Week 8, Syllabus

Mr. Ditzenberger, American Government
Time: 5 Periods, 3:30 hours
Unit 1Lesson: U.S. Constitution
Week: 8 Dates: October 1-5

Objectives:
1. Students will develop their understanding of basic constitutional principles by finding examples within the constitution.
2. Students will analyze the Bill of Rights and what each amendment affords citizens of the U.S.
3. Students will write a letter to a governmental official about a change they would suggest in their passport country.
4. Students will analyze the pros and cons of different issues that are contested in today’s political world.

Materials: Textbook, http://ditzenberger.blogspot.com/index.html; textbook, lectures, game materials.

Monday
Turn in Homework!!! Recite the preamble before the end of the day.
Opener: tell someone in your group what is contained in the first seven articles of the constitution.
OQ-Just for fun.
Finish Power Grab game.
Lecture, Bill of Rights
Study for test on Friday.

Tuesday.
1. Opener: Tell someone two things you learned about the Bill of Rights yesterday.
2. Finish Bill of Rights lecture.
3. Bill of Rights Game

Wednesday
1. Opener: “The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people; it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government – lest it come to dominate our lives and interests.” –Patrick Henry Do you agree? Why or why not?
2. Finish Bill of Rights Game
3. Constitutional Cube activity

Thursday
1. Opener: Plessy vs. Ferguson
2. Constitution Test if time permits
3. Write a letter to a representative, minister (secretary), or another elected official about a civil rights issue in your country that concerns you. Due Monday.

Friday
Debate: Death Penalty and Patriot Act (or students will choose a government related topics)