Government (8th Grade)
Marilyn Washington
Lake Elementary
St. Amant, La.
Objectives:
1. The learner will be able to analyze the purposes of government.
2. The learner will be able to examine or assess the importance
of citizenship to the individual or to society at large (e.g., the
importance of voting).
3. The learner will be able to explain the structure and functions of
the three branches of the federal government..
4. The learner will be able to cite the roles/duties, qualifications,
and terms of office for key elected and appointed officials.
5. The learner will be able to explain the structure and functions of
state and local governments.
6.The learner will be able to explain the two-party system and examine
the role of political parties, including third parties, in the election
process
7. The learner will be able to evaluate the influences of media on
public opinion in American politics.
8.The learner will be able to explain historical or contemporary roles
of special interest groups and associations in U. S. politics (e.g.,
NAACP, ACLU, AARP. NRA)
C Level
1. Listen and participate in the lecture The
purpose of government. (5pts. Daily-3 days)
Choose 1 from 2-4 (5 pts)
2. Make vocabulary flashcards with the following
words: government, jury, citizen, political alliance, constitution,
executive branch, veto, impeachment, legislative branch, census,
caucus, constituent, lobbying, judicial branch, civil laws.
3. Make a crossword puzzle using the above vocabulary
words
4. Write two paragraphs using the above vocabulary
words to describe the government.
Choose 5 or 6
5. Answer the questions at the end of chapter 4.
Understanding the Facts 1-12
6. Worksheets—5—(2pts each)
Choose 7 or 8 (5pts)
7. Write a thirty second speech
explaining, why the right to vote is or is not important. Go over your
speech with at least 1 classmate to make corrections. Be prepared to
defend your opinion in a class debate.
8. Create a commercial that encourages other to go
out and vote. (video, written, poster)
Everyone does number 9****
9. Create a poster that displays and explains the 3
branches of government.
Choose 2 from 10-13 (10 pts)
10. Create a poster or power point presentation that
identifies your local government officials. Include their roles and
responsibilities.
11. Create a power point presentation or poster that
describes the governor of Louisiana and his cabinet. Explain their
roles and responsibilities.
12. Create a power point presentation or poster that
describes the president of the United States and his Cabinet. Explain
their roles and responsibilities.
13. Interview 5 people in your community and find out
what they consider to be the most important issues of the present
campaigns. Compile your results and write a one page essay that
discusses your results.
Choose two from 14-17 (10 pts each)
14. Find and summarize 6 news articles, two on local
government, two on state government and two on federal.
government (10)
15. Create a game based on facts about government (10)
16. Research : How does media influence American
Politics? (10)
17. Name and describe major and minor political
parties in America. What roles do they play in the election process?
(10)
****Everyone takes a form of the written test—Points are separate from
unit requirement.
18. Written Test (100 pts)
B Level-- Choose
2-----(15 points each)
1. Write a report about an election that occurred
between 1900-1950 and an election from 2000-2003. Explain in your own
opinion how they differ and how they are alike.
2. Research the history of government in your parish.
Include the following in your report: What is the present parish seat?
Were any other towns the parish seat? How many different buildings have
served as the courthouse? When was the present courthouse built?
3. Analyze the following groups and the role they
play in U.S. Politics.
AARP, NAACP, ACLU, NRA
4. Part of a legislator's job is to listen to his or
her constituents. Identify an issue that is of concern to the people in
your district. Write a letter to your state senator or representative
expressing your opinion. Letter must be typed.
A Level Choose
1---- 20 pts each
1. Would an 18 yr. Old make a good President for the
United States?
2. What Governor made the greatest contribution to
Louisiana?
A---121-140
B---100-120
C-----79-99
D----58-78
Below 58--F