This week we will look at the founding of the United States. We will discuss the views of the Founding Fathers at the time of the Revolutionary War, and we will look at the history of where they formulated some of these ideas. The republican ideas they used to create this nation were not dreamed up over a bowl of hot oatmeal or even over a beer in a pub. They came from a long history of such ideas that evolved from the Greek and Roman Empire, to the signing of the Magna Carta in England, through the Enlightenment.
Highlights of this unit:
--the true meaning of the Declaration of Independence, including a bonus "English to English translation."
--an exciting lecture about the first attempt at governing this nation: The Articles of Confederation and Why They Failed.
--the Constitution and Bill of Rights
The following link will provide you with a copy of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights:
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/charters.html
The following link will send you to the actual Articles of Confederation. Click on "document transcript" for a typed copy.
http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=3
[Note: Cut and paste the links--they don't seem to be working...thank you to Claudia for pointing this out. Archives.gov is the United States National Archives]
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Homework: Period 6 & 7 F
Both classes have finished the Island project and have turned in their written responses to the disasters that befell their nations. In real life, countries are forced to deal with crises, and leaders either rise to the occasion or the people suffer. You have dealt with war, famine, economic troubles, sanctions, and other issues. Most of you tried very hard to come up with solutions and make treaties that helped your nations,.
Homework: Read pages 46-58, sections 1-3. You may answer the questions at the end of the section or take notes on each section outlining the main ideas. Hint: there is a test on Friday in which you will be able to use your notebook.
Homework: Read pages 46-58, sections 1-3. You may answer the questions at the end of the section or take notes on each section outlining the main ideas. Hint: there is a test on Friday in which you will be able to use your notebook.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
F Week Presentations
We are still awaiting the remaining presentations due to our water main break and now our fire alarm. They will take place today, Tuesday, unless there is a snow day or tornado or poltergeist in the building or something... We will then respond to the disasters presented to your islands and compare and contrast the job you did with the job that happens in the United States every day.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Active Citizenship
President Bill Clinton challenged Americans to redefine citizenship as "active citizenship." He said that in addition to paying taxes, being informed voters who vote, and following the laws, each citizen needs to leave the community better than he or she found it.
Our activity in class was to brainstorm about ways that we can do just that so that when opportunities approach us, we can improve our community. If everyone makes that commitment, the community and nation will be a better place!
Our activity in class was to brainstorm about ways that we can do just that so that when opportunities approach us, we can improve our community. If everyone makes that commitment, the community and nation will be a better place!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Freedom
Today in class we discussed our projects. We decided it is, in fact, easier to complain about people who run a country than it is to design a country with a perfect balance of rights and responsibilities.
We examined the issue of "rights vs. responsibilities" in American society. We will discuss each right more closely, as well as each responsibility, but we were in general agreement that it's impossible to have rights without putting some effort into the "responsibility" column.
Ideas we will discuss:
--the definition of "freedom" today is not the same as "freedom" was at the time of the Founding Fathers. We will discuss how the idea of freedom has evolved and changed.
--we will discuss the history and origins of the idea of "freedom" on which America was founded.
--we will discuss how the civilizations of Greece, Rome, England and France strongly influenced the government we have today.
--we will discuss areas of opportunity to exercise our rights and freedoms and ways to carry out our responsibilities as American citizens.
Homework: (quiz grade) On Friday at 9PM, Senators Obama and McCain will take part in their first debate. I would like you to grab some popcorn and watch this debate. In your notebook, write at least three good points each participant makes, and at least points on which they were corrected. If you cannot watch this debate on Friday for reasons beyond your control, pick up a newspaper article on Saturday and read the article about it, watch the clips that will be posted on Youtube, or go to cnn.com and search for news stories about the debate which will lead you to clips of the highlights.
We examined the issue of "rights vs. responsibilities" in American society. We will discuss each right more closely, as well as each responsibility, but we were in general agreement that it's impossible to have rights without putting some effort into the "responsibility" column.
Ideas we will discuss:
--the definition of "freedom" today is not the same as "freedom" was at the time of the Founding Fathers. We will discuss how the idea of freedom has evolved and changed.
--we will discuss the history and origins of the idea of "freedom" on which America was founded.
--we will discuss how the civilizations of Greece, Rome, England and France strongly influenced the government we have today.
--we will discuss areas of opportunity to exercise our rights and freedoms and ways to carry out our responsibilities as American citizens.
