Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Public Policy at the State Level

 Have you ever wondered where the programs that citizens interact with come from and why they are organized in the manner they are?  Today we want to explore the ways in which state governments write and enforce public policy.  State governments play a significant role in the areas of business, natural resources, individual rights, health, education, and welfare.


Tuesday, December 9, 2014

State and Local Government

What are the importance and function of state constitutions?  How do the three branches of government compare between the federal and state levels of government?  During this unit we will work to strengthen our understanding of just how the state level government plays possibly the greatest influencing in impacting our daily lives as citizens.



Thursday, December 4, 2014

Role of the Courts

Have you ever wondered how your rights as a citizen get protected?  Your rights as you enjoy them come from precedents that are established when the Supreme Court interprets what our founding fathers intended from the Constitution written all those years ago.  Today we will look at just how the Judicial branch and our Supreme Court interact with the President and Executive branch, as well as Congress and the Legislative branch in order to enforce any of their decisions, opinions, and rulings.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

The Presidency: A Mandate of the People

How can your opinion as a citizen influence the actions and policies that our government makes?  What sources of influence do our president's have available to them in order to bring about change?  We will take a look at stories over several of our more iconic presidents including Andrew Jackson, Teddy Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin Roosevelt in an effort see how each used public opinion to accomplish change.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

New: Online Homework Submission

There is a new method to complete your government homework online for those of you that have asked.  I know many have mentioned that you are able type faster than you write, or that you find it easier to keep everything organized through use of computer copies.  All you need to do to submit your government homework online is click the new link in your left side menu found directly below the link to government homework.  The instructions included below can help with that process.

Please use this form to complete our class reading homework.  This form can be reused for each individual homework assignment.  Please note that there is a set number of eight spaces for answers.  Homework assignments will typically contain many fewer questions than this.  As you complete them, you only need to complete the spaces for the number of questions contained in each individual homework assignment.  If you have any questions or need any help please let me know.

Friday, November 7, 2014

How A Bill Becomes A Law

What steps does a bill go through to become a law?  How do citizens, interest groups, house representatives, senators, and the president each impact the process?  The following video clip will introduce the concept and key purpose of our legislative branch.

Video 1:

Video 2:

Friday, October 24, 2014

Introduction to the Legislative Branch

As we move in to our new unit over the legislative branch, what laws and actions would you like to see passed?  What issues are important to you, your friends, your family, and your communities?  This unit and our exploration of Congress will give us an in depth understanding of how our nation passes laws and takes action over the issues facing the nation.


Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Supreme Court Case: Mapp vs Ohio

What rights do you have if accused of a crime?  Can the government come into your home without just reason?  If they do, can they use anything they find against you in court?  Mapp vs Ohio explores search and seizure and how it impacts our lives as citizens.

http://www.annenbergclassroom.org/page/search-and-seizure-mapp-v-ohio







Sunday, October 19, 2014

Group Assignment for 14.1 and 14.2

What is your family's heritage?  Have you ever wanted to learn more about your ancestors?  Today we will be learning about immigration, immigration trends through American history, and citizenship.  Please click here for today's assignment over a Nation of Immigrants and The Basis of Citizenship.