Introduction
You have been on this island for three days. Everyone is hungry, tired, and scared- tensions are running high. How are you and your friends going to find food and clean water? And when you do find them will everyone get some or just the person who found it? Who will be in charge of keeping the fire going and who will be responsible for hunting and building shelters? You know you all need some way to figure these things out, but everyone just keeps arguing. Some kids have already gotten hurt in the fight over who will be the leader on the island and things will only get worse if you don't figure out a plan now.
Task
It is now up to you to decide who will lead you and your friends and how they will do it. You need to consider the well being of each individual equally and propose a system of rule (government) to your friends that will provide for everyone. Keep in mind though that not everyone will be happy with the decision so your system must be strong enough to resist a rebellion or revolt. You need to be able to account for how you will decide individual's responsibilities, how rations will be given, and what you all will do in order to get rescued. By the end of this exercie you will have a comprehensive idea of what your system of government will look like and be able to defend your choice.
Process
Respond to each of these questions according to they type of governmental rule you chose to implement on the island. Answers must be in complete sentences.
1. What type of government will you choose? (monarchy, dictatorship, etc. or one that has never been invented)
2. Why are you choosing this form of government? List some pros and cons of this form of government.
3. Who will be in charge and how will leaders be chosen?
4. What rules will need to be made?
5.How will your government enforce its rules?
6.How will you ensure the well being of every individual on the island? (e.g. everyone gets enough food, water, and shelter)
7.How will your form of government deal with rebellion or divided opinions?
Use the videos and websites below to help you decide on a form of government for the island.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrk4oY7UxpQ
http://www.ushistory.org/gov/1a.asp
http://www.livescience.com/33027-what-are-the-different-types-of-governments.html
Evaluation
Conclusion
I hope this exercise has opened your eyes to new forms og government and that by it you were able to recognize that each system has its own strengths and weaknesses. This exercies should give you an appreciation for the processes by which a government is formed and maintained. Hopefully, while completing this activity you were able to recognize areas of our government that you might like to be different one day.You have the ability to effect those changes if you truly want to.
Credits
The following resources were utilized in the making of this webquest:
Golding, William, and Edmund L. Epstein. Lord of the Flies: A Novel. New York: Penguin, 2006. Print.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrk4oY7UxpQ
http://www.ushistory.org/gov/1a.asp
http://www.livescience.com/33027-what-are-the-different-types-of-govern…