American Government and Citizenship Curriculum Maps

Units of Study:

1 – Foundations of Government (3 Weeks)

2 – Federalism: Constitution and Civil Liberties (5 Weeks)

3- Political Parties, Elections and the Role of the Media (5 Weeks)

4- The Legislative Branch (3 Weeks)

Midterm Evaluation

5 –The Executive Branch (3 Weeks)

6 – Economics and Foreign Policy (5 Weeks)

7- The Judicial Branch (3 Weeks)

8 – State and Local Governments (4 Weeks)

Final Evaluation

Curriculum Map
Decision One:
Content Map of Unit / Topic: Foundations of Government – Unit 1
Key Learning(s): / Unit Essential Question(s): / Optional Instructional Tools:
Government’s are established with various principles and exist in many forms. However, the main function of each is to protect the society in which it exists. / How do we explain the principles on which governments are formed? / -Notes/Organizers
-Reading/Writing Assignments
-Discussions/Debates
-Classroom Activities/Projects
-Current Events
-Quizzes/Test
Concept:Government and the State / Concept: Forms of Government / Concept: Citizenship
5.1.9 E, F / 5.1.12. A, E / 5.2.9 B, C, E
5.2.12 A, E
Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions:
What are the characteristics of state?
What are the different theories of government?
What are the different forms of political authority and leadership? / What types of government exist around the world and how do they differ from one another? / How is American citizenship defined?
How can a person gain or lose citizenship?
What are the rights, responsibilities, duties and privileges of American citizenship?
Vocabulary: / Vocabulary: / Vocabulary:
Government, Legislative Power, Executive Power, Judicial Power, State, Sovereign, Legitimacy / Autocracy, Oligarchy, Unitary Government, Confederation, Presidential Government, Parliamentary Government / Citizenship, Rights, Responsibilities, Duties, Privileges, Individual Worth, Alien
Curriculum Map
Decision One:
Content Map of Unit / Topic: Federalism: Constitution and Civil Liberties –Unit 2 / Grade: 10 -12
Key Learning(s): / Unit Essential Question(s): / Optional Instructional Tools:
The Constitution grew out of a long history of law and has endured years of turmoil. Despite challenges to the document it has transcended time to serve as the law of the land. / How does the U.S. Constitution account for the uniqueness of American democracy? / -Notes/Organizers
-Reading/Writing Assignments
-Discussions/Debates
-Classroom Activities/Projects
-Current Events
-Quizzes/Test
Concept: Organization and Ideals / Concept:Powers / Concept: Federalism / Concept: Bill of Rights
5.3.12 B / 5.3.9 A
5.1.9 A / 5.1.9 A
5.1.12 A / 5.1.12 E
Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions:
What are the basic principles of the Constitution?
What are the parts of Constitution? / What are the powers of the federal government? / How is power shared between the federal and state governments? / How does the Bill of Rights protect the individual?
Vocabulary: / Vocabulary: / Vocabulary: / Vocabulary:
Preamble, Articles, Rule of Law, Constitutionalism, Veto, Checks and Balances, Separation of Powers, Judicial Review, Federalism / Division of Powers, Delegated Powers, Expressed Powers, Implied Powers, Reserved Powers, Concurrent Powers / Grants, Interstate Compact, Full Faith and Credit Clause, Extradition, Privileges and Immunities Clause / Amendments, Civil Liberties, Civil Rights
Curriculum Map
Decision One:
Content Map of Unit / Topic: Federalism: Constitution and Civil Liberties – Unit 2 / Grade: 10 -12
Key Learning(s): / Unit Essential Question(s): / Optional Instructional Tools:
The Constitution grew out of a long history of law and has endured years of turmoil. Despite challenges to the document it has transcended time to serve as the law of the land. / How does the U.S. Constitution account for the uniqueness of American democracy? / -Notes/Organizers
-Reading/Writing Assignments
-Discussions/Debates
-Classroom Activities/Projects
-Current Events
-Quizzes/Test
Concept: / Concept: / Concept: / Concept:
Amendments
5.1.12 E
Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions:
What are the formal and informal methods of changing the Constitution?
Vocabulary: / Vocabulary: / Vocabulary: / Vocabulary:
Ratification, Federalist Papers, Due Process, Equal Protection
Curriculum Map
Decision One:
Content Map of Unit / Topic: Political Parties, Elections and the Role of the Media – Unit 3 / Grade: 10 - 12
Key Learning(s): / Unit Essential Question(s): / Optional Instructional Tools:
Political Parties were formed to provide a political voice to citizens and have evolved through history. Also public opinion, media and interest groups significantly influence the electoral process. / What factors influence political decisions and the electoral process? / -Notes/Organizers
