Political Science Essential Questions



Political Science Essential Questions

Unit #1 – Foundations of Government

Key Learning – Constitutional Democracy as a structure of government developed from the tension between the need for authority and the need to constrain authority. Governments are structured to address the basic needs of the people in society.

Standard - Civics Standard One: Students will examine the structure and purposes of governments with specific emphasis on constitutional democracy [Government].

Unit Essential Question – What is the relationship between the political culture and experience of a country and from and structure of its government?

Concept #1 – Purpose of Government: What is the purpose and origins of government?

Lesson Essential Question #1 – Why are governments necessary?

Concept #2 – Structure & Political Culture: Explain how the prioritizing of the following values determines the structure of government.

Lesson Essential Question #1 – How do various societies develop different types of government?

Lesson Essential Question #2 – How do differing ideologies and cultural values influence the various forms of government?

Lesson Essential Question #3 – What are the features of the nation state?

Concept #3 – American Experience: Colonial experiences led to the distrust of the unitary system of Great Britain, as seen in the Declaration of Independence. Evaluate the vales of the US found in the Declaration of Independence.

Lesson Essential Question #1 – What is the relationship between the political culture and experiences of America and the form and structure of its government?

Unit #2 – The Constitution

Key Learning – Each piece of the basic structure of the Constitution serves a specific function, as do the major principles on which the Constitution was founded. The Constitution divides the US government into three separate branches – Judicial, Legislative and Executive – and provides the framework for their basic functions. The Constitution can be changed via the amendment process, a variety of informal changes, or court decisions. The Amendments to the Constitution illustrate not only the changing nature of democracy, but also the changing nature of American society as a whole.

Standard - Civics Standard Two: Students will understand the principles and ideals underlying the American political system [Politics].

Unit Essential Question – How does the Constitution in both its original and changing form, illustrate democracy in the past and present of the US?

Concept #1 – Constitutional Principles and Structure

Lesson Essential Question #1 – What is the structure of the US Constitution?

Lesson Essential Question #2 – How do the six underlying principles of the Constitution form the foundation of the US government?

Concept #2 – Three Branches of Government

Lesson Essential Question #1 – What specific powers are granted to each of the three branches of government by the Constitution?

Lesson Essential Question #2 – How do the powers that the three branches share create conflict between the Legislative, Judicial and Executive bodies?

Concept #3 – Amending the Constitution

Lesson Essential Question #1 – How is the Constitution changed?

Lesson Essential Question #2 – How do the Amendments to the Constitution show the development of democracy and society in the United States?

Unit #3 – Responsibilities of Citizenship

Key Learning – Effective citizens are committed to protecting rights for themselves, other citizens, and future generations by upholding their civic responsibilities and are aware of the potential consequences of inaction.

Standard - Civics Standard Three: Students will understand the responsibilities, rights, and privileges of United States citizens [Citizenship].

Unit Essential Question – What are the consequences of citizens not participating in democracy?

Concept #1 – Election Preparation

Lesson Essential Question #1 – Why is it important for citizens to become informed about candidates and stay informed after the election?

Lesson Essential Question #2 – What are the requirements of voting and has voting evolved since 1789?

Concept #2 – Influencing elected officials

Lesson Question #1 – Why should citizens attempt to influence elected officials?

Lesson Question #2 – Why do special interest groups play an important role in American citizens influencing their elected officials?

Unit #4 – Project Citizen: Public Policy

Key Learning – Effective citizens can research issues, form reasoned opinions, support their positions and engage in the political process. Effective governance requires responsible participation form diverse individuals who translate beliefs and ideas into lawful action and policy.

Standard - Civics Standard Four: Students will develop and employ the civic skills necessary for effective, participatory citizenship [Participation].

Concept #1 – Working for change

Lesson Essential Question #1 – How should private citizens and interest groups most effectively communicate with government programs and agencies?

Lesson Essential Question #2 – How do stakeholders work with government to influence policy?

Lesson Essential Question #3 - How should a citizen communicate with a government agency to influence the decisions of that agency?

Concept #2 – Political Parties

Lesson Essential Question #1 – What is the purpose, structure and function of political parties?

Lesson Essential Question #2 – How does on get involved with a political party?

Concept #3 – Getting involved

Lesson Essential Question #1 – How should groups engaged in political activities organize to accomplish