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Exploring Government & Civics with John Dickerson – Government’s role in society – How government decisions impact daily life and societal structure. – Civics: Citizenship & government study – Understanding rights, duties, and roles as a citizen in a government system. – Insights from John Dickerson, CBS – A journalist’s perspective on current civic issues and government workings. – Engage with civic responsibilities | This slide introduces students to the fundamental concepts of government and civics, setting the stage for a deeper dive into how government functions and its impact on society. Civics education is crucial for students to become informed citizens who understand their rights and responsibilities. The highlight of the session is insights from John Dickerson, a renowned journalist from CBS, who will share real-world perspectives on government and civic engagement. Encourage students to think critically about their role in society and prepare questions for the guest speaker. This interactive session aims to foster a sense of civic duty and awareness of current political issues.

Branches of the US Government – The Legislative Branch: Congress – Comprised of the Senate and House of Representatives, responsible for making laws. – The Executive Branch: The President – Headed by the President, enforces laws, and oversees federal agencies. – The Judicial Branch: The Supreme Court – Consists of the Supreme Court and lower courts, interprets laws and constitutionality. – Functions and Powers of Each Branch | This slide provides an overview of the three branches of the US Government, which are the cornerstone of the American democratic system. The Legislative Branch, made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is tasked with creating laws. The Executive Branch, led by the President, is responsible for enforcing these laws and managing federal agencies. The Judicial Branch, which includes the Supreme Court and lower courts, interprets laws and their alignment with the Constitution. It’s crucial for students to understand the separation of powers and checks and balances that these branches exercise over one another to maintain a balanced government. Discuss the unique roles and powers of each branch, and how they work together to govern the country. Encourage students to think of current events that illustrate the functions of each branch.

The Constitution & Bill of Rights: Pillars of US Law – The Constitution: US legal framework – Establishes national government, laws, and citizens’ rights. – The Bill of Rights: First 10 Amendments – Protects freedoms like speech, religion, and due process. – Constitution’s impact on daily life – Governs legal rights, voting, and education access. – Safeguarding liberties and justice – Ensures fair treatment and freedom of expression. | This slide aims to introduce students to the fundamental principles of the US government and civics. The Constitution is not just a historical document but the very foundation that structures the US legal system, establishing the national government, its laws, and the basic rights of all citizens. The Bill of Rights, as the first ten amendments to the Constitution, guarantees essential freedoms and protections that affect our everyday lives, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial. It’s crucial for students to understand how these documents continue to shape aspects of daily life, from the rights they have at school to the way justice is served in the country. Encourage students to think of examples of how their rights are protected in everyday situations and to appreciate the role of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights in maintaining a just and democratic society.

The Electoral Process in the US – Elections: Local to National scope – Understand the structure from city council to presidential elections. – Voting: A Civic Duty – Voting is crucial for democracy, representing our voice in government. – Conducting Elections – Learn how votes are cast, counted, and how results are certified. – The Electoral College Explained – A unique system for electing the President, balancing state representation. | This slide aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the electoral process in the United States. Begin with an explanation of the different levels of elections, emphasizing the scope and impact from local to national. Highlight the importance of voting as a fundamental aspect of civic participation and the cornerstone of democracy. Discuss the steps involved in conducting elections, including voter registration, casting ballots, and the counting process. Finally, delve into the role of the Electoral College in presidential elections, explaining its purpose, function, and the debate surrounding it. Encourage students to reflect on the importance of each individual’s vote and consider how the Electoral College affects the outcome of presidential elections.

Engaging with Government & Civics: John Dickerson’s Perspective – John Dickerson’s political journalism – Veteran journalist with deep insights into political processes – Media’s influence on public opinion – How news coverage shapes perceptions and civic engagement – Media’s role in democracy – Investigative reporting holds government accountable – Interactive Q&A session | John Dickerson, with his extensive experience in political journalism, offers a unique perspective on the interplay between media and politics. This slide introduces students to the critical role media plays in shaping public opinion and the importance of a free press in a democracy. Highlight Dickerson’s career as a backdrop for understanding the media’s power and responsibility. The Q&A session is an opportunity for students to engage directly with Dickerson, asking questions to deepen their understanding of government and civics. Encourage students to think critically about the information they consume and to consider the impact of media on their own civic responsibilities.

Civic Responsibilities and Rights in the U.S. – Understanding citizen rights – Rights include freedom of speech, religion, and the press. – Responsibilities of U.S. citizens – Responsibilities include obeying laws, paying taxes, and serving on juries. – Voting and jury duty – Voting is a key civic duty; jury duty upholds justice. – Exercising rights and duties – Stay informed, participate in community, and respect others’ rights. | This slide aims to educate high school students on the fundamental rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens. It’s crucial to emphasize the balance between enjoying individual freedoms and fulfilling obligations that sustain democracy. Rights such as freedom of speech and religion are cornerstones of American society. Responsibilities like jury duty and voting are not only obligations but also privileges that empower citizens to contribute to the legal system and government. Encourage students to actively participate in civic duties and to exercise their rights responsibly, ensuring they understand the impact of their engagement on the community and the nation.

Class Activity: Mock Election Simulation – Simulate the voting process – Nominate and vote for candidates – Discuss election outcomes – What were the results? Were they expected? – Reflect on the electoral process – How does this simulation compare to real elections? | This class activity is designed to give students a hands-on understanding of the electoral process. Begin by explaining how voting works in the U.S. government. Then, move on to the simulation: students will nominate their peers to run for a mock position. After campaigning, students will vote using a secret ballot. Once votes are tallied, lead a discussion on the outcome. Ask students if the results matched their expectations and why. Finally, encourage them to reflect on the electoral process by comparing the classroom experience with real-world elections. Possible variations of the activity could include different voting systems (e.g., first-past-the-post, ranked-choice), roles (e.g., electoral college, campaign manager), or scales (e.g., class president, mayor of a mock town).