Unit: US Government

Josh Vagi
8th Grade Social Studies
Algonquin Middle School
Algonac, Michigan

# C Layer Assignments – 70 points maximum Points

Possible

 Score Received
  Section 1 – Intro to the Constitution    
1 House of Government FIB notes 5  
2 Preamble PowerPoint notes 5  
3 Preamble Scramble 5  
4 School House Rock – The Preamble worksheet 5  
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5		 Personal Preamble 5  
*6a Constitution 101 5  
*6b Upfront’s Guide to the Constitution 10  
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*7a		 Preamble Activities – a. Accordion Book  b. Short Story  c. Preamble in Pictures (choose only 1) 10  
*7b Preamble Activities – a. flashcards  b. Preamble Synonyms (choose only 1) 5  
  Section 2 – The 7 Principles of the Constitution    
8 7 Principles of the Constitution FIB notes 5  
9 7 Principles “Boxes” Worksheet 10  
  Section 3 – The Branches of Government    
10 The Separation of Powers worksheet 5  
11 School House Rock – 3 Ring Government worksheet 5  
12 School House Rock – I’m Just a Bill worksheet 5  
13 Create a cartoon strip or a flowchart explaining how a bill becomes a law 10  
14 Foldable - Branches of Government Mobile,  Poster,  Power Point or Government Pie (see me for directions sheet) 10  
15 Supreme Court Cases Every Teen Should Know 5  
16 Levels of Government Chart 5  
17   5  
  Section 4 – Duties and Responsibilities of Citizens    
18 Foldable - Duties and Responsibilities Poster 10  
19 Duties and Responsibilities Questions 5  
20 Section 4 notes (choose 1): a. Vagi notes  b. Read textbook and take notes        c. Read textbook and answer book questions 5  
  Other Assignments    
21 Write a 30 second speech explaining why the right to vote is or is not important.  Be prepared to defend your opinion in front of the class. 15  
22 Attend a Algonac, Clay or Ira city council meeting, get an agenda and take notes on the meeting 15  
23 Interview a local government official 15  
24 “3 Little Words” Reading and Questions 5  
25 The US Government True or False 5  
26 Government Mad Libs (Real version, not funny) 5  
27 War of Words 10  
28 5 point awards (2) 10  
  C Layer Totals    

Total Points ________ (Student should have close to 40 points from C Layer)

Mr. Vagi Signature ________________ Ahead     On Target     Behind    

Parent Signature _________________  Comments?: 
 

    # B Layer Assignment – Choose 1 of the following tasks. Answer each question completely.  15 points each. Points

    Possible

    		 Score
    1 Explain why Checks and Balances is important to how our Government functions? 15  
    2 List 15 ways our government has an impact on us.  Identify whether it is a local, state or federal level of government. 15  
    3 How do we encourage democracy when we fulfill our Duties and Responsibilities? 15  
    4 Should the President of the USA have unlimited power?  Why or Why not? 15  
    5 Which branch of government do you think is the most important?  Why? 15  
    6 Complete “The Government and Me” collage 15  
      B Layer Totals 15  
# A Layer Assignment – Choose 1 of the following tasks.  Answer each question completely. 15 points each. Points

Possible

 Score
1 Create a children’s – style book that explains what the Constitution, Preamble, Branches, and the Duties and Responsibilities of Citizens.  Include pictures. 15  
2 Do you think our government has too much or too little power?  Give several examples. 15  
3 Why does our system of democracy work so well?  Give several examples. 15  
4 Why is it difficult to balance the government’s power with the rights of the people? 15  
  A Layer Totals 15  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Final Score (all layers, out of 100 possible) ________

Mr. Vagi Signature___________________________

Parent Signature _____________________________ Comments?: