups to identify how they work to solve local problems.
Eight scenarios and questions that guide student understanding of the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democratic society.
How does this system ensure the effective functioning of representative government?
Three case studies that showcase government branches asserting their constitutional authority to check another.
Standards
Related content
In this middle school history lesson, students explore Theodore Roosevelt’s 1883 speech "The Duties of American Citizenship". Delivered while he was still a New York State Assemblyman, Roosevelt’s words challenged Americans to take their civic responsibilities seriously, and his call to action still resonates today. What does it mean to be an active citizen, and how do the principles of the Constitution guide that responsibility? Using the VIEW method (Voice, Intent, Environment, and Who), students analyze Roosevelt’s speech to uncover his message about civic virtue, political participation, and working together for the common good.