What is the role of citizen participation in our democracy? 6 weeks Enduring Understandings Suggested Texts and Resources Civic participation is essential in a democracy. Citizens who get involved in civic and community groups help to strengthen civil society. At the same time, they tend to become more engaged in the political process. In this unit, students explore various ways for citizens to participate in government and politics. Sometimes, citizens get involved through political parties or interest groups. Political parties and interest groups play an important part. Both exert a strong influence on government and offer ways for Americans to participate in the political process. Elections, of course, play a major role in American politics. We have more elections and elected officials than most other democracies. At the same time, the electoral process is complicated and expensive, and many voters do not participate. Students explore the role of the Iowa Caucus and primaries in selecting nominees from each party to run for President. Iowa’s special role in this process is a unique entry point for students to connect, in an authentic way, to the nominations and campaigns process. Students will recognize and recall specific vocabulary including: Political socialization, ideology, liberal, conservative, libertarian, traditional, coalition, political parties, interest groups, broadcast media, narrowcast media, new media, gatekeeper, scorekeeper, and watchdog. TCI Government Alive! Chapters 7-10 TCI: Mock Election Simulation Websites , , , , Youth Leadership Institute Lesson Ideas Link to Course Resources: Heartland AEA Resources 360 Film Clips Newsela Linkage Institution Scale
Enduring Understandings Suggested Texts and Resources In this unit, students will explore and analyze the legislative, executive, and judicial branch. Students will explore both the structure and function of Congress and the legislative process in Iowa. As part of learning about the executive branch, students will analyze the federal budget and consider the process of creating the budget. Finally, students will learned about the nature of the judicial system, look at how the federal and state courts resolve conflict, and shape public policy through the judicial review process. Legislative Branch - Student will recognize and recall specific vocabulary including: bicameralism, elastic clause, unified government, divided government, filibuster, congressional committees, Senate, House of Representatives, Congress Executive Branch – Student will recognize and recall specific vocabulary including: discretionary spending, mandatory spending, cabinet, bureaucracy, veto, foreign policy, isolationism, foreign policy, internationalism, anti-terrorism, containment Judicial Branch - Student will recognize and recall specific vocabulary including: judicial review, precedent, criminal law, civil law, defendant, plaintiff, plea bargain, judicial activism, judicial restraint TCI Government Alive! Chapters 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 I’m Just a Bill (video clip) Shouting Fire (HBO documentary) Standard Deviants Link to Course Resources: Heartland AEA Resources Points of View Reference Center Learn 360 Film Clips Newsela 60 Second Civics Branches of Government Scale