Introduction
In order for every country to run most efficiently a government must be put into place to dictate and organize the who, what, where, when why and how of the country's land and the people who reside there. In the United States of America there is a 3-pronged system of branches that each must work together to keep the country safe and prosperous. The Judicial, Executive, and Legislative branches all employ citizens of the U.S. to make sure that these tasks are completed to US better the country.
Task
1.) Make a group of four with your fellow students.
2) As a group:
Choose a different country to conduct research on and compare and contrast their system of government to the U.S.
a.) Sign up for a group presentation slot with the Instructor
3.) Within each group 2 people will research the 3 branches of the U.S. Government.
The remaining 2 people in each group will research the chosen country's system of government that the oral presentation use as a comparison.
a.) Make a 20-minute presentation using a slideshow medium or posterboard as your visual aid.
4.) Individually type and submit at the start of class on your groups assigned presentation day a 5 page reflection on this Webquest Assignment.
Process
Group Work
U.S. System of Government:
Two of you will go on the Internet to research the three branches of government, what their main responsibilities are and who is included in them. Use the websites provided below, but don't be afraid to do some research yourself!
http://bensguide.gpo.gov/9-12/index.html
http://www.congressforkids.net/index.htm
http://www.usconstitution.net/consttop_cnb.html
http://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/resources/law_relate…
1. Structure: What does each branch (Judicial, Executive, Legislative) "look" like?
2. Powers: What powers does each branch have? Is one the most powerful?
Foreign of System Government:
The remaining two of you will go on the Internet to research the chosen foreign country and their alternative form of government answering the same types of questions as the first two group members are trying to answer. Use the websites provided below, but don't be afraid to do some research yourself!
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/
http://www.kidcyber.com.au/topics/govtforms.htm
1. Structure: What does each branch (Judicial, Executive, Legislative) "look" like?
2. Powers: What powers does each branch have? Is one the most powerful?
***Don't forget to site the sources used for images, information, etc. that you are using to present your project.
Individual Work
After completing your project, reflect on what you learned yourself and what you learned from your classmates and submit this 5-page reflection before the start of your oral group presentation.
Reflection Questions
1.) Do you think one branch is more important than the others? Why?
2.) Is having knowledge of the government important? Why?
3.) How do you think government affects the country, your community, yourself and your family.
4.) Are there better ways to pass laws? If so, what are they?
5.) Is one branch of the government too powerful?
6.) Does the ‘Checks and balances’ system work?
7.) Is there a need for laws that are Unconstitutional?
8.) What is the role of government?
Evaluation
Conclusion
To conclude this webquest watch the video below!
[video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTosZKInn84 width:620 height:515 align:center]