-Reading/Writing Assignments
-Discussions/Debates
-Classroom Activities/Projects
-Current Events
-Quizzes/Test
Concept:Political Parties / Concept:The Two Party System / Concept: The Electoral Process / Concept: Money and Elections
5.3.9 E, F / 5.3.12 E, F / 5.3. 9 E, F
5.3.12 E, F / 5.3.9 I
5.3.12 I
Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions:
How did political parties develop and what functions do they serve? / What impact ahs the Two Party System had on government in America?
What are the ideological differences between the two major parties? / How is the nomination and election process used in American politics? / What role does campaign financing pay in elections?
Vocabulary: / Vocabulary: / Vocabulary: / Vocabulary:
Political Parties, Major Parties, Minor Party, Partisanship, Party in Power, Ideology / Plurality, Bipartisan, Coalition, Incumbent, Faction, Sectionalism / General Election, Caucus, Direct Primary, Closed Primary, Open Primary, Absentee Voting, Precinct, Polling Place, Ballot, Split Ticket Voting, Gerrymandering / Political Action Committee, Subsidy, Soft Money, Hard Money
Curriculum Map
Decision One:
Content Map of Unit / Topic: Political Parties, Elections and the Role of the Media – Unit 3 / Grade: 10 -12
Key Learning(s): / Unit Essential Question(s): / Optional Instructional Tools:
Political Parties were formed to provide a political voice to citizens and have evolved through history. Also public opinion, media and interest groups significantly influence the electoral process. / What factors influence political decisions and the electoral process? / -Notes/Organizers
-Reading/Writing Assignments
-Discussions/Debates
-Classroom Activities/Projects
-Current Events
-Quizzes/Test
Concept:Public Opinion / Concept: / Concept: / Concept:
5.3.9 H
5.3. 12 H, J
Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions:
What impacts do mass media and interest groups have on public opinion?
Vocabulary: / Vocabulary: / Vocabulary: / Vocabulary:
Public Opinion, Mass Media, Interest Groups, Propaganda, Lobbying, Grass Roots
Curriculum Map
Decision One:
Content Map of Unit / Topic: The Legislative Branch – Unit 4 / Grade: 10 -12
Key Learning(s): / Unit Essential Question(s): / Optional Instructional Tools:
The Legislative Branch exists to pass legislation and create policies that will better protect the freedom of American citizens. / What powers are designated to the Legislative Branch and how are they performed? / -Notes/Organizers
-Reading/Writing Assignments
-Discussions/Debates
-Classroom Activities/Projects
-Current Events
-Quizzes/Test
Concept:Organization / Concept: Powers of Congress / Concept:Current Applications/Issues / Concept:
5.3.9 A
5.3.12 A / 5.3.12 B / 5.3.12 A
Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions:
How is Congress organized?
How is representation apportioned and reapportioned in the House of Representatives? / What are the legislative and non-legislative powers of Congress? / How does the policy of the Legislative Branch effect citizens today?
How do you write a letter to an elected official?
Vocabulary: / Vocabulary: / Vocabulary: / Vocabulary:
Term, Session, Apportion, Reapportion, Constituency
Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, Party Caucus, President Pro Tempore, Whip, / Delegated Powers, Article I – Section VIII – Clause 18
Oversight
Bill, Resolution, Rider, Quorum, Filibuster, Cloture, Veto Power / Current Bills before the House and Senate
Curriculum Map
Decision One:
Content Map of Unit / Topic: The Executive Branch – Unit 5 / Grade: 10 -12
Key Learning(s): / Unit Essential Question(s): / Optional Instructional Tools:
The Executive Brach exists to enforce legislation and select policies that will better protect the freedom of American citizens. / What powers are designated to the Executive Branch and how are they exercised? / -Notes/Organizers
-Reading/Writing Assignments
-Discussions/Debates
-Classroom Activities/Projects
-Current Events
-Quizzes/Test
Concept:Organization / Concept:Powers / Concept:Current Applications/Issues / Concept:
5.3.9.A
5.3.12.A / 5.3.9.B
5.3.12.B / 5.3.9.D
5.3.12.D
Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions:
What are the offices within the Executive Branch?
What provisions are made for presidential succession? / What are the powers and duties of the President?
What is the role of the President? Staff? Cabinet? / How does the policy of the Executive Branch effect citizens today?
Vocabulary: / Vocabulary: / Vocabulary: / Vocabulary:
Chief of State
Chief Executive
Chief Diplomat
Commander in Chief
Chief of Party
Chief Citizen
Cabinet
Bureaucracy
Titles of Cabinet Positions / Executive Powers
Legislative Powers
