Introduction
How does the separation of powers affect the way we govern?
A fun exercise to help students relate the separation of powers to something they can understand. In this lesson students will be asked to not only define separation of powers, they will be asked to compare and contrast it to the running of the school system.
Task
Students Objectives
Define the separation of powers as it relates to American government.
What are they and what do they control?
Complete worksheets on separation of powers.
Relate the separation of powers to topics such as school sports, school system, and the middle school classrooms.
Take notes on the separation of powers video
create note cards
Complete vocabulary worksheets
Finish worksheets, and vocabulary crossword puzzle for homework.
Process
Students will need to read chapter 35 in their books
students will also need to watch a short video on federalism students will also need pen/pencil eraser/whiteout
students will need paper
students will need to bring their journals to class
students will need both their book, and their work books students will need ipad/laptop or login to use school computers
The class will discuss how government works, and why there is a need for two governing bodies. The class will cover what federalism is, and why the state, and federal government have different jobs. The class will discuss in detail what the job of each body is, and why they are given the powers they have.
The student will be asked questions after watching the video about the federal government.
Students will be asked to take notes during the video, which they will later use to help them organize their thoughts for their power point.
Once all the information has been covered in class students will be asked to make note cards from their notes which they will be allowed to bring back and share once they are put into groups.
Once in groups students will begin to formulate their ideas for their power point. Each group member will be responsible for 2 slides.
As each group works ensure everyone is sharing and contributing information to the group.
Evaluation
When assessing each student ensure they have a understanding of the idea of separation of powers.
Ensure each student understands not only how important it is for America to utilize checks and balances in government, but how they benefit.
If students can define well separation of powers, federalism, and how the work they receive full credit
If the definitions of each seem vague they will have 2 points taken off
And if students could either describe or define, and not both they receive 4 points off.
Review power points and ensure the information is clear, and offers a comparison between government, and how one might relate sports to the same system.
Formal vs informal assessment
•Informal assessment
•Talk to each group find out what they know •Ask class questions
•Formal Assessment
•Jigsaw puzzle
•Worksheet •Verbal quiz
Conclusion
Checks and balances are very helpful, and in fact they add to the stability of our nations government. In many ways having stability more then accounts for any slow moment in the process of governing. With that being said while there may be opposing views, we have a fair and very effective government whose efficiency adds to the overall success. The systems of checks and balances keep each branch from gaining to much authority over the other. If the government ran more slowly as a result of an evenly distributed power base it would be well worth it. Building a structure slowly and safely is better then quick with poor construction.
Understanding federalism, and the idea of separation of powers opens the eyes to why it is important to have a government that holds each branch accountable. The need for a stable system far out ways the idea of a slow government, in fact it creates a strong sturdy government. Each branch has its job, and each branch serves in a different capacity. Understanding what is needed on the state level, and looking at the bigger picture on the federal level. Each branch has its job to do, and its place in the government system.
Credits
 AZ- Arizona Academics Standards |
|---|
| Subject : Social Studies (2006 Final) |
| Subject/ Grade/ Domain : Seventh Grade |
| Strand : Strand 3: Civics/Government |
| Concept : Concept 3: Functions of Government |
| RemovePerformance Objective : PO 2. Identify the government’s role in progressive reforms (e.g., women’s suffrage, labor unions, temperance movement, civil rights). |
Teacher Page
*You may want to try doing the same lesson plan in the library, or computer room for a change of environment.
* Additionally to vary the learning levels consider having the power point be a group, or single person project depending on your students
* You may also think about writing some notes on the board to give students a guide line when watch the video.
* Playing the video first can tap into the student’s prior knowledge allowing the teacher to get an idea of how much the students already know. (Allowing the teacher to create groups based on their academic
Knowledge about the topic.)
Ensure the students are able to properly define
Federalism
a government system in which the power is divided between central authority and constituent political units. (power is divided between national and state government)
Government
system by which a state or community is controlled
power
a specific capacity, faculty, or aptitude: the ability or official capacity to exercise control
Below are a collection of slides to help with teacher presentation.
| AZ- Arizona Academics Standards |
|---|
| Subject : Social Studies (2006 Final) |
| Subject/ Grade/ Domain : Seventh Grade |
| Strand : Strand 3: Civics/Government |
| Concept : Concept 3: Functions of Government |
| RemovePerformance Objective : PO 2. Identify the government’s role in progressive reforms (e.g., women’s suffrage, labor unions, temperance movement, civil rights). |