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American Government Unit 1: Principles of Government Chapter: 1

Overview What is the purpose of government and why does the United States have a representative democracy form of government? Throughout history, societies have form governments to provide protection and structure for making and enforcing decisions that affect the common good. Governments have various forms, ways they exercise power and structures. Governments can be classified according to who can participate in the governing process, the geographic distribution of governmental power within the state, and the relationship between the legislative and executive branches of government. This unit explores, the theories of the origin of the state, compares and contrasts the American system of government to the various types and systems of other countries, and what the goals and purpose of our American federal government as stated in the Preamble to the U.S Constitution. Big Question What is the role of a democratic citizen and how does that role differ in other forms of government?

Focus Questions Score Focus Question Rubric 4 I am able to define/describe/explain this topic, give examples/details/provide evidence, and analyze its historical significance. 3 I am able to define/describe/explain this topic and give examples/details/provide evidence. 2 I am able to define/describe/explain this topic. 1 With help, I am able to define/describe/explain this topic. 0 Even with help, I am unable to define/describe/explain anything about this topic. Before Focus Questions 1. Explain the meaning of civic life, politics, and government through investigation of such questions as: What is civic life? What are politics? What is government? What is the purpose of government? 2. Identify, distinguish among, and provide examples of different forms of government structures including anarchy, monarchy, aristocracy, democracy, authoritarian, communist, socialist, dictatorship through the investigation of such questions as: What are essential characteristics, how much control does the government have (absolute control or limited)? 3. Compare and contrast parliamentary, presidential, federal, confederate, and unitary systems of government by analyzing (break down and discuss) the similarities and differences in sovereignty, diffusion of power, and institutional structure of the systems of government. 4. Analyze the comparisons and differences of direct and representative democracy. After

Big Question What is the role of a democratic citizen and how does that role differ in other forms of government? Focus Questions 1. Explain the meaning of civic life, politics, and government through investigation of such questions as: What is civic life? What are politics? What is government? What is the purpose of government? 2. Identify, distinguish among, and provide examples of different forms of government structures including anarchy, monarchy, aristocracy, democracy, authoritarian, communist, socialist, dictatorship through the investigation of such questions as: What are essential characteristics, how much control does the government have (absolute control or limited)? 3. Compare and contrast parliamentary, presidential, federal, confederate, and unitary systems of government by analyzing (break down and discuss) the similarities and differences in sovereignty, diffusion of power, and institutional structure of the systems of government. 4. Analyze the comparisons and differences of direct and representative democracy.

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