Unit+3+Foundations+and+Structure+of+U.S.+Government

Hello all! Welcome to your unit on the Foundations of American Government! There is a lot to remember in this unit and some of it may be a bit confusing. However, if you pay close attention in class and use the resources below to help you, you should be fine! Don't freak out!


 * Summary of Daily Lessons:**

We started our amazing Foundations of U.S. Government Powerpoint that Ms. Currey worked and slaved on FOREVER! Questions to answer today: How are the 13 original colonies different from one another?
 * Day 1:** Today we started out new unit and learned about the first European settlers in North America.



History of the Colonies [|13 British Colonies Webquest:] You worked in partners to find information about one specific colony.

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 * The 13 Original Colonies and their Diversity**

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 * Influences for the Constitution and the government of the colonies:**
 * Mayflower Compact**


 * Day 2:** Today we talked about the French and Indian war and watched a cool brainpop video about it. Then we watched the School House Rock clip below about how the colonists wanted to get rid of the rule of Great Britain in the colonies of North America. We also talked about the causes of the American Revolutionary war and watched 13 Colonies Brainpop and Causes of the American Revolution Brainpop. Then we watched the Shot Heard Around the World (below). If you want to learn more, you can check out the like below: "The Story of the American Revolutionary War. You can also watch the Thomas Paine Liberty Kids Cartoon about the influential British writer who wrote that government's only purpose is to protect life, liberty and property of the people. He also said that people should create their own laws instead of being told what to do from an outside party (the King of England!) Paine is important to know about because his pamphlet inspired many people to join the cause of the American Revolution and to fight for independence and the chance to set up their own government. Check out Liberty Kids below to learn the more entertaining version of the story! :)

We also learned about the methods of protest like boycotts and protests. In addition, we talked about how some colonists got more aggressive and used methods like the Boston Tea Part (video below) and even the Boston Massacre! (video below)

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 * No More Kings!**

[|The Story of the American Revolutionary War]

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 * Tensions Between the Colonists and the British:**

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 * The Boston Tea Party: Liberty Kids**

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 * Thomas Paine: Common Sense (Liberty Kids!)**

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 * The Boston Massacre**


 * Day 3:** Today we learned about the Declaration of Independence. We watched a brainpop clip about the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, and the American Revolution. We also reviewed everything we've covered so far in class. If you need more review of the Declaration of Independence, you can check out the link below!

HW: Find 2 articles: 1 supporting the idea that the ideals of the Declaration of Independence are still a part of American society today and 1 refuting the idea that the ideals of the Declaration of Independence are still a part of American society today.

[|The Declaration of Independence in Language Easier to Understand]

[|The Articles of Confederation: First try at setting up a new government!]

We watched a Brain Pop video about the Constitution and you worked on the "Getting Acquainted with the Constitution" worksheet with a partner.
 * Day 4:** Today we shared our articles with the class and discusses some common ideas about the Declaration of Independence and the role it plays in American society today. We also looked at the Constitution and you worked on a webquest on the website below (Constitution in Language Easy to Understand).

HW: Finish worksheet.

[|Constitution in Language Easy to Understand]


 * Day 5:** Today we talked about the amendments to the Constitution. More specifically, we focused on the first 10 amendments to the Constitution: The Bill of Rights. We watched a Brain Pop about the Bill of Rights. Then, we looked at other Amendments (27 in all) and you summarized one and posted it here on the wiki! (See below). You used the summaries to work on an Ämendment Review Worksheet"

HW: Amendment Review

[|Full Text of Constitution and Amendments]

[|Amendments]

[|The Bill of Rights in Language Easier to Understand]

[|The "REAL" Bill of Rights]


 * SHORT Summary of the Bill of Rights:** Be sure to look up the longer descriptions in the links above to mke sure you understand the specifics of each of the bills.
 * 1.** Freedom of speech, religion, press, public meeting
 * 2.** Right to bear arms
 * 3.** No housing soldiers
 * 4.** No searching private property without good reason
 * 5.** Rights of people accused of crime: Fair trial by jury (there are a few parts to this)
 * 6.** Right of speedy public trial
 * 7.** Right to a jury even in a civil case (not against the gov't)
 * 8.** No cruel and unusual punishment
 * 9.** Other rights not in the Constitution may still apply!
 * 10.** Anything NOT in the Constitution is up to the States and the people to figure out


 * Amendments Explained by the Class:**


 * 11** Citizens from anywhere in the United States cannot construe any suit in law against one of the United States.


 * 12** There are two separate ballots for Vice-President, and President, and whoever gets the most votes is elected!


 * 13** No more slavery!


 * 14** Civil RIghts: All people have certain rights, regardless of race (life, liberty, property, pursuit of happiness)


 * 15** All men can vote, regardless of race.


 * 16** The congress has the power to add taxes and take taxes at will from any source


 * 17** The Senate of the United States will be made up of two senators from each state elected by the people. The senator will be in the senate for 6 years.


 * 18** The U.S constitution banned the manufacture, sale and transportation of alcohol.


 * 19** Women can vote!


 * 20** There are terms of presidency and congress that need to be followed.


 * 21 The old prohibition is taken back. BUT you have to follow the laws about alcohol in each state.**


 * 22:You're allowed to be the president for only two terms (NOMNOMNOMNOMNOMNOM :) )**


 * 23:** Restricts the District of Columbia to the same number of Electors as the least populous state has, no matter its own population.


 * 24:** Forbids all the states and congress from conditioning the right to vote in elections which are federal on payment of types of taxes, for example a poll tax.


 * 25** The vice-president is an alternative for the president in special circumstances, and when the vice-president is gone, the president can nominate a new person.


 * 26:** 18 year olds can vote!


 * 27:** After a general election, changes of salary for members of the congress is allowed.


 * Day 6: Individual vs. Community Activity and discussion:** [[file:Ind vs Community II.doc]]


 * Day 7:** Today we learned about the 3 branches of government. We watched LOTS of videos including: Branches of Government; How a Bill Becomes a Law; House of Representatives; Senate; Presidential Power; Presidential Election; Primaries and Caucuses; Electoral College; Political Parties; Supreme Court; Court Systems; and The Judicial Branch of Government. WHEW! You can review some of the videos below.

How a Bill Becomes a Law: media type="youtube" key="EZdXk3FmZsk" height="345" width="420"
 * Federal Powers vs. State Powers**

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 * Facts of Congress Videos:**

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 * Presidential Elections:**
 * Electoral College: How the President is elected:**

Review.
 * Day 8:Unfinished Business (aka videos). Checks and Balances and Checks and Balances worksheet.**


 * Day 9:** Time to work on study guide and ask questions. Test NOV 2!


 * Unit Test Study Guide:[[file:American Govt Study Guide.docx]]**