Revised 8/01/12
Course Name:
U.S. Government
Unit Title:
(1) Foundations of Government
Number of Days:
17
Know:
Understand:
The English traditions and the
• Government is an institution made up
experiences of the American colonists led
of individuals and processes organized
to the creation of the United States of
to establish and carry out public policy.
America and its government.
• Governments are classified according
to participants, geographic distribution
of power, and branch relationship.
Do:
•
Describe the purpose and role of
government.
•
Classify various political systems and
types of government. (Identify
advantages/disadvantages or compare
and contrast).
•
Early American colonial experiences
led to a representative government.
•
Evaluate the ideas and philosophies
that shaped the development of U.S.
government.
•
The Articles of Confederation were
replaced by the Constitution of the
United States.
•
Examine the Constitution and the
principles on which it is based.
•
Identify the roles and responsibilities
of national, state, and local
governments.
•
In a federal government, power is
shared between national and local
levels of government.
Page 1 of 12 Revised 8/01/12
Course Name:
Unit Title:
Number of Days:
U.S. Government
(1) Foundations of Government (Essential)
17 days
The English traditions and the experiences of the American colonists led to the creation of the United States of
America and its government.
What is the basis for the U.S. Constitution and the representative democracy that exists in the United States?
Key Learning:
Unit Essential Question:
Concept:
Principles of
Government
Magruder’s American
Government 2013
Chapter 1
Chapter 22 Sec. 2, 4
Chapter 23 Sec. 2
Concept:
Origins of American
Government
Magruder’s American
Government 2013
Chapter 2
Concept:
U.S. Constitution
Magruder’s American
Government 2013
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Benchmark(s):
SS.912.C.4.1
SS.912.C.4.4
Lesson Essential Questions:
1. How and why are governments created, structured,
maintained, and changed? (A, ET)
Vocabulary:
authority, power, government, force
theory, social contract theory, divine
right theory, evolutionary theory,
monarchy, democracy, autocracy,
oligarchy, dictatorship, socialism, state,
sovereign, constitution,
Benchmark(s):
SS.912.C.1.1
SS.912.C.1.2
SS.912.C.1.3
Lesson Essential Questions:
1. What political, social, philosophical, and economic
influences shaped the origins of U.S. Government?
(A, ET)
Vocabulary:
separation of powers, federalism,
popular sovereignty, rule of law, limited
government, representative government,
checks and balances, delegate, boycott,
repeal
Benchmark(s):
SS.912.C.1.3
SS.912.C.1.4
SS.912.C.1.5
SS.912.C.3.1
SS.912.C.3.2
SS.912.C.3.14
SS.912.C.3.15
SS.912.C.3.13
Lesson Essential Questions:
1. How and why was the U.S. Constitution written?
(A, ET)
Vocabulary:
unicameral, bicameral, preamble,
article, ratification, federalism,
amendment, delegated powers, implied
powers, inherent powers, reserved
powers, exclusive powers, concurrent
powers
2. What are the concepts and structure of the U.S.
Constitution? (A, ET)
Federalists, Anti-federalists
Additional Information:
Page 2 of 12 Revised 8/01/12
United Streaming video for events leading up to the Declaration of Independence; Government Alive! Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6; Mock
Constitutional Convention; Classroom Constitution; We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution; Bill of Rights Institute
Page 3 of 12 Revised 8/01/12
Course Name:
U.S. Government
Unit Title:
(2) Legislative Branch
Number of Days:
14
Know:
Understand:
The legislative branch includes a bicameral
• The legislative branch makes laws.
Congress, as well as state and local
legislatures, that are given the Constitutional
• Each level of government has its own
power to make laws.
legislative branch.
•
•
•
Do:
•
Examine the organization and
responsibilities of the legislative
branch at the national and state levels.
•
Article I lists the qualifications, term
lengths, and powers of the legislative
branch.
Identify the enumerated powers of the
legislative branch.
•
Name Constitutional checks pertaining
to the legislative branch.
Checks and balances limit the power of
Congress.
•
Explain how a bill becomes a law.
A proposed law is a bill that has to go
through the legislative process of
Congress.
Page 4 of 12 Revised 8/01/12
Course Name:
Unit Title:
Number of Days:
U.S. Government
(2) Legislative Branch (Essential)
14 days
The legislative branch includes a bicameral Congress, as well as state and local legislatures, that are given the
Key Learning:
Constitutional power to make laws.
Unit Essential Question: What are the structures, functions, and processes of the legislative branch?
