12th Grade Government Simulations

This resource will provide students with an introductory framework from which to understand the judiciary process. Students will delve into the fundamental aspects of a courtroom such as: the basic structure and lay-out of a courtroom, the function of different roles (judge, jury, defense, prosecutor), and the common procedures and language used in a courtroom environment. Students will also explore the importance of how to create an opening and closing statement, the legal grounds of when to object, and understand the dynamics of a direct and cross examination. This resource will be very useful for teachers who are searching for an engaging & informative way to introduce students to the concept of mock trials.

Materials:

• Teacher Reference Guide
• One 32 Slide Presentation & Guided Notes
• One 12 Slide Presentation & Guided Notes (Step by Step Application)
• Mock Trial Handouts

1. Jury Role Play
2. Opening Statement
3. Closing Statement
4. Objections
5. Debriefing

If you liked this lesson see other related 'Government' lessons here:

• The Debate on Affirmative Action: Exploring Two Sides of the Issue
• Controversy and the Criminal Justice System (Eric Garner Case)
• The 'Bill of Rights' Time Travel
• YOU Be the Judge: Analyzing Supreme Court Decisions
• Proposing a 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
• Post Zombie Apocalypse: What Form of Government Would YOU Create?

The Constitution's 27 Amendments read like a tour through American history. This interactive, project-based lesson will provide students with an overview of the 27 Constitutional Amendments in a fun and engaging way! A deeper analysis is also promoted as this lesson is designed to give the teacher flexibility in choosing from a variety of discussion questions that will have students critically think, debate, and apply their understandings to our Constitutional rights. Transform your classroom into Congress, as the final project entails having students create and present a 28th Amendment to members of Congress (their classmates).

Time Frame: 5 to 7 class periods (55 min) contingent upon the degree of classroom discussion, and whether the teacher has by passed any of the discussion topics.

Materials:

• Teacher Instructions
• 1 Slide Presentation (70 slides) with engaging video clips
• HANDOUT #1: Student Guided Notes
• HANDOUT #2: Grading Rubrics
• HANDOUT #3: Members of Congress

Overview of ALL 27th Amendments with compelling discussion/debate questions;

1st Amendment: ‘Tinker V. Des Moines’: Do you think the student’s constitutional rights were violated or not?

14th Amendment: Do you agree or disagree with altering or abolishing the ‘Citizenship’ clause of this amendment?

5th Amendment: Double Jeopardy- why do you think this law exists? Do you think there are any exceptions to this law? Do you agree or disagree with this law?

8th Amendment: What defines ‘Cruel & Unusual Punishment’? Does the provided example constitute a violation of the 8th Amendment?

19th Amendment: Were the suffragists being ‘unpatriotic’ when they continued to picket the White House despite the fact the U.S. joined WWI?

12th Amendment: Do you think the ‘Electoral College’ is fair & democratic?

18th Amendment: Do you agree or disagree with those who wanted to eliminate or place restrictions on alcohol?

If you liked this lesson see other related lessons here:

• The 'Bill of Rights' Time Travel
• Mock Trial: Class Preparation (MY BEST SELLER)
• Controversy and the Criminal Justice System (Eric Garner Case)
• You Be the Judge: Analyzing Supreme Court Decisions
• Post Zombie Apocalypse: What Form of Government Would YOU Create?

This lesson will place students in the role of a Supreme Court judge! Students will analyze eight fictitious scenarios based upon actual Supreme Court cases. Drawing upon a judicial mindset-- students are to predict which Constitutional Amendments apply to each case, and then debate the central question of each case. See examples below;

Scenario #2:

• What protection(s)/Amendment(s) are involved?
• Should the students at the high school football game be able to have a public prayer at the games? Explain.
• Did the Court make the right decision? Why or why not?

Scenario #7:

• What protection(s)/Amendment(s) are involved?
• Was is constitutional for the school official to search Sara's purse? Explain.
• Did the Court make the right decision? Why or why not?

This activity can be used in two ways;

1. An assessment- students will apply their prior knowledge concerning the United States’ Constitutional amendments, along with their own ethics and logic, to Supreme Court decisions, or...

2. Application and Understanding: Using the provided cheat sheet, students will be introduced to the Bill of Rights, and its' application to Supreme Court cases.

Materials Include:

• 24 Slide Presentation
• Guided Notes Handout & Answer Key
• 'Bill of Rights' Cheat Sheet

If you liked this lesson, see other related 'Government' lessons here:

• Mock Trial: Class Preparation (My BEST Seller)
• The Debate on Affirmative Action: Exploring Two Sides of the Issue
• Controversy and the Criminal Justice System (Eric Garner Case)
• The 'Bill of Rights' Time Travel
• Proposing a 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
• Analyzing the Declaration of Independence & U.S. Constitution
• Post Zombie Apocalypse: What Form of Government Would YOU Create?

