Lesson Plan

American Government 

Principles of Government:

Standard(s): SSCG3c: Explain the fundamental principles of the United States Constitution, including limited government, the rule of law, federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, and popular sovereignty. 

Learning Target: I will explain the fundamental principles of the United States Constitution, including limited government, the rule of law, federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, and popular sovereignty. 

Success Criteria: 

• I can identify the 6 fundamental principles of the United States Constitution 

• I can explain the principle of limited government as it states that no government is all powerful and has to operate under the consent of the governed

• I can explain the principle of rule of law as it states that no person or government is above the law 

• I can explain the principle of federalism as it states that it is the method of distributing power amongst national and regional governments 

• I can explain the principle of separation of powers as it states that each of the three branches of government have separate powers and responsibilities 

• I can explain the principle of checks and balances as it is a system that ensures that powers are not abused 

• I can explain the principle of popular sovereignty as it states that people are sovereign and have all the power 

Lesson/Activity:

Pirate Prep: Review

Principles Guided Notes/Slides

Compromises Review

Intro to the Constitution - Preamble Project

The Preamble

Standard(s): SSCG3: Demonstrate knowledge of the framing and structure of the United States Constitution. 

Learning Target: I will understand the meaning and significance of the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States.

Success Criteria:

• I can explain each part of the Preamble,

• I can define and explain the phrases domestic tranquility, general welfare, common defense, & ordain and establish.

•  I can describe modern examples of the ideas introduced in the Preamble. 

Lesson/Activity: 

Pirate Prep: Review

Preamble Group Project

Structure/Anatomy of the Constitution

Standard(s):SSCG3: Demonstrate knowledge of the framing & structure of the United States Constitution.

Learning Target: I can describe the structure of the United States Constitution and explain the purpose of each of its parts.

Success Criteria:

• I can explain the importance of the Preamble

• I can explain the purpose of each Article of the Constitution

Lesson/Activity:

Pirate Prep - Review

Anatomy of the Constitution - Notes/Slides

Achieve 3000

iCivics

Unit 2 Review

Standard(s): SSCG3: Demonstrate knowledge of the framing and structure of the United States Constitution. 

SSCG4 Demonstrate knowledge of the organization and powers of the national government.

Learning Target: I will be prepared for the Unit 2 Test.

Success Criteria:

• I can list the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

• I can explain the compromises that arose from the Constitutional Convention

• I can explain how the new Constitution addressed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

• I can describe the structure and purpose of each part of the Constitution, including the Preamble, the seven Articles, and the Bill of RIghts

• I can explain the principles of government found in our Constitution

Lesson/Activity:
Pirate Prep: Review

Jeopardy Review - Unit 2

Unit 2 Test

Standard(s): SSCG3: Demonstrate knowledge of the framing and structure of the United States Constitution. 

SSCG4 Demonstrate knowledge of the organization and powers of the national government.

Learning Target: I will be prepared for the Unit 2 Test.

Success Criteria:

• I can list the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

• I can explain the compromises that arose from the Constitutional Convention

• I can explain how the new Constitution addressed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

• I can describe the structure and purpose of each part of the Constitution, including the Preamble, the seven Articles, and the Bill of RIghts

• I can explain the principles of government found in our Constitution

Lesson/Activity:
Pirate Prep: Review

Unit 2 Test