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 2.3:

  Students will explain the purpose and importance of fulfilling civic responsibilities, including serving on juries; voting; serving on boards, councils, and commissions; remaining well-informed; contacting elected officials; and other duties associated with active citizenship.
  
  • 270 to Win
    An interactive map that shows electoral college results for presidential elections. Also includes historical elections back to 1789, and various elections for Senate, House of Representatives, and governors. Students can also interactive with and manipulate the map to see how elections would have turned out with different results.
  • 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.
  • A Conversation on the Nature, Origin and Importance of the Supreme Court
    This lesson explains the structure and function of the judicial branch. Students will learn how the Supreme Court originated, how cases are selected, and why it is an important institution. In the accompanying Annenberg Classroom video "A Conversation on the Constitution: The Origin, Nature and Importance of the Supreme Court," Chief Justice John G. Roberts answers students' questions about the Supreme Court and his role as chief justice of the United States.
  • Citizenship Nearpod
    This is a nearpod that covers elements and charataristics of good citizenship.  It has acitivities that push students to think deeper about citizenship and what they already know about it.  It challenges students to become better citizens.  This is also an editable link from Nearpod so you can alter as needed.  
  • Citizenship and the U.S. Constitution
    In this lesson students will examine the concept of "citizen" from a definitional perspective of what a citizen is and from the perspective of how citizenship is conferred in the United States. Students will discuss the rights and responsibilities of citizens and non-citizens and review the changing history of citizenship from colonial times to the present.
  • Responsible Citizens
    Students will review the naturalization process and how individuals can become citizens of the United States. Students will learn the expectations of United States citizens, such as serving on juries; voting; serving on boards, councils, and commissions; remaining well-informed; contacting elected officials; and other duties associated with active citizenship.

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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.