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The Structure of Virginia Local Government
Students are introduced to the structure of the government in Virginia. Using the internet, they research the government's origin and how it is different from other states. They also practice using new vocabulary and take a quiz to...
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Understanding Dillon's Rule
Students review the establishment of the local government in Virginia. Using a reading assignment, they gather information on Dillon's rule and how it changed the government in the state. To end the lesson, they share their reflections...
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Interconnections Between Private and Civic Life -- Focus on the County
Students discuss the connections between their lives and the government. In groups, they examine the roles that governments have in different societies throughout the world. They role-play the roles of County members in providing...
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Mapping Fairfax County Service Providers
Learners brainstorm a list of services governments should have available to its citizens. Using the internet, they locate as many of these services as possible and compile a class list. They also analyze specific programs to consider...
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Issues Close to Home
Students brainstorm as a class about their role in the local government. In groups, they use various types of media to discover how it is affecting their lives. They choose one issue and state their position to share with the class. To...
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Fairfax County Board of Supervisors' Meeting
Middle schoolers examine the role of the Board of Supervisors in Fairfax County, Virginia. In groups, they research their responsibilities to the community and role play in their own Board meeting. To end the lesson, they discuss how...
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The Fairfax County Budget -- A Look At Spending
Students brainstorm a list of items that should be a priority for the government to help its citizens. Using an out of date budget, they identify individual line items and the conflicts involved in making a budget work. They discuss...
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Analyzing Public Policy Opinions
Students brainstorm a list of the major issues affecting Fairfax County, Virginia. Using the internet, they choose one topic to research in depth. To end the lesson, they analyze the effectiveness of an actual public policy proposal or...
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Exploring County Ordinances
Students examine county ordinances, develop understanding of degree to which county government serves and regulates citizens, describe competing interests involved in making local political policy, and decide whether government should be...
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The Federal Legislative Process
Students investigate the concept of the Federal Legislative Process. This is done through the use of research on approved class websites. The lesson gives the option of developing other resources for students to use for the teacher to...
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The Constitution and Governance
Students explore the facets of constitutional government. As a class, they read and discuss the origin and principles of constitutional government. Working in small groups students evaluate the formation of government using examples from...
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Diversity and Equality
Students explore how our political system addresses issues of diversity. After reading an included article, they discuss the constitutionality of student-led prayer in schools. Working in groups, they role play a Supreme Court case...
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Summit Preparation
Students begin to prepare for a Youth Summit. In groups, they complete applications for delegates and discuss what an informed voter wants to know about their candidates. As a class, they discuss any new information about the election...
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European Union And Its Organizations
Tenth graders investigate the historical events surrounding the founding of the European Union. The teacher provides a handout to guide the instructional activity and research. They answer questions verbally in the form of a class...
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Montana Reservation Governments
Third graders examine the types of governments on Indian reservations. In groups, they research the responsibilities of local and tribal governments. As a class, they discuss how the state of Montana meets the needs of its citizens...
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Citizen's Role
Students discuss the role of citizens in the United States. In groups, they evaluate how the role of citizens is important when selecting Supreme Court Justices. They read articles about internest groups and complete worksheets to end...
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Public Policy Analysis
Students read an article about a pressing public policy issue. Using the text, they identify the themes, facts and ideas presented and develop an argument supporting or disagreeing with the position of the author. In groups, they...
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Political Party Development
Young scholars complete a Venn Diagram comparing the Democratic Republicans and the Democratic Party today. In groups, they research the key concepts of the Democratic Party today and write a short summary. They share their ideas and...
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Taxes
Students use the internet to examine the various types of taxes. Using this information, they develop a chart comparing and contrasting the types and determinations of how much tax needs to be paid. They share their charts with the...
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The United States Constitution
Twelfth graders research how the constitution was formed and the reasons for its implementation. They form a class wide constitution that expresses the steps originally used while forming the original constitution. Students vote and...
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Government for the People
Seventh graders read about the three branches, the balance of power an the system of checks and balances. They analyze current events in terms of which vranch of government is responsible for addressing issues. Students create a poster...
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Federal Programs And Reform
Students investigate the current welfare system in Utah. They research and discuss the different type of programs that are offered. They conduct an analysis of the reports that are provided. The standard of living is also investigated...
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All Men Are Created Equal
Students discuss the statement "All Men Are Created Equal". Using the internet, they research events in history in which this statement has been ignored and supported by the government. They use this information to write an essay about...
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Rainforest Problem
Third graders use a hypothetical story in order to create a context for the lesson. The story presents a problem that needs to be solved. They write a letter to a government official as part of the lesson.