Social Studies - United States Government & Citizenship
Lesson Plans

U.S. GOV Strand 2: CIVIL LIBERTIES, CIVIL RIGHTS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

American citizenship brings with it civil liberties, civil rights, and responsibilities. Students must know their rights and responsibilities and understand the extent of those rights. Students should be able to defend their own rights and the rights of others, understanding that the Constitution and its amendments extend protections to individuals who may not share their views. Our nation's future rests on the ability and willingness of every generation to fulfill their civic responsibilities.

Possible Guiding Questions to Consider:

• What are the civil rights and liberties codified in the Constitution?
• What is the relationship between a successful, functioning republic and a civically responsible population?
• How have the rights and liberties in the Constitution been interpreted and applied over time?
• How has the definition of citizen changed over time?
  

  U.S. GOV Standard 2.2:

  Students will examine various perspectives on a current rights-related issue; take a position; defend that position using the Constitution and Bill of Rights, historical precedents, Supreme Court decisions, and other relevant resources; and share that position, when possible, with relevant stakeholders.
  
  • 1st Amendment Fridays
    Have students bring articles on current events which either support or criticize the 1st Amendment
  • 9/11 and Civil Liberties
    This lesson explores the challenges the United States faced as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and examines the government's response through the lens of protection and civil liberties. Students will consider the long-term effects of the emergency measures, their consequences and constitutionality, and how they might inform the balance between security and liberty today.
  • 9/11 and the Constitution: On American Identity, Diversity, and Common Ground
    The anniversaries of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, and the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787, provide us an opportunity to reflect upon who we are as Americans, examine our most fundamental values and principles and affirm our commitment to them, and evaluate progress toward the realization of American ideals and propose actions that might narrow the gap between these ideals and reality. These lessons are designed to accomplish these goals.
  • A Conversation on the Fourteenth Amendment
    Three key components of the Fourteenth Amendment â?? due process, equal protection, and privileges and immunities â?? are explored in this lesson, which centers on the video âA Conversation on the Constitution: The Fourteenth Amendment.â In the video, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg speaks with high school students about the Fourteenth Amendment and the protections it offers.

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  http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Robert  Austin and see the Social Studies website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.
  These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.