Social Studies - United States Government & Citizenship
Lesson Plans

U.S. GOV Strand 3: DISTRIBUTION OF POWER

The Constitution distributes authority between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Additionally, power embedded in the federalist system, or compound constitutional republic, is distributed between the federal, state, and local governments. American Indian tribal governments maintain a unique relationship with other levels and branches of government, adding yet another dimension for consideration. Finally, individuals and groups use a range of strategies and methods for wielding their own political power.

Possible Guiding Questions to Consider:

• How is political power distributed? How can it be attained?
• What political power do individuals possess?
• What are issues that cause friction between local, state, sovereign tribal, and/or the federal government, and how can these tensions be resolved?
• What functions do political parties serve?
• How do people determine their affiliations with political parties, special interest groups, or other causes or movements?
• What role do lobbyists and special interest groups play in political processes?

U.S. GOV Standard 3.4:

Students will use data to evaluate election results and explain election processes and strategies.

• 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.
• Bush v. Gore (2000)
  Case background and primary sources concerning the Supreme Court case of Bush v. Gore. Dealing with the 2000 election, this lesson asks students whether or not they think the United States Supreme Court correctly decided the case.
• Constitutional Connection: Electing the President
  This lesson allows students to analyze the Constitution and ask questions about how the Constitution talks about presidential elections.

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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.