Chapter 3 Pacing Guide

The Constitution

Chapter Summary: The Constitution is our plan for government. The Articles of the Constitution talk about the duties of the three main parts of government: the Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch, and the Judicial Branch. The articles also talk about the separate powers of the Federal and State government, and how to change the Constitution.

Section 1: The Six Basic Principles

Facts

  • Constitution sets out 6 basic principles and the framework of government in the United States.
  • In this country the government is not all-powerful and the states do retain rights.
  • Constitution created three branches of government in order to separate powers.
  • The Constitution created a system of checks and balances to prevent abuses of power.
  • The Constitution created a federal system of government.

Objectives: Students will be able to

  • Outline the important elements of the Constitution.
  • List and understand the six basic principles of the Constitution.

Plans

Day 1

  • Identify key terms/discuss
  • Complete outline 1
  • Outline 1 PPT
  • Discussion question: Please give me YOUR definition of the Patriot Act.
  • Learning log

Discussion Response I ______

Section 2: Formal Amendment

Facts

  • Since 1789, 27 Amendments have been added to the Constitution.
  • The first 10 Amendments are known as the Bill of Rights.

Objectives: Students will be able to…

  • Identify the four different ways the Constitution can be amended.
  • Outline the 27 Amendments of the Constitution.

Plans

Day 2

  • Identify key terms/discuss
  • Complete outline 2
  • Outline 2 PPT
  • Discussion question: Use your phones to find an amendment that has been proposed to the Constitution, but not ratified. Should it be added as the 18th Amendment. Explain your response
  • Learning log

Discussion Response II ______

Section 3: Constitutional Change by Other Means

Facts

  • Over time many changes have been made to the Constitution in ways other than formally.
  • These changes have not involved written changes to the Constitution.
  • Most of these changes come via court decisions.

Objectives: Students will be able to…

  • Identify how basic legislation has changed the Constitution over time.
  • Describe the ways in which the Constitution has been altered by executive and judicial actions.
  • Analyze the role of party practices and custom in shaping the Constitution.

Plans

Day 3

  • Identify key terms/discuss
  • Complete outline 3
  • Outline 3 PPT
  • Discussion question: Do American citizens under the age of 18 have the same rights as all citizens under the Constitution? Explain your response.
  • Learning log

Discussion Response III ______

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Unit Summation Question: Reassess your definition of the Patriot Act. Would you write the same way? If so, explain why. If not, give a new definition.

______

______

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Day 4

  • Unit Summation Question
  • Packet Quiz
  • Cooperative Quiz
  • Learning Log

Day 5

  • Book Test