Judicial Powers / Federal Budget
Fiscal Year
Domestic Affairs
Civil Service
Spoils System
Patronage
Bipartisan
Government Corporation Policy
Environment Corporation Policy
Independent Agencies
Curriculum Map
Decision One:
Content Map of Unit / Topic: Economics and Foreign Policy – Unit 6 / Grade: 10 -12
Key Learning(s): / Unit Essential Question(s): / Optional Instructional Tools:
Economic and foreign policy directly impacts the lives of American citizens as well as the global community. / How does economic and foreign policy impact citizens? / -Notes/Organizers
-Reading/Writing Assignments
-Discussions/Debates
-Classroom Activities/Projects
-Current Events
-Quizzes/Test
Concept:Microeconomics / Concept:Macroeconomics / Concept:Domestic Policy / Concept: Foreign Policy
Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions:
What are the factors of Production?
What are the laws of supply and demand? / How do we measure the performance of our economy?
How are the factors of inflation and unemployment measured? / How does the government attempt to influence the performance of the economy through fiscal policy?
How does the government attempt to influence the economy through monetary policy? / How do World pricesaffect the domestic production, consumption, import, and export of commodities?
What are the major goals of foreign Policy?
Vocabulary: / Vocabulary: / Vocabulary: / Vocabulary:
Microeconomics, Land, Labor
Capital, Entrepreneur, Equilibrium / GDP, Recessionary Gap,
Inflationary Gap, Unemployment,
Civilian Labor Force,
Consumer Price Index,
Standard of Living / Progressive Tax, Regressive Tax, Fiscal Year, Deficit
Debt Ceiling, Social Security
Medicare, Medicaid
Stafford Loans, Pell Grants
N.A.S.A., Amtrak
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac / Import
Export
Embargo
Boycott
Tariff
NAFTA
WTO
Terrorism
Curriculum Map
Decision One:
Content Map of Unit / Topic: The Judicial Branch – Unit 7 / Grade: 10 -12
Key Learning(s): / Unit Essential Question(s): / Optional Instructional Tools:
The Judicial Branch exists to interpret laws and provide guidance on the meaning of fundamental and statutory laws. / What powers are designated to the Judicial Branch and how are they performed? / -Notes/Organizers
-Reading/Writing Assignments
-Discussions/Debates
-Classroom Activities/Projects
-Current Events
-Quizzes/Test
Concept:Organization / Concept:Powers / Concept:Current Applications/Issues / Concept:
5.3.12.A
5.3.9.A / 5.3.12.B
5.3.9.B / 5.1.12.L
Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions:
What is the structure of the Federal Court System? / What are the basic powers of the judicial branch? / How does the government determine the application of law to real life?
Vocabulary: / Vocabulary: / Vocabulary: / Vocabulary:
Inferior Courts
Jurisdiction
Civil Case
Court-Martial
District Court
Court of Appeals
Court of Common Pleas
Circuit Courts
Supreme Court
Chief Justice
Magistrate / Civil Liberties
Civil Rights
Judicial Review
Criminal Law
Precedent
Stare Decisis / Bench Trial Discrimination
Petit Jury
Grand Jury
Indictment
Double Jeopardy
Miranda Rule
Public Defender
Prosecutor
Conviction
Acquittal
Hung jury
Mistrial
Appeal
Opening Argument
Closing Argument
Curriculum MAP
Decision One:
Content Map of Unit / Topic: State and Local Government – Unit 8 / Grade: 10 -12
Key Learning(s): / Unit Essential Question(s): / Optional Instructional Tools:
State and local governments have a rich history and are conducted to apply appropriate protection for their population. / How is government organized and conducted at the state and local level? / -Notes/Organizers
-Reading/Writing Assignments
-Discussions/Debates
-Classroom Activities/Projects
-Current Events
-Quizzes/Test
Concept:State Government / Concept:CountyGovernment / Concept:Municipal Government / Concept:
5.1.9.D, F, H, L
5.1.12.D, F, H, L
5.3.9.C, D, I
5.3.12.C, D, I / 5.2.9.B
5.3.9.C, D, I
5.3.12.C, D, I / 5.2.9.B
5.3.9.C, D, I
5.3.12.C, D, I
Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions: / Lesson Essential Questions:
How are the state legislative and judicial branches organized and what powers do they possess? / What are the powers and structure of county governments? / How is government divided and regulated between local areas?
Vocabulary: / Vocabulary: / Vocabulary: / Vocabulary:
Commonwealth, General Assembly, State
Governor, Lieutenant Governor
State Representative
State Senator, Capital, Capitol
State budget, State Revenue Sources, State Agencies
Bicameral legislature
Unicameral legislature / County
Commissioner
Property tax
Millage
County Agencies
Sheriff / Mayor/Council
Township/Manager
Village, Borough
Town, Special District
Incorporation, Charter
Zoning, Metropolitan Area
Supervisor, Municipal Services
Ordinances