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Civics Readers Theater Product Description Bring history to life with our engaging Civics Readers Theater collection! Designed for high school students, this educational product offers an insightful exploration into pivotal moments and concepts in American history through interactive and entertaining scripts. Each script encourages students to step into the shoes of historical figures, facilitating a deeper understanding of the nation's founding principles and governance. This collection is perfect for classroom settings, allowing students to develop their public speaking and critical thinking skills while fostering a love for history. Included Scripts Script #1: Readers Theater: The Philosophical Foundations of the Declaration of Independence Dive into the Enlightenment ideas that inspired the American Revolution. This script introduces students to the influential philosophers whose thoughts on freedom, equality, and governance played a crucial role in shaping the Declaration of Independence. Script #2: Readers Theater: Round Table Discussing Shays' Rebellion Explore the events and significance of Shays' Rebellion through a lively round table discussion. Students will examine the causes and effects of this crucial uprising, gaining insight into how it influenced the creation of a stronger federal government. Script #3: Readers Theater: Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists Step into the heated debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists as they discuss the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. This script helps students understand the differing viewpoints on the balance of power and the need for a Bill of Rights. Script #4: Readers Theater: Goldilocks and the Three Governments of America Introduce students to the concept of checks and balances through a whimsical retelling of the classic Goldilocks tale. This script cleverly compares the three branches of government to find the "just right" balance of power. Script #5: Readers Theater: A Glimpse into the Making of the U.S. Constitution Transport students to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where they will witness the intense debates and compromises that led to the drafting of the United States Constitution. This script provides a firsthand look at the challenges and triumphs of creating a new government. Script #6: Readers Theater: The Three Branches of Government Help students understand the structure and functions of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. This script offers an engaging way to explore how these branches work together to uphold the Constitution and serve the American people. Each script in the Civics Readers Theater collection is crafted to educate and inspire, providing an immersive learning experience that will captivate students' imaginations and enhance their understanding of American civics.

Product Description for Mock Legislative Session Simulation- Write your own legislation Bill Fair!

Make civics exciting and practical for students using this Social Studies simulation emulating the Legislative Branch. This Legislative Branch Simulation has become one of the highlights in my government class. Students love the opportunity to write bills in hopes of influencing change in their state and local communities. Students chose to solve a state or local problem, research the problem, and work through a solution. But first: students will look at a sample bill and participate in a Readers Theater simulation of the process of each round: Opening Speech, Non-Debatable Technical Questions, Pro Debate, Con Debate, and Closing Speech. Students will then look at the prep sheets that align with the sample bills of how they can encourage debate by planting questions, pro debate, or con debate on the legislative floor. Each round should last about 60 seconds! You could even JUST use this part for the simulation and not do the Bill Fair portion where students write their own bill. It's just that detailed. Students then work through the worksheets that make it easy for the teacher- because they explain it all! Pick and chose which parts you want the students to do. Learning about the law-making process is good, but actively being engaged in the process is great!
Bill Fair Project

Complete with:

- Detailed teacher directions: explaining how to run the simulation

- Sample Bills: Sample bills to help explain how students should write bills

*Texting and Driving Bill

*Police Body Cameras Bill

*Coral Reef Bill

*Smoking in cars with minors present Bill

*Day of the Dead Observed Bill

- Scripts for sample bills: These describe each round step by step

*Opening Speech, Non-Debatable Technical Questions, Pro Debate, Con Debate, and Closing Speech.

^Examples of each

- Prep Sheets: complete examples for sample bills

- Blank templates: for students to write their own bills and prep sheets to help other students debate their bill or ask great non-debatable technical questions.

- Placards: for both House and Senate! Where students write their last name and helpful tips of what to say each round

- Workbook/ planning sheets: how to research and write ACTUAL legislation!

*Legislative Intent, Whereas, Therefore, Definitions, Guidelines, Appropriations, Penalties, Enforcement, Nullification Clause, and Effective Date.

-Ranking Sheets: with instructions

*IMPORTANCE to the People of Florida: _______/5

FEASIBILITY of the Legislation: _______/5

PREPARATION of Author: _______/5

DEBATABILITY of Legislation: _______/5

*Ranking Guidelines: 1 = Significantly Exceeds Expectations 2 = Exceeds Expectations 3 = Meets Expectations 4 = Fails to Meet Expectations 5 = Criteria Not Addressed
- Everything you need is included! NO PREP! Just print and go! Worth Every Penny!! :)

Page by Page:

Table of Contents

Page 3: Blank Script

Pages 4-5: Student Sample #1 (Texting and Driving Bill)

Pages 7-9: Script for Student Sample #1

Pages1 0-11:Student Sample# 1 Prep Sheets

Pages 12-14:Student Sample #2( Police Body Cameras)

Pages 15-17: Script for Student Sample #2

Pages 18-19: Student Sample #2 Prep Sheets

Pages 20-22: Student Sample #3 (Coral Reef Bill)

Pages 23-24: Student Sample #3 Prep Sheets

Pages 25-27: Student Sample #4 (Smoking in cars with minors present)

Page 28: Student Sample #4 Prep Sheets

Pages 29-31: Student Sample #5( Day of the Dead Observed Bill)

Pages 32-33: Student Sample #5 Prep Sheets

Pages 34-35: Blank Template for writing Their bill

Pages3 6-37: Blank Template for Prep Sheets

Page 38: Ranking Sheet

Pages 39-51 : Workbook/ planning sheets

Page 52: Sample Placard

Pages 53-54: Blank Placards

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Check out samples on my Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

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