Introduction
After the American Revolution was fought and won, a new nation was created. At the time, founding fathers like John Adams, George Washington, James Madison and John Jay were not sure what that really meant in regards to the new government that had to be created. The colonies just fought a long, hard battle to break free from British tyranny. The King and Parliament were no longer in control of these newly formed states. But were they really united?
The government created under the Articles of Confederation did not work for the new nation. The government, in trying to protect states' rights and people's freedoms, did not have the power it needed to guide the country forward. The task of creating a new government that would guide the nation and at the same time protect all citizens' rights was a daunting task.This new experiment that was yet to be tested, would forever change the newly created United States.
Despite the obstacles and challenges faced by the founding fathers and many debates, arguments, and compromises later, the government that was created in 1787 under the US Constitution is the same government we value today. Why is the US Constitution so important? How did the Founding Fathers create a government that would last over 200 years? After completing this webquest, you should have a better understanding of the different branches and levels of government, the power the government has, who does what, and how your rights are protected.
Task
Before you can even think about particiapting in your government: protesting what you think is unfair, voting for the president, making claims that your rights are being taken away, you need to undertsand how your government works. Trying to get all of the information straight gets complicated sometimes. Who does what? What power do leaders have? What can I really do as a citizen? How was our government created? Where did the ideas come from? These are great questions and questions that you should be able to answer once you make your way through this quest for information about the US Government and the US Constitution.
If you really want to be able to participate in your government, you should know something about it.
Your task is to complete the infromation packet on the US Government and Constitution. After completing the packet along with some discussion in class, you should have a basic undertsanding of how our government works.
Process
Process:
Step 1:
Read all directions!
Write legibly.
Step 2:
Go to Google Classroom.
Open up the Assignment: US Government and Constitution. You will be writing your answers to the questions directly on the document. DO NOT TURN IN THE DOCUMENT UNTIL YOU ARE COMPELTELY DONE. You will have to toggle back and forth between the websites and your document in order to complete the assignment.
You will also want to make sure you have your ear buds with you as you will be asked to watch a few video clips. Read through the packet prior to beginning the activity.
Step 3:
You are working individually and at your own pace. However, there will be a due date for the packet to be completed by.
Step 4:
Watch the following video clips and answer the questions you can in your packet. Make sure you watch all three videos in the order they are listed. You will have to toggle between the video and your packet (in Google Docs via Google Classroom) to complete the packet.
We, The People: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ceb1wkSamG4
In this video clip, you will be learning about the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia to correct the problems with the government created for the United States under the Articles of Confederation.
The Preamble: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHp7sMqPL0g
The clip introduces you to the preamble of the US Constitution.
Three Branches of Government: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5M50xBz1cU
The video clip briefly describes the branches of government.
Step 5:
Use the following sites to continue filling in the rest of your packet. You will have to manuever throughout the site to locate the information you need. All of the information is there. You have to READ! Please make sure you follow the directions written in the packet.
Ben's Guide to US Government: http://bensguide.gpo.gov/6-8/
US Government for Kids: http://kids.usa.gov/government/
Congress for Kids: http://www.congressforkids.net/
Evaluation
Your assignment is being graded based on the following:
Use of class time
Quality of your work
Completed on time
Correct answers
Conclusion
Congratulations!
You now have the basics as to how our government is set up. Go forth and become active participants in your government.
Be sure to "turn in" your completed packet for credit. This is a graded assignment.