Effective Instruction in Civics & Government

What is government? This is a question that can be used to begin a

unit with students – but can be difficult for them to grasp.

They often are not aware of the layers of government – local, state & national (federal) & who does what.

Use a comparison to help pull out ideas –

What makes good government? What makes bad government?

Why do we need government?

People have come together in organized groups throughout human history.

Some of these groups have been highly organized and have accomplished great achievements. Others have not.

What has been the difference?

Five Features of Civilization Basically it comes down to the

sophistication of cooperation & organization.

The lasting civilizations have had at least these five features:• Writing system• Organized government• Rise of cities• Job specialization • Religion

Like legs of a table These features hold the civilization

together. If one or more of them start to decline,

then the civilization will as well – we’ve seen

this patterned repeated numerous times in human history.

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Types of governments At the core of government is the idea of power

and control. How can humans come together when someone, or a small group is in power, or they can share power among themselves.• There are three kinds of power in the

world Social Political Economic

Can you think of someone who has all 3?

Social, economic & political power

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With an understand of power in the world, then…

How should we best teach students about government?1 – Focus primarily on how our government is

currently organized.

2 – Focus on how our government is organized from its founding while also examining other government systems to develop student understandings & perspectives – from how ours has changed & also how people in other nations live as a point of comparison.

Six different types of government organization

Totalitarian systems, dictatorships, including communism (unlimited gov’t)

Absolute Monarchy (unlimited gov’t) Constitutional Monarchy (unlimited gov’t) Direct Democracy (limited gov’t) Representative Democracy (limited

gov’t) Anarchy (no government at all)

NCSS Teacher Expectations for Civics and Government

Page 276

Teach the vocabulary of government & civics

Children may struggle in grasping these concepts because the vocabulary can be abstract, rather than concrete.

Pre-teach and take time to explain unfamiliar words. For example:• civilian jury corruption• legislature Parliament Congress• regulations pursuit authority

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Examine the founding documents to answer these questions

Declaration of Independence Preamble to the Constitution Constitution Bill of Rights

They are the foundation of citizenship education.

Use the U.S. citizenship exam! Discuss why it is important.

Our nation is founded on one concept – f r e e d o m

Our Founding Fathers didn’t just “create a nation”, they were attempting to develop a system that would protect individual freedom.

(the Bill of Rights)

How does this compare to other systems in the past?

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Value Systems in Human History Reward & legitimacy (via wealth, position and

social status) can be based upon:

• Plutocracy – possession of wealth.• Aristocracy – origin, birth.• Nepotism – family or other connections.• Oligarchy – property, ownership or control of

businesses or industries• Cronyism – friendship.• Gerontocracy – seniority.• Democracy – popularity.• Meritocracy – those who show talent or competence

as demonstrated by past actions or by competition.

Why America is Unique The Founding Fathers knew &

understood world history. They studied & debated how to create a government that would allow for maximum individual freedom, and yet provide a rule of law for protection as well.

They studied democracies & republics that existed in the ancient world – and had failed. The system they designed in our Constitution was to prevent, as best as possible, our nation from joining the ‘ash heap of history’.

Build a solid foundation in the story of our nation’s founding

Students should know and be able to explain: • how the 13 colonies were formed, • why they fought a war for independence from Britain,• who were the Founding Fathers,• how & why the Constitution was written,• That the Constitution is the highest law of the land, and

be able to explain its function (three branches, checks & balances, etc.)

• what made America unique in the world at its founding,• how America is a “work in progress” and has in our

history struggled to live up to the ideals put forth at our founding –of freedom and equality for all.

Civic Ideals Organizing Questions

What does it mean to be a citizen?

What is the purpose of our government? What role/s does it have in our society?

What rights do all individuals have within our U.S. democracy?

What principles do we as Americans share & value?

What responsibilities do individuals have within our democracy? (negative rights)

What responsibility does our society have to the individuals living within it? (positive rights) www.life.com/image/1322174

Civic Ideals at the Societal Level

Laws, regulations, educational systems and government itself should reflect the following principles:

• Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness.• We are governed by a Rule of Law. (Constitution- the law give

freedom)

• Justice – there are logical consequences for breaking the law & no one is above the law.

• The Common Good.• Equality.• Celebration of Diversity. (salad bowl)• Freedom of Expression

Civic Ideals at the Individual Level

Individual responsibility – be responsible for your own actions, working & contributing to society & your own welfare.

Civility – treat others respectfully. People of good will often have differing opinions, we should respect their right to live, think and express themselves as they see fit.

Following the Law – life would be chaos without them! Citizens are obligated to do their best to follow the letter and spirit of our laws & authority should be respected.

Participation – a democratic society is based on the concept of participation – jury duty, staying informed, voting, expressing your opinion peacefully.

The Government Process The process of government can be studied

informally & experienced in the classroom by providing students the opportunity to:

• Vote on choices within the classroom.

• In intermediate grades a classroom council could be elected to make various decisions or organize functions within the classroom.

• Students can also participate in a school-wide student council. However, students must have some power to make changes, choices or decisions to be an effective learning experience. (avoid popularity contests)

Do we teach world citizenship or global education?

Purpose (what’s the goal?)– “so students can develop a sense of themselves as human beings living in a community and sharing the planet with others.” (text)

Bring current events into your classroom, although many topics can be complex and not easily “unpacked” for children. (pg. 283)

Have students engage in activities that invite them to interact with others from around the world.