Unit 5: A Balance of Power: The U.S. Constitution & Federal System
Statement of Inquiry: Students will understand the constitutional limits of government power at the local, state, and national levels through an inquiry into the American constitutional system of federalism and separation of powers.
Statement of Inquiry: Students will understand the constitutional limits of government power at the local, state, and national levels through an inquiry into the American constitutional system of federalism and separation of powers.
Factual Question:
What mechanisms does the constitution use to establish a separation of powers at the local, state, and federal level? |
Conceptual Question
How does the constitution reflect a compromise between competing visions for the role of government in American society? |
Debatable Question
Does the U.S. constitutional system work today in the ways that the framers intended it to? |
Required Work This Unit:
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Unit 5 Quick Links:
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Unit overview Below
(with Videos for certain lessons below that for your perusal)
Lesson One - Preamble & Structure of Constitution
Essential Question: What plan for government does the constitution create?
Essential Question: What plan for government does the constitution create?
Lesson Two Essential Question - Representation:
What determines how each state is represented in the Federal government?
Lesson Notes
In these lectures, I discuss the constitution's emphasis on representation in Congress. Of particular importance are the:
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Lesson Three Essential Question - Legislative Branch:
What are the powers and operating procedures of the United States Congress?
This is a large lesson focused on the following topics:
DOWNLOAD NOTES HERE Handouts: |
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Supplemental Lesson - Essential Question - NC State Government:
How does North Carolina's government structure compare to that of the Federal Government?
This Lesson focuses on the structure of North Carolina government, with a focus on:
DOWNLOAD NOTES HERE HANDOUTS: |
Day 4 Essential Question - Executive Branch:
What powers does the Constitution give the Executive Branch & how does the president exercise and delegate those responsibilities?
This lesson focuses on the Executive Branch and the powers of the President.
Download notes here. Handouts: |
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Lesson 5 Essential Question - How does the U.S. set and implement its foreign policy?
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Lesson 6 Essential Question: How does the Supreme Court Function?
Supplemental Lesson: (This Lesson now taught in the unit on the courts)
Essential Question: What is the jurisdiction and structure of the Federal Judiciary?
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Lesson 7 - The First Amendment
Essential Question: How has the Supreme Court interpreted the 1st Amendment?
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Lesson 8: Individual Rights
EQ: What makes interpretation of the 2nd, 7th, 8th, 9th, & 10th amendments sometimes controversial?
Lesson 9: Due Process
EQ: In what ways have courts upheld the Due Process of law for individuals accused of a crime?
Lesson 10 EQ: To what extent has the U.S. Constitution evolved over time?
Notes
Handouts
Handouts