American Government: Bill of Rights, Amendments, and Civil Liberties (Unit 4)
Standards Link:
5.1.12.E Evaluate the principles and ideals that shape the US and compare them to documents of government.
5.1.12.J Analyze how the law promotes the common good and protects individual rights.
5.1.12.K Analyze the role of symbols and holidays in society.
5.2.12.B Evaluate citizens’ participation in government and civic life.
5.2.12.C Interpret the causes of conflict in society and analyze techniques to solve those conflicts.
5.2.12.F Evaluate how individual rights may conflict with or support the common good.
5.3.12.G Evaluate how the government protects or curtails individual rights, and analyze the impact of supporting or opposing those
rights.
Big Idea:
Enduring Understanding(s):
Bill of Rights
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Amendments
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Civil Liberties
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Fundamental to a free and civil society are the concepts of individual rights and
responsibilities, rule of law, and an established system of justice.
Justice is the pursuit of fairness in the protection of individual rights.
The U.S. Constitution has been amended and interpreted over time to expand protection
of rights to all people and to meet changing interpretations of justice.
The U.S. Constitution guarantees justice to all citizens through due process and equal
protection. The justice system, including judicial and executive branch functions, seeks to
maintain order, protect rights, and attain justice.
Civil discourse and thoughtful deliberation are necessary to promote the common good
and protect the individual.
Essential Question(s):
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Which is more important: the rights of the individual or the rights of the common good?
How does the Constitution protect the rights of individuals?
Should rights be limited?
When rights are in conflict, how do we decide which right should prevail?
Why are rights and responsibilities redefined over time?
What is justice? How is justice attained?
Why is due process elemental to a system of justice?
Is it possible for different religious, ethnic, cultural, and racial groups to co-exist peacefully in a democratic society?
Why must the rights of the minority be respected within the rule of the majority?
Knowledge:
Skill(s):
American Government: Bill of Rights, Amendments, and Civil Liberties (Unit 4)
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The rights and civil liberties granted by the US
and PA Constitutions are to be safeguarded by
both governments and citizens. (5.2.12.B)
Conflict is a natural outgrowth of any society.
Civil discourse and deliberative process are
effective means of dealing with conflicts and
compromise. (5.2.12.C)
The common good is made up of the collective
wants and desires for freedom, goods, and
services. (5.1.12.J)
In a democratic society, the rule of law
establishes the foundation for fairness and
cooperation. (5.2.12.F)
The executive, legislative, and judicial branches
make and enforce societal decisions on how to
protect, preserve, and promote justice for all
citizens. (5.3.12.G)
The executive, legislative, and judicial branches
create, enforce, and interpret constitutional
laws that both limit and protect individual
liberties. (5.2.12.G)
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Assessment/Evidence of Learning:
Discuss the impacts of landmark Supreme Court cases (i.e.
Plessy v. Ferguson, Brown v. Board of Education, Roe v.
Wade, etc.) (5.1.12.E)
Explain the Constitutional evolution of procedural due
process (i.e. Miranda v. Arizona). (5.2.12.F)
Illustrate how the right to privacy has evolved and become
a Constitutional right. (5.2.12.F)
Examine how Congress has extended civil rights through
legislation (Civil Rights Act of 1964). (5.1.12.E)
Evaluate how the judicial and the executive branches have
used the 14th Amendment and the equal protection
clause. (5.1.12.J)
Employ civil discourse in discussing issues and solving
problems with other citizens. (5.3.12.G)
Analyze changes in how rights and responsibilities are
interpreted. (5.2.12.B)
Exhibit respect for the rule of law and its role in serving
the common good. (5.2.12.F, 5.1.12.J)
Solve problems and work within the rules and operations
of government. (5.2.12.C)
Exhibit civil discourse through the observance of rules of
debate, and recognition of the rights of others to advocate
for opinions that differ from one’s own. (5.2.12.C)
Analyze the relationship between governmental authority
and individual liberty. (5.3.12.G)
Analyze issues regarding personal and civic responsibilities
of United States’ citizens, including the fundamental
values and principles of civil society and its importance to
a free society (5.2.12.B)
Analyze the historical contexts of amendments to the
United States Constitution in terms of the conflicts they
addressed and the reasons for their adaptation. (5.1.12.E)
American Government: Bill of Rights, Amendments, and Civil Liberties (Unit 4)
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Summative Unit Tests
Section Quizzes
Socratic Seminars
Classroom Debates
Vocabulary Quizzes
Teamwork Jigsaw Collage (1st Amendment)
Student Reflection: “Neither students nor teachers shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at
the schoolhouse gate”.
Real-Life Scenarios: Search & Seizure, Cruel &Unusual Punishment, Rights of Minors etc.
Learning Activities:
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Primary Document Analysis CER
Various CERs and Graphic Organizers- see attached.
Vocabulary Concept Practice
Compare/Contrast Dissenting and Concurring Arguments in Landmark
Cases
Guided Notes
“You Can’t Say That” Documentary and Class Discussion
Poll Everywhere: 1st Amendment Quotes
Resources:
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Texts
Political Cartoons
Youth Leadership Initiative
Documents
Government Alive
Video Clips
Websites
Primary Sources
Articles
Songs