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Table of Contents Unit Studies The Easy Way!. 6 Getting Started.. 8 Introduction. 10 Week One Lower Level: Day One 12 Upper Level: Day One 14 Lower Level: Day Two 16 Upper Level: Day Two 18 Lower Level: Day Three. 20 Upper Level: Day Three 22 Lower Level: Day Four 24 Upper Level: Day Four 26 Lower and Upper Levels: Day Five 28 Additional Internet Sites 29 Favorite Findings of the Week..... 30 American Government 3 www.unitstudy.com
Week Two Lower Level: Day One 33 Upper Level: Day One 35 Lower Level: Day Two 37 Upper Level: Day Two 39 Lower Level: Day Three.. 41 Upper Level: Day Three 43 Lower Level: Day Four.. 45 Upper Level: Day Four.. 47 Lower and Upper Levels: Day Five 49 Additional Internet Sites 50 Favorite Findings of the Week.. 51 Week Three Lower Level: Day One 54 Upper Level: Day One 56 Lower Level: Day Two 58 Upper Level: Day Two 60 Lower Level: Day Three.. 62 Upper Level: Day Three 64 Lower Level: Day Four 66 Upper Level: Day Four 68 Lower and Upper Levels: Day Five 70 Additional Internet Sites 71 Favorite Findings of the Week. 73 Week Four Lower Level: Day One... 76 Upper Level: Day One 78 Lower Level: Day Two 80 Upper Level: Day Two 82 Lower Level: Day Three.. 84 Upper Level: Day Three 86 Lower Level: Day Four 88 Upper Level: Day Four 90 American Government 4 www.unitstudy.com
Lower and Upper Levels: Day Five 92 Additional Internet Sites 93 Favorite Findings of the Week. 94 Appendix.. 96 Parent Stuff. 154 Favorite Resources.. 155 There are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpation. James Madison, 1788 American Government 5 www.unitstudy.com
INTRODUCTION Civics class what boring and dull memories this brings to my mind! We know that we need to teach our children the basics of American Government, but how can we study it so that we all stay interested while real learning takes place? Unlike some of my other books like Oceans or Baseball, this topic was quite dry when I first took on the challenge of creating a unit study about our government but it has certainly turned into a fascinating story! The more that I ve read and investigated, the more interesting this topic has become. The people and events in the history of American government tell a tale that brings the basics of our government to life. Who exactly were the Founding Fathers, and why are they still such hot topics of debate? Why did they want to not only break away from England, but form a new and very different form of government? Just exactly what was the Great Compromise and what difference did it make? And, by the way, wait until you learn about the Electoral College and the real reason for its creation. Did you know that George Washington was against political parties check out his comments in the Appendix George Washington s Farewell Address. Yes, there are many fascinating things to learn in addition to the basics of our Constitution, the structure of our government, and the contribution of so many people everyday people with lives and families just like yours and mine. Given this precious gift of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as American citizens, this next generation needs to learn the importance of what it means to be an American and what part the government plays in their daily lives, and how they can make a difference. The past few years have brought Americans through some challenging times. With the horrific events of 9/11, the war in Iraq, the hurricanes of 2005, and the issues of protecting our country from terrorism and attack, we have become more interested and aware of all levels of government. As we have tried to explain some of these things to our children, we have had to learn and relearn things about our government that we haven t recalled since perhaps that civics class taken long ago. Come on along as we learn the story of our government visiting the halls of lawmakers and justice, and much more. Take time to read about some of the people that have changed the course of our country by voicing their concerns and ideas, as citizens of this great country. From voting to obeying laws, from governments during biblical times to governments today join us in our investigation! Blessings, Amanda American Government 10 www.unitstudy.com
Learning Objectives: Study the basic history of American government Become familiar with America s historical documents of freedom Examine the history of the United States Constitution American Government 32 www.unitstudy.com
American Government: Week Two Day 1 Today we are going to begin our investigation of the early colonies that formed the foundation of the United States. LOWER LEVEL Today s Quote Copy today s quote into your American Government Journal: Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth. George Washington Words of Wisdom (WOW Words) Look up the following words in the dictionary and write the words and their definitions in your American Government Journal. Website suggestions: Word Central and Webster s 1828 Dictionary respect choose promise equal Interesting People and Places Using an encyclopedia, book or the Internet site listed below, look up George Washington. Who was he? Write or narrate your description of him in your journal. Website suggestions: George Washington, George Washington, and The Story of George Washington American Government 33 www.unitstudy.com
Read and Discover Using an encyclopedia, book, or Internet site, read the following questions and find the answers. Write your answers in your journal! 1. What was the name of the ship that the Pilgrims sailed on to come to America? What was the name of the agreement that they signed about their government, right before they established Plymouth colony? Website suggestions: The Pilgrims Agreement and Agreement 2. How many colonies were there when our country fought for its independence, and what was the name of this war? What were the names of the original American colonies? Website suggestion: The Colonies and Freedom 3. Draw a map of these thirteen colonies in your journal, labeling each colony. Website suggestions: Thirteen Colonies Map and Clickable Thirteen Colonies Map American Government 34 www.unitstudy.com
American Government: Week Two Day 1 UPPER LEVEL Today s Quote Copy today s quote into your American Government Journal: Citizens by birth or choice of a common country, that country has the right to concentrate your affections. The name AMERICANS, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism. George Washington, Farewell Address, 1796 Words of Wisdom (WOW Words) Look up the following words in the dictionary and write the words and their definitions in your American Government Journal. Website suggestions: Dictionary.com and Webster s 1828 Dictionary structure legislate civic represent Interesting People and Places Using an encyclopedia, book or the Internet site listed below, look up George Washington. Who was he? Read about his life and contributions to America in the article included in the Appendix, then summarize your findings in two or three paragraphs in your journal. Website suggestions: George Washington and Biography of George Washington American Government 35 www.unitstudy.com
Read and Discover Using an encyclopedia, book, or Internet site, read the following questions and find the answers. Write your answers in your journal, and don t forget to include the reference to your source of information. 1. What agreement did the Pilgrims sign onboard their ship, establishing the government for their new settlement? Summarize this agreement in your own words in your Journal. Did any women sign the agreement? Website suggestion: The Pilgrims 2. How many colonies were there when America fought for independence? Name these colonies, then draw a map in your journal that shows the location of these colonies. Website suggestions: Colonies Map and Map of the Colonies 3. England passed a series of harsh acts that angered American colonists, and drove colonists to fight for their independence. Write a description of these acts and how they impacted the colonies. Website suggestion: The Last Straw American Government 36 www.unitstudy.com