Citizenship and The Constitutional Law System
Grade Level: 8th Grade
Subject: Social Studies
Time Frame: 3 weeks (August)
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Big Understandings
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- construct an understanding of the changing definition of citizenship and the expansion of rights of citizens in the United States
- the purpose and place of rule of law in a constitutional system
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Essential Questions
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- what is a patriot?
- what are the duties and responsibilities for citizens?
- what are the various roles of government?
- how have various people from different eras in our nation's history promoted change in the face of opposition and what democratic principles were advanced?
- how have the meanings of American ideals remained the same and changed over time?
- what is the "common good"?
- what are key court cases and historical events in the development of the United States?
- how have landmark Supreme Court cases impacted society?
- what are examples of successful and unsuccessful conflict resolution in United States history and why?
- how has the United States balanced individual rights and law?
- which is more effective, the rule of law or the rule of man? why?
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By the end of the unit, students will be able to:
- describe instances in which major political, social, economic, or cultural changes occurred and the reasons for the changes
- analyze the changing definition of citizenship and give examples of the expansion of rights
- describe examples of citizens and groups who have influenced change in United States government and politics (women, American Indians, African Americans, and people in the unsettled territories)
- evaluate the result of various strategies for political change over time
- analyze primary sources supporting democratic freedoms and the founding of our government (the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights; and explain how they provide for both continuity and change)
- examine ways members of society may effectively voice opinions, monitor government, and bring about change nationally
- discern various types of law
- evaluate the strengths of rule of law
- describe and engage in various means of conflict management
- explain the role and importance of the Constitution
- discuss the tensions between individual rights, state law, and national law
- explain how the state and federal courts' power of judicial review is reflected in the United States' form of constitutional government
- use a variety of resources to identify and evaluate issues that involve civic responsibility, individual rights, and the common good
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Topics:
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- what it means to be a citizen- in the beginning and now
- responsibilities of a citizen
- roles of government
- key people in the changing of our government
- American ideals- now and in the beginning
- government documents and what they mean for the United States
- types of law- strengths and weaknesses
- importance and role of the Constitution
- power of federal and state courts
- role of the judiciary branch
- the difference between civic responsibility, individual rights, and the common good
- key court cases and historical events
- landmark Supreme Court cases
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Standards
SS.8.4.1
SS.8.4.2