Homework: (quiz grade) On Friday at 9PM, Senators Obama and McCain will take part in their first debate. I would like you to grab some popcorn and watch this debate. In your notebook, write at least three good points each participant makes, and at least points on which they were corrected. If you cannot watch this debate on Friday for reasons beyond your control, pick up a newspaper article on Saturday and read the article about it, watch the clips that will be posted on Youtube, or go to cnn.com and search for news stories about the debate which will lead you to clips of the highlights.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Chapter 3 notes and homework
September 22 (A Week Homework) September 29 (F Week Homework) Outline the following sections in your notebook OR answer the questions at the end of each section.
Chapter 3: The Meaning of Citizenship Notes
Pages 46-59
Section 1: Who is a Citizen?
-a person born in the US or its territories.
-a person who pledges his or her allegiance (loyalty) to the US
-a child with at least one parent who was an American citizen at their time of birth.
-a child who is under the age of 18 when his or her parents become citizens.
Naturalization: the process of becoming a US citizen.
Step 1: Application—immigrants must submit an application to the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
Step 2: Examination—applicant must prove that his is 18 or older, has lived in the US for at least 5 years and in the state of residence for 3 years, has a good moral character, is loyal to the principles of the US Constitution, can read, write, and speak English, and knows about the US government and history.
Step 3: Hearing—the applicant appears before a citizenship court for an interview. The court responds to the application, and the new citizen is sworn in and given a certificate of citizenship.
A US citizen holds the “office of citizen” for life.
Section 2: The Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities of Citizens:
Rights:
-vote
-freedom of speech
-practice religion
-receive a fair trial
-expect protection from the government when traveling abroad
-other rights as listed in the US Constitution
Responsibilities/Duties:
-obey laws
-serve in the army if necessary
-serve on a jury if necessary
-pay taxes
-go to school
-do all that is necessary for the “common good.”
Section 3: Citizenship and Our Other Roles in Society:
The Seven Social Roles of citizens:
Self
Friend
Social group member
Family member
Consumer
Citizen
Worker/student
People act differently when they are in different situations. Roles in life change and evolve. How do you fit into each of the social roles listed above? What happens when your social roles conflict?
Chapter 3: The Meaning of Citizenship Notes
Pages 46-59
Section 1: Who is a Citizen?
-a person born in the US or its territories.
-a person who pledges his or her allegiance (loyalty) to the US
-a child with at least one parent who was an American citizen at their time of birth.
-a child who is under the age of 18 when his or her parents become citizens.
Naturalization: the process of becoming a US citizen.
Step 1: Application—immigrants must submit an application to the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
Step 2: Examination—applicant must prove that his is 18 or older, has lived in the US for at least 5 years and in the state of residence for 3 years, has a good moral character, is loyal to the principles of the US Constitution, can read, write, and speak English, and knows about the US government and history.
Step 3: Hearing—the applicant appears before a citizenship court for an interview. The court responds to the application, and the new citizen is sworn in and given a certificate of citizenship.
A US citizen holds the “office of citizen” for life.
Section 2: The Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities of Citizens:
Rights:
-vote
-freedom of speech
-practice religion
-receive a fair trial
-expect protection from the government when traveling abroad
-other rights as listed in the US Constitution
Responsibilities/Duties:
-obey laws
-serve in the army if necessary
-serve on a jury if necessary
-pay taxes
-go to school
-do all that is necessary for the “common good.”
Section 3: Citizenship and Our Other Roles in Society:
The Seven Social Roles of citizens:
Self
Friend
Social group member
Family member
Consumer
Citizen
Worker/student
People act differently when they are in different situations. Roles in life change and evolve. How do you fit into each of the social roles listed above? What happens when your social roles conflict?
Wrapping up "The Island in the Sea"
A Week: You have presented your islands and received a disaster that tested your island nations.
F Week: You have yet to receive your disaster due to that day off last Friday. You will receive yours next Monday.
The purpose of this unit was to force you to consider the complex decisions that go into running a nation--everyone's a critic, but it's difficult to be in charge of major decisions that affect people's lives, the economy, and the well-being of an entire nation.
We will next begin the study of American citizenship--what it means, and the responsibilities that you must accept to be a good citizen of the United States.
F Week: You have yet to receive your disaster due to that day off last Friday. You will receive yours next Monday.
The purpose of this unit was to force you to consider the complex decisions that go into running a nation--everyone's a critic, but it's difficult to be in charge of major decisions that affect people's lives, the economy, and the well-being of an entire nation.
We will next begin the study of American citizenship--what it means, and the responsibilities that you must accept to be a good citizen of the United States.
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