Upper Grades Tuolumne Homework
Helpful Links:
American Government Report (Word)
Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids http://bensguide.gpo.gov/
Congress for Kids http://congressforkids.net/
Encarta http://encarta.msn.com/
Ask for Kids http://sp.askforkids.com/docs/askforkids/help/tours/newsresources.htm
The primary purpose of this report is to help students develop an understanding and appreciation for our form of government, and to have students think about the rights and responsibilities that come with citizenship in the United States. The purpose of this outline is to assist you in presenting information that you gather about how the American Government is organized.
This outline contains due dates for different sections of the report. Each section should be fully completed and edited by the due date.
Enjoy the process of digging up information about the United States and it’s most famous symbols. You may use books and the internet—get help with that from your parents. Do not cut and paste information- you must write the information in your own words.
Length and Expectations:
The length of any given section will be limited by the amount of information that you can find. Try to cover the questions that are listed in the outline. Most topics should be covered in 3 to 5 paragraphs. Your report should be fully edited for spelling and grammar. It should be in your own words, paraphrased from information sources. Your report should be very neatly presented. It may be typed, by you. As you complete a section save it in the folder for final compilation.
The report should be compiled in the following order. Notice, the due dates are not in order. On each due date turn in your report in the folder with the outline. It will be returned that day.
______ Cover- Due March 7
The cover should have the title of your report, give it a title that inspires your reader. It should also have your first and last name and the final due date. It should be illustrated with symbols of the United States or in some way that reflects the subject of your report.
______Title Page- March 7
Just like the cover, but on the inside.
_____ Introduction- Due March 14
Define democracy in your introduction.
Tell two or three interesting facts from your report.
Tell how and where you found your sources of information.
Thank the people who helped you write your report.
Encourage your reader to read and enjoy your report.
______ Illustrations- Include at least three. These are due as you complete them.
A map of the original thirteen colonies.
A map of the current 50 states and their capitals and the number of electoral votes they have.
A table of presidents and the years of their terms.
A graph of the population of the United States over time, in 25 year increments.
A picture of the US flag, original and present.
A picture of the US Symbol that you chose to discuss.
______ Declaration of Independence- Due January 18
What is the Declaration of Independence? When and where was it written? Who were the main writers? How many people signed it? Where is this document now? Name three of the primary complaints that the colonists had toward England.
______ The Constitution- Due January 25
What is the constitution? Who were the main framers of the constitution? When was it written? Where was it written? Why is it important?
_____ Bill of Rights and the Amendments to the Constitution- Due January 29
Summarize each of the rights described in the first 10 amendments. Pick four amendments to discuss. Choose one right that you think is very important, write a paragraph explaining the value of this right.
_____ The Branches of Government- Due February 1
What are the branches of government? What are the powers and responsibilities of each of the branches? How are laws passed? How are taxes levied? Who declares war? Why are the powers of government separated? Explain the concept of Checks and Balances.
______ The Executive Branch- Due February 5
What are the responsibilities of the President? Vice President? What are the responsibilities of the Executive Branch? What is the cabinet? What are the departments represented in the cabinet? What are the powers of the presidency? How much does a president get paid? Who is the president? Vice President? What are the qualifications for office? What is the term of office? How can we reach the president?
______ The Judicial Branch- Due February 8
What are the responsibilities of the Supreme Court? How is a judge chosen? Who are the current members of the court? What are the qualifications for a Supreme Court justice? What is the term of office? How does one bring a case to the Supreme Court? Discuss two of the following landmark Supreme Court Decisions:
Miranda v. Arizona, Brown v. the Board of Education of Topeka, Roe v. Wade, Dred Scott v. Sanford, Brandenberg v. Ohio, Texas v. Johnson, Bush v. Gore.
Extra Credit: Talk about a case currently being considered by the Supreme Court.
_____ The Legislative Branch- February 12
What are the houses of congress? How many senators come from each state? How many representatives? How is the number determined and why was it designed that way? What are the qualifications for serving in congress? What does a congress person get paid? What are the terms of office? Who is your congress person? Who are your senators? How can we reach them?
_____ Citizenship- February 15
What are the qualifications of a citizen of the United States? What are the duties of citizenship? What does it mean to be patriotic? Here are some quotes by American patriots. Choose one to discuss. Who is the person? When did they live? In what situation did they say the words? What were they trying to express? How would you apply their words today?
“Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” John F. Kennedy
“Give me liberty or give me death!” Patrick Henry
“Aint I a woman?” Sojourner Truth
“We only ask an even chance to live as other men… Let me be a free man.” Chief Joseph
“I have a dream.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
_____ Elections- February 26
Who can vote? What are the two main parties in the United States? What are some of the differences between the parties? What is a primary? Discuss a third party that interests you- Peace and Freedom, Green Party, Libertarian Party. What do people vote on at the state and local level? What is the Electoral College? How does it work?
______ The American Flag- Due March 4
Describe the flag and the symbolism of the colors and design. Research the proper etiquette for flag display and use. What is the pledge of allegiance? What does it mean to you?
_____ Other American Symbols- Due March 7
Pick one of the following symbols of the United States. Explain the history of the icon and its importance. Where is the symbol kept, if it is real.
The Liberty Bell, The Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, The Bald Eagle, Fireworks, The Star Spangled Banner, Yankee Doodle, The Presidential Seal, In God We Trust, Lady Liberty.
_____ Conclusion- March 11
What do you think are the most important parts of living in a democracy? What did you find inspiring? Do you think that the rights that you have in our country are important? Is there a Supreme Court decision with which you disagree? What do you feel are your responsibilities? What is your favorite American symbol? If you could choose a symbol for America, what would it be? Why?
_____ Bibliography- March 11
List each of your source materials, including websites. List the author, publisher, title and date of publication. Use the following sheet to record your sources as you go. Re-write your list neatly, in alphabetical order by author’s last name
|
