Civics
Hancock
CIVICS – UNIT II - OVERVIEW
Objective: Understand how the American system of government and its specific institutions function.
6 Goals of the Preamble
1. More Perfect Union
2. Establish Justice
3. Ensure Domestic Tranquility
4. Provide for the Common Defense
5. Promote the General Welfare
6. Secure the Blessings of Liberty
6 Principles of the Constitution
1. Constitutionalism
2. Limited Government
3. Separation of Powers
4. System of Checks & Balances
5. Federalism
6. Judicial Review
6 ‘Ethics’ of American Citizenship
1. democracy
2. pluralism
3. liberty
4. equality
5. individualism
6. civic duty
Topics
 Federalism
 Pluralism, Political Parties &
Culture
o 2 Party system
o types of elections
o voting
 Congress
o Structure/organization
o Legislative Process
 Executive
o Structure/organization
o Roles of President
 Judicial
o Structure/organization
o Power of judicial review
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The Rubix Cube
6 Essential Questions
6 Expectations for Course
What did the founders
1. Gain understanding of basic
mean/intend by ________?
functions of American system of
What should ________ mean for
government.
the U.S.?
2. Gain an understanding and
How does the Constitution
familiarity of the core
implicitly or explicitly provide for
concepts/ideals/values of the
________?
American political system
What successes have we had at
3. Gain an understanding of how the
fulfilling _____ both historically
American political system has
and now?
evolved over time and what creates
How and where do we fall short at
change.
fulfilling ______ both historically
4. Foster a strong sense of
and now?
citizenship and civic duty.
6. What is my role in helping my
5. Foster an engagement in current,
community/society achieve
civic, national and global events.
_____?
6. Foster a sense of passion for
changing the world.
Documents/Readings
TCI – Government Alive!
 Chapter 6 - all
 Chapter 7- Sections 7.4-7.5
 Chapter 8 – Sections 8.1,8.2 & 8.4
 Chapter 10 - all
 Chapter 11 - all
 Chapter 12 - all
 Chapter 13 – all
 Chapter 14 – all
 Chapter 15 - all
There will be additions to this list as
we go along.
 Selected articles from newspapers
 Federalist Papers
 Political party platforms
Activities
These may be amended as we go
along.
 Analysis of structure of
Federalism
 Defining the ethical principles of
our system
 Mock election process
 Defining differences between
Republicans and Democrats
 Review of structure and
organization of three branches
 Mock Congress and legislative
process
6 Paths to Activism
1. Examine our own beliefs through
self reflection and peer discussion.
2. Lead/facilitate small group
discussions on reflection topics.
3. Examine and assess the scope of
executive & government authority.
4. Demonstrate awareness of current
events particularly presidential
election.
5. Engage in civic activity or
community service.
6. Begin to change the world.
Dates
Estimated time is 6 weeks
SEE CALENDAR
Civics Homework and Test Calendar – March - April
Monday
Tuesday
Federalism
Wednesday
Federalism
7
2
Federalism
Pluralism, Political Culture &
Parties
DUE – Read Chpt 7.4-7.5 and
8.1,8.2 & 8.4 complete
directed reading assignment
DUE – Read Chpt 10.1-10.3
complete directed reading
READ Federalist #10
complete questions
15
4
Weekly Reflection
DUE – Read Chpt 6.4-6.5
complete directed reading
assignment
READ Federalist #39
complete questions
8
Pluralism, Political Culture &
Parties
Friday
3
Federalism
DUE – Read Chpt 6.4-6.5
complete directed reading
assignment
READ Federalist #39
complete questions
DUE – Read Chpt 6.1-6.3
complete directed reading
assignment
14
Thursday
March 1
February 29
9
Pluralism, Political Culture &
Parties
DUE – Read Chpt 10.4-10.6
complete directed reading
assignment
10
Pluralism, Political Culture &
Parties
11
Weekly Reflection
DUE – Read Chpt 10.4-10.6
complete directed reading
assignment
16
17
18
QUAM – 6,7,8 & 10
Congress
Congress
Weekly Reflection
Congress
Congress
DUE – Read Chpt 11
complete directed reading
assignment
DUE – Read Federalist #51
and complete questions
21
The Executive
22
The Executive
DUE – Read Chpt 13
complete directed reading
assignment
The Judiciary
23
29
24
25
Weekly Reflection
The Executive
DUE – Read Chpt 14
complete directed reading
assignment
The Judiciary
DUE – Read Chpt 15
complete directed reading
assignment
DUE – Read Chpt 12
complete directed reading
assignment
The Executive
DUE – Read Federalist #69
complete questions
28
DUE – Read Chpt 14
complete directed reading
assignment
30
The Judiciary
31
April 1
Weekly Reflection
The Judiciary
DUE – Read Federalist #78
complete questions
4
TEST – 3 Branches
11-15
DUE – Read Chpt 12
complete directed reading
assignment
5
The Bill of Rights
6
The Bill of Rights
7
The Bill of Rights
8
Weekly Reflection