OBJECTIVE:
To understand how the organization and function of American government is rooted in the principles of representative democracy, separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism.
TIME:
1 class period
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:
This lesson includes one of the most popular games I have created for my students. Expect excitement!
Students put the numbers 1 through 9 inside of the nine small corner spaces on the Game 1 form on page 14C. They are instructed to scramble the numbers, not put them in order.
Play begins when the teacher announces a number between 1 and 9. Class members put this number in the box next to question 1. They then read question 1 and choose which of the two underlined answers is correct. Once an answer is chosen, each student then finds the announced number on their game form and writes the answer in the large space next to it. Play continues in this way until five numbers have been announced and five answers have been filled in on the game form.
Following Game 1, papers are exchanged and correct answers read. Points are scored as follows: 10 points for each correct answer; 10-point bonus for three correct answers in a row –– either across, down, or diagonally. (Note: It is possible to earn two 10-point bonuses by having three right answers in a row in two different directions.)
Play continues in the same way for Games 2-4.
Game 1: Representative DemocracyGame 2: Separation of PowersGame 3: Checks and BalancesGame 4: Federalism
Game 1: Representative Democracy
Game 2: Separation of Powers
Game 3: Checks and Balances
Game 4: Federalism
Complete game rules are provided on the lesson pages.
After all four games have been played, you can give each student a copy of page 14E to do as a quiz or homework assignment.
