Middle School Government Simulations

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 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?