Government in Our School?!

     We have spent the past few days learning and talking about the government. Think about our school. How does our school's government work? Is it similar to our county's government? Even though you do not get to vote for your teachers or principal, there are still many similarities.

 

Think about all of the people in our school. (Principle, Students, Teachers, Office Secretary, Guidance Counselors)  describe what their role might be if our school was a country.

For example:

 

The Principal would be the president of our school because she is the highest in command. She also listens to the needs of teachers and students to make changes in our school. She meets with the teachers to make sure she is doing a good job.

 

In a comment below, describe who (in our school) would be:

• The President
• The Vice President
• Congress/ Legislative Branch
• The Supreme Court/ Judicial Branch
• Citizens

**Feel free to talk about any other positions in the government that you think might fit into our school.

 

What would represent The Constitution in our school government? What might represent the Bill of Rights?

 

Can you think of any other places that might a similar government set up as our school and country?

 

Your ideas might be different than mine or your classmates' but as long as you can explain why you chose what you did, THAT'S OK!

 



  

[Standards- 5.3.4.A: Identify the roles of the three branches of government. 5.3.4.D: Identify positions of authority at the local, state, and national levels.]

3 Branches of Government

The United States Government is divided into 3 branches. Each has its own role to play. Watch both of the videos below to help you answer the questions. We have already explored this topic through reading your text book. These videos will provide you with the same information, but in a new way. Tomorrow in class, we will talk about and expand on your answers.

The first video is called "Three Branches Rap" by Smart Songs. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCB8EOY5d48

This is a short video that explains the 3 branches of government and how each interacts with each other.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DW3e096RO7Q

1. What kind of government do we have in the United States? What does that mean?
2. What are the 3 branches of government? Who is the leader of each?
3. What does each branch do?
4. Which branch of government of has the most power?
5. What is the purpose of checks and balances?
6. Is there anything that you would like further explanation on? Is there anything that you are still not clear about?

[Standards- 5.1.4.C: Explain the principles and ideals shaping local and state government. Liberty/Freedom, Democracy, Justice, Equality.  5.3.4.A: Identify the roles of the three branches of government.]

The Creation of the Constitution

Watch the video clips below about how our current system of government came to be. Watch as several well-known historical figures work together to create the Constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation. After watching the videos answer the questions below in a comment on this post.

** Note- Read the questions before you begin watching the videos. You may also watch the videos again to help answer the questions. We will talk about these 2 clips and the questions below tomorrow in class.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNTNueTl904

(10:51)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZoCuXJZcsg

(10:51)

1. Name at least one thing that the men did NOT all agree on at first when discussing the Constitution.
2. How was that issue solved? What did the men agree on in the end?
3. What is one thing that you learned from watching these video clips?
4. What is one thing that you would still like to know or learn more about?
5. Do you have any other thoughts, reactions, or questions to the videos?

[Standards- 5.4.1.C: Explain the ideals and principles shaping local and state government. Liberty/Freedom, Democracy, Justice, Equality.5.1.4.D: Identify Key ideas about government found in significant documents: Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, Bill of rights, Pennsylvania Constitution]

Welcome to Miss Peters' 4th Grade Social Studies

Throughout our exploration of a variety of topics we will use this blog to research, discuss, and share ideas with the entire class. Several times per week, new posts will display images, videos, links, or text to which each student will respond. The responses will be discussed (and if necessary, debated) in class. 

The purpose of this blog is to encourage students to explore the topics learned in class on a more in depth level. Students are encouraged to find ways to connect the topics to their own lives.

Let's give it a try!!

Our first topic is going to be The United States government system. 

• What do YOU already know about our government in The United States? 
• Do you recognize any of the symbols in the image above? If so, which one(s) and what does it mean?
• Is there anything specific that you would like to learn about The United States Government?
• Why do we have a government?
• How does the idea of government apply to your own life? At school? At home?

[Standards- 5.4.1.A: Examine school rules and consequences., 5.4.1.B: Explain rules and laws for the classroom, school, community, and state. 5.4.1.C: Explain the ideals and principles shaping local and state government. Liberty/Freedom, Democracy, Justice, Equality.]