Middle School Government Handouts

This lesson involves having students identify the basic principles and grievances of the Declaration of Independence, as well as exploring the conception of the 'Articles of Confederation' and the 'Constitution of the United States'. Students will demonstrate their interpretation of excerpts of the Declaration of Independence in a hands-on activity.

The provided slide presentation is a primary based resource that is designed to engage the students in the learning process. Full of colorful images, intertwined with problem posing questions, discussion, and a variety of engaging video clips, students will be invited to closely examine and understand the historical interconnections between the 'Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution.

A wrap-up, thought-provoking activity includes having students work in pairs and analyze a fictitious country and its' governing laws. This activity serves as a critical discussion piece in prompting students to understand the complexities and ethical considerations in creating laws that govern a country.

Materials Include:

• 45 Slide Presentation
• Guided Notes Student Handout
• Activity Handout: Interpreting the Declaration of Independence
• Activity Handout: Creating a Government 'Pelonia'

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

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

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The Great Americans Series of Biographies and Worksheets is an easy-to-read 200-word Biography of just the highlights of each subject's life designed to keep young readers engaged. The Questions page ensures student reading comprehension and grasp of key points. The Vocabulary page introduces and explains new words, phrases, and/or institutions students may not have been familiar with. The Quotes page challenges students to write what a famous quote by the subject means to them. The Great Americans Series is available individually or in bundles, making great bell work. An Answer Key is provided with each worksheet.

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?

As time passes, many great Americans who have shaped the arts, sciences, sports, and history of our nation and culture get lost in time. The Great Americans Series of Biographies and Worksheets is an easy-to-read 200-word Biography of just the highlights of each subject's life designed to keep young readers engaged. The Questions page ensures student reading comprehension and grasp of key points. The Vocabulary page introduces and explains new words, phrases, and/or institutions students may not have been familiar with. The Quotes page challenges students to write what a famous quote by the subject means to them. The Great Americans Series is available individually or in bundles, making great bell work. An Answer Key is provided with each worksheet.

The Great Americans Series of Biographies and Worksheets is an easy-to-read 200-word Biography of just the highlights of each subject's life designed to keep young readers engaged. The Questions page ensures student reading comprehension and grasp of key points. The Vocabulary page introduces and explains new words, phrases, and/or institutions students may not have been familiar with. The Quotes page challenges students to write what a famous quote by the subject means to them. The Great Americans Series is available individually or in bundles, making great bell work. An Answer Key is provided with each worksheet.

Great Americans who have shaped the arts, sciences, sports, and history of our nation and culture get lost in time. This bundle of Great American women biographies and worksheets is an easy-to-read 200-word Biography of just the highlights of each subject's life designed to keep young readers engaged. The Questions page ensures student reading comprehension and grasp of key points. The Vocabulary page introduces and explains new words, phrases, and/or institutions students may not have been familiar with. The Quotes page challenges students to write what a famous quote by the subject means to them. The Great Americans Series is available individually or in bundles, making great bell work. An Answer Key is provided with each worksheet.