Welcome!
This section will constantly be updated during the school year
This section will constantly be updated during the 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.
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.
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.
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.
The Constitutional Convention was the instrumental meeting of fifty-five men in Philadelphia who changed the American political system by creating the Constitution of the United States of America.
During Ratification the political group known as Anti-Federalists demanded that the Constitution be changed as it did not include the needs of society. What was created later in New York were the first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights. What they specifically cover is best seen in my Bill of Rights presentation. Very few changes have been made since 1787, in fact there have only been Twenty Seven Amendments to the Constitution.
December 10 is the anniversary of Human Rights Day. What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and did you know you have thirty of them? The answer to this question can be found once you open this link.
How the present government works in America is seen by studying the Structure and Function of Government lesson and comparing this unique system to other different types of governments and economic systems. Vocabulary is essential to understanding the government and the following is a list of important government terminology. To conclude this section on our government I have add three important items: A table of House and Senate Differences, the Electoral College System handout an the How the Electoral College System works presentation. An excellent source to show how it works is also found on the interactive map at 270towin.com
Special Handout: The 2024 Election: Where does the campaign money come from?
During Ratification the political group known as Anti-Federalists demanded that the Constitution be changed as it did not include the needs of society. What was created later in New York were the first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights. What they specifically cover is best seen in my Bill of Rights presentation. Very few changes have been made since 1787, in fact there have only been Twenty Seven Amendments to the Constitution.
December 10 is the anniversary of Human Rights Day. What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and did you know you have thirty of them? The answer to this question can be found once you open this link.
How the present government works in America is seen by studying the Structure and Function of Government lesson and comparing this unique system to other different types of governments and economic systems. Vocabulary is essential to understanding the government and the following is a list of important government terminology. To conclude this section on our government I have add three important items: A table of House and Senate Differences, the Electoral College System handout an the How the Electoral College System works presentation. An excellent source to show how it works is also found on the interactive map at 270towin.com
Special Handout: The 2024 Election: Where does the campaign money come from?
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.
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.
This link opens to a sample ballot for New York City. Please note that the back of the ballot contains propositions. A more up to date version closer to an actual election can be found at the New York State Board of Elections. This is such a valuable site for both first-time and regular voters as changes take place ever year.
A major factor for obtaining campaign funds and then later, if in office, critical votes to pass bills comes from lobbying, this handout gives an insight as to lobbying and lobbying companies today.
A major issue with political campaigns and their financing emerges with the Political Action Committee also knows as the PAC. This handout identifies how these agencies are formed and work on behalf of politicians.
Once elected, a new president can nominate his cabinet members. Each has a specific role within the national government and this handout shows who the Cabinet members are and what are their roles.
This link opens to Biden's current cabinet and then this link opens to those chosen by president-elect Trump so far.
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.
This link opens to a sample ballot for New York City. Please note that the back of the ballot contains propositions. A more up to date version closer to an actual election can be found at the New York State Board of Elections. This is such a valuable site for both first-time and regular voters as changes take place ever year.
A major factor for obtaining campaign funds and then later, if in office, critical votes to pass bills comes from lobbying, this handout gives an insight as to lobbying and lobbying companies today.
A major issue with political campaigns and their financing emerges with the Political Action Committee also knows as the PAC. This handout identifies how these agencies are formed and work on behalf of politicians.
Once elected, a new president can nominate his cabinet members. Each has a specific role within the national government and this handout shows who the Cabinet members are and what are their roles.
This link opens to Biden's current cabinet and then this link opens to those chosen by president-elect Trump so far.
Other 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
December 10th is known around the world as Human Rights Day and this link opens to the United Nations site for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
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
December 10th is known around the world as Human Rights Day and this link opens to the United Nations site for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
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.
Special handout on Balancing National Security and Civil Liberties, September 11, 2001