Concept:
Benchmark(s):
Lesson Essential Questions:
Vocabulary:
Organization
SS.912.C.3.3
1. What is the structure of the legislative branch
term, session, adjourn, prorogue,
and its members? (A)
bicameral, president pro tempore, floor
Magruder’s American
leader, whip, seniority rule, committee,
Government 2013
reapportionment, redistricting,
Chapter 10
gerrymandering, constituents
Speaker of the House, Vice President
Concept:
Powers
Benchmark(s):
SS.912.C.3.3
SS.912.C.3.15
Lesson Essential Questions:
1. What powers does Congress have and how are
they used? (A, ET)
Vocabulary:
expressed powers, implied powers, tax,
oversight, confirmation, impeach,
ratification, override, amendment
proposal, perjury, appropriation
Benchmark(s):
SS.912.C.3.3
Lesson Essential Questions:
1. What are the processes used to bring societies’
ideas to the attention of lawmakers? (A)
Vocabulary:
bill, resolutions, rider, pigeonhole,
quorum, filibuster, cloture, veto, pocket
veto
Magruder’s American
Government 2013
Chapter 11
Chapter 12 Sec. 1, 2
Concept:
Lawmaking
Magruder’s American
Government 2013
Chapter 12 Sec. 3, 4
2. How does a bill become a law? (A, ET)
Additional Information:
School House Rock video; mock Congress (how a bill becomes a law); Government Alive! Chapters 11 & 12; We the People: The Citizen and
the Constitution
Page 5 of 12 Revised 8/01/12
Course Name:
U.S. Government
Unit Title:
(3) Executive Branch
Number of Days:
13
Know:
Understand:
• The executive branch enforces the law. A chief administrator who is responsible for
enforcing laws leads the executive branch.
• The president is the head of the
Executive branch and its
departments/agencies.
Do:
•
Explain the organization and functions
of the executive branch.
•
Describe the electoral process of the
presidency.
•
The Electoral College elects the
president.
•
Identify the responsibilities and roles
of the modern U.S. president.
•
The president has many different roles
and powers that can be limited by the
other branches.
•
Describe the role and impact of
government agencies (bureaucracy).
•
Government at every level depends on
bureaucracies to carry out public
policies.
Page 6 of 12 Revised 8/01/12
Course Name:
Unit Title:
Number of Days:
Key Learning:
Unit Essential Question:
Concept:
Presidential Roles
Magruder’s American
Government 2013
Chapter 13 Sec. 1, 2
Chapter 14
Chapter 15 Sec. 1-4
Chapter 17 Sec. 1, 3, 4
Concept:
Presidential Elections
U.S. Government
(3) Executive Branch (Essential)
13 days
A chief administrator who is responsible for enforcing laws leads the executive branch.
What are the structures and functions of the executive branch?
Benchmark(s):
Lesson Essential Questions:
Vocabulary:
SS.912.C.3.4
1. How is the executive branch organized? (A)
succession, cabinet, governor,
SS.912.C.3.5
mayor, bureaucracy, secretary, civil
SS.912.C.4.2
2. What are the various roles of the president, and what
service, patronage, executive,
SS.912.C.4.3
impact does each have? (A, ET)
administrator, diplomat
Commander in Chief
Benchmark(s):
SS.912.C.3.4
Lesson Essential Questions:
1. How are U.S. presidents nominated and elected?
(A, ET)
Vocabulary:
primary, caucus, convention,
platform, electoral college
Benchmark(s):
SS.912.C.3.4
SS.912.C.3.15
Lesson Essential Questions:
1. What types of powers do the chief executives have,
and how do they use them? (A, ET)
Vocabulary:
treaty, executive agreement,
diplomat, recognition, impoundment,
executive privilege, veto, pocket
veto, pardon, reprieve, clemency,
commutation, budget
Magruder’s American
Government 2013
Chapter 13 Sec. 2-5
Concept:
Executive Powers
Magruder’s American
Government 2013
Chapter 3 Section 1
Chapter 14
Chapter 15 Sec. 1-3
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Additional Information:
Government Alive! Chapters 12 & 13; We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution
Page 7 of 12 Revised 8/01/12
Course Name:
U.S. Government
Unit Title:
(4) Judicial Branch
Number of Days:
15
Know:
Understand:
Federal, state, and county courts interpret the
• The judicial branch interprets laws.
Constitution to protect individual and group
rights.
• There are county, circuit, district, and
appellate courts in the United States.
Do:
•
Identify the organization, function, and
jurisdiction of federal, state, and local
courts.
•
Explain the structure, function, and
process of the Supreme Court.
•
Identify the constitutional rights of
individuals.
The Supreme Court has original and
appellate jurisdictions; it decides
constitutional issues.
•
Determine the significance of each
right secured by the Bill of Rights.
•
The Bill of Rights protects the rights of
citizens.
•
Use landmark Supreme Court cases to
explore what happens when rights
conflict.
•
Supreme Court rulings affect
Constitutional interpretation.
•
•
The Supreme Court is the highest court
in the United States, and the only court
created by the Constitution.
Page 8 of 12 Revised 8/01/12
Course Name:
Unit Title:
Number of Days:
Key Learning:
Unit Essential Question:
Concept:
Court Systems
Magruder’s American
Government 2013
Chapter 18
Concept:
Constitutional Rights
Magruder’s American
Government 2013
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
U.S. Government
(4) Judicial Branch (Essential)
15 days
Federal, state, and county courts interpret the Constitution to protect individual and group rights.
What are the structure, function, and process of the judicial branch, and how does it relate to my rights?
