Welcome!
This section will constantly be updated during the new school year
This section will constantly be updated during the new school year
The focus of this course is more towards the role of the person in American society compared to a course solely on American government. Knowledge of how the United States and other nations governments work is crucial to understanding the course and some of the lessons linked to this page cover this topic.
In helping me prepare some of these new lessons, a former social studies student, Sophie Boczko, as part of her senior seminar, researched and created several presentations which I have edited a little so that they are compatible with Smart Boards and iPads. A big shout out to Sophie for all of her outstanding work.
In helping me prepare some of these new lessons, a former social studies student, Sophie Boczko, as part of her senior seminar, researched and created several presentations which I have edited a little so that they are compatible with Smart Boards and iPads. A big shout out to Sophie for all of her outstanding work.
As the course progresses I will be adding more lessons and assignments. However, for now, a good place to start is by looking at the handout on Participation in Government - the Civics Curriculum. It is important for every student to know the meaning of certain words and phrases that will be used during this course and the following covers some basic Civics Definitions (first set)
This link opens to two images that help some of the definitions, especially Balance of Power and Checks and Balances.
In order to understand what the word "Civics" means, the following link is a presentation called Civics Overview and it covers all of the aspects about the course. It will be used over several early lessons so that all of the students will learn and relate to the importance of civics in American society. We also have to relate American society and our political system to that of other countries and the following does that by looking at the Five Political Systems of other societies past and present.
The next two handouts, Why do we need a government? and The Necessity and Purpose of Government expand on issue raised in the earlier presentation used in class. In addition, the lesson on The Functions of Government is key to transitioning into answering the question How can citizens participate?
When one registers to vote there are two main political parties in America, the Democrats and the Republicans. This handout opens up to the Differences Between the Democrats and the Republicans, a handout that was created from the responses of my 12th grade students during a group class assignment.
In closing this section, the following lesson, Civic Participation, offers an in-depth look at how a person can help their community and nation. It also asks in this handout some interesting essential questions to consider and discuss in class.
This link opens to two images that help some of the definitions, especially Balance of Power and Checks and Balances.
In order to understand what the word "Civics" means, the following link is a presentation called Civics Overview and it covers all of the aspects about the course. It will be used over several early lessons so that all of the students will learn and relate to the importance of civics in American society. We also have to relate American society and our political system to that of other countries and the following does that by looking at the Five Political Systems of other societies past and present.
The next two handouts, Why do we need a government? and The Necessity and Purpose of Government expand on issue raised in the earlier presentation used in class. In addition, the lesson on The Functions of Government is key to transitioning into answering the question How can citizens participate?
When one registers to vote there are two main political parties in America, the Democrats and the Republicans. This handout opens up to the Differences Between the Democrats and the Republicans, a handout that was created from the responses of my 12th grade students during a group class assignment.
In closing this section, the following lesson, Civic Participation, offers an in-depth look at how a person can help their community and nation. It also asks in this handout some interesting essential questions to consider and discuss in class.
Several classes are going to be covering the issue of How to become a U.S. Citizen and they will also include the Citizenship Test. I have always found this part interesting as many of the questions asked on the test are not known by native born people in America. to follow up to this lesson, What does it mean to be a citizen? offers answers and asks essential questions as to the best answers for this question.
This short section is on elections. The first handout is called Initiative, Referendum, and Recall and it covers how we can still use our method of direct democracy when we vote. The second document is a copy of the instructions for the project on the Mid-term election of 2022.
Redistricting is a political issue that causes many disputes between the two political parties. This handout is an extract of the article that is used in class that covers Redistricting, Where are the Lines Drawn? In addition, the next link opens to a short document that was created by Nassau County and within this page is the link to their website that shows the current and proposed redistricting of Nassau County, New York.
Redistricting is a political issue that causes many disputes between the two political parties. This handout is an extract of the article that is used in class that covers Redistricting, Where are the Lines Drawn? In addition, the next link opens to a short document that was created by Nassau County and within this page is the link to their website that shows the current and proposed redistricting of Nassau County, New York.
Useful links for this course
Whitehouse.gov where you can see live events if posted and much more about the President and the Vice-President
Congress.gov which opens to show the actions of both the House of Representatives and the Senate
Supremecourt.gov where you can see many opinions, filings, and rulings on cases
ny.gov which is the official website of New York State and has many useful links
The League of Women Voters is an excellent site and source for all students
Another interesting sight for information and discussion views and opinions is the visualcapitalist.com
270towin.com is an interactive map that shows the upcoming 2024 election of the political parties
Whitehouse.gov where you can see live events if posted and much more about the President and the Vice-President
Congress.gov which opens to show the actions of both the House of Representatives and the Senate
Supremecourt.gov where you can see many opinions, filings, and rulings on cases
ny.gov which is the official website of New York State and has many useful links
The League of Women Voters is an excellent site and source for all students
Another interesting sight for information and discussion views and opinions is the visualcapitalist.com
270towin.com is an interactive map that shows the upcoming 2024 election of the political parties
