Role of the Government:  Grades 9-12
 

Overview:  What does one mean by the word "government"?  Have students think of an answer to this question to themselves, then get ready to brainstorm.  Perhaps they will think of the Capital, or the Senate or House of Representatives.  Or maybe the town council or local city hall.  Others may think of police officers, the FBI, or CIA, or others who work for the government to enforce the law.
 

Purpose:  The reason for this activity is to introduce students to the meaning of the word "government".  Students will examine why government is so essential for the stability of a civilization.  This activity may also serve as a way to examine our founding fathers and the first form of government the United States had.  This includes such things as the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
 

Objectives:  Students will be able to:
1.  List reasons why governments are essential and point out what their role is.

2.  Define the meanings of such words as republic and democracy, as well as pertinent values that first began with the Declaration of Independence and still continue to this day.

3.  List and relate to the elementary freedoms which are guaranteed to all Americans through the Bill of Rights.
 

Activities:
1.  Have students divid into groups of three or four.  As a group have them pick one particular aspect of our government they would like to research and know more about such as the Amendments or the legislative branch.  In addition, each group must define at least three key terms such as republic or democracy.

2.  Find a variety of internet cites regarding the topic chosen.  Find at least ten different sites and take notes on the most interesting points and find definitions of your key terms.

3.  Prepare a short power point presentation (10-15 slides) which illustrates what your topic is and why it is considered an aspect of government.  Make sure you have at least one slide which defines your key terms.
 

Resources/Materials Needed:

    Books on the Foundation of American Government (including things such as the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution)
    Computers with internet availability--one per group
    Power point software
 

 Tying It All Together: Have the students present their group's power point and have a discussion about each different topic and why it is essential.  Make sure students understand a society could not function without a government for a significant duration of time.  A government for the