Benchmark(s): Lesson Essential Questions:
Vocabulary:
SS.912.C.3.6
1. What is the function and organization of the judicial branch?
jurisdiction, original
SS.912.C.3.7
(A)
jurisdiction, appellate
SS.912.C.3.12
jurisdiction, judicial review,
SS.912.C.3.15
2. How does the Supreme Court operate and what is its influence? appeal, certiorari, stare decisis,
SS.912.C.3.8
(A, ET)
opinion, extradition,
SS.912.C.3.9
prosecutor, plaintiff, defendant,
criminal law, civil law
Benchmark(s): Lesson Essential Questions:
SS.912.C.3.10
1. What’s the difference between civil liberties and civil rights?
SS.912.C.3.11
(A, ET)
SS.912.C.2.6
SS.912.C.2.7
2. What are the First Amendment freedoms and how far
SS.912.C.2.9
do/should they reach? (A, ET)
3. What are my rights under the law? (A, ET)
Vocabulary:
civil liberties, civil rights,
segregation, assembly,
probable cause, exclusionary
rule, habeas corpus, grand jury,
indictment, double jeopardy,
gag order, petit jury, bench
trial, bail, due process, appeal,
warrant, misdemeanor, felony
Miranda Rights
Additional Information:
Case studies: Marbury v Madison, Plessy v Ferguson, Brown v Board of Education, Gideon v Wainwright, TLO v NJ, Miranda v Arizona,
Tinker v Des Moines, Hazelwood v Kuhlmier, US v Nixon, Roe v Wade, Bush v Gore, Texas v Johnson, Mapp v Ohio, McCulloch v Maryland,
DC v Heller; Government Alive! Chapters 4, 15, 16; We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution; Florida Law Related Education
Association; Moot Court Activities; Local Guest Speakers; Teen Court; Justice Teaching Day and Institute
Page 9 of 12 Revised 8/01/12
Course Name:
U.S. Government
Unit Title:
(5) Citizenship and Political Participation
Number of Days:
12
Know:
Understand:
• All citizens have responsibilities to the A U.S. citizen has both rights and duties.
United States.
•
There are numerous political parties in
the United States.
•
Interest groups and mass media help
form public opinion and affect people’s
voting decisions.
•
Naturalization is the legal process by
which citizens of another country
become citizens of the United States.
Do:
•
Identify forms of civic participation.
•
Analyze the roles political parties play
in creating public policy.
•
Evaluate the significance of interest
groups.
•
Examine the role of the media in
shaping public opinion.
•
Explain the qualifications and process
of naturalization.
Page 10 of 12 Revised 8/01/12
Course Name:
Unit Title:
Number of Days:
Key Learning:
Unit Essential Question:
Concept:
Citizenship
Magruder’s American
Government 2013
Chapter 1 Sec. 2
Chapter 6 Sec. 1
Chapter 20 Sec. 3, 4
Concept:
Political Parties
Magruder’s American
Government 2013
Chapter 5
Concept:
Voter Behavior and
Elections
Magruder’s American
Government 2013
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
U.S. Government
(5) Citizenship and Political Participation (Essential)
12 days
A U.S. citizen has both rights and duties.
What are the requirements and obligations of citizenship in the United States?
Benchmark(s):
Lesson Essential Questions:
SS.912.C.2.1
1. How does a person gain/lose citizenship? (A)
SS.912.C.2.2
SS.912.C.2.3
2. What are the responsibilities of citizens? (A, ET)
SS.912.C.2.4
SS.912.C.2.5
Benchmark(s):
SS.912.C.2.8
SS.912.C.2.15
Benchmark(s):
SS.912.C.2.8
SS.912.C.2.11
SS.912.C.2.12
SS.912.C.2.13
SS.912.C.2.14
SS.912.C.2.16
Lesson Essential Questions:
1. What are the types of political parties and how do they
differ? (A, ET)
2. What is the influence of political parties on public
policy? (A, ET)
Lesson Essential Questions:
1. What affects participation and candidate choice of each
voter? (A, ET)
2. What are the nomination and election processes?
(A, ET)
Vocabulary:
citizenship, refugee, jus soli, jus
sanguinis, naturalization, alien,
expatriation, denaturalization,
deportation
Vocabulary:
two-party system, ideology,
conservative, liberal, third/minor
parties, public policy, platform
Democrat, Independent, Republican
Vocabulary:
suffrage, franchise, registration,
straight-ticket voting, split-ticket
voting, primary, caucus, nomination,
campaign, precinct, ballot, absentee
ballot
Page 11 of 12 Revised 8/01/12
Concepts:
Mass Media, Public
Opinion, and Interest
Groups
Benchmark(s):
SS.912.C.2.10
SS.912.C.2.15
Lesson Essential Questions:
1. What roles do the mass media and interest groups play
in forming public opinion? (A, ET)
2. How and why do we measure public opinion? (A, ET)
Magruder’s American
Government 2013
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Vocabulary:
mass media, public opinion, bias,
mandate, propaganda, lobbying, soft
money, hard money, poll, straw poll,
exit poll, blog
PAC
Additional Information:
Government Alive! Chapters 7, 8, 9, 10; INS Naturalization test questions; poll simulation; Project Citizen; We the People: The Citizen and the
Constitution
Page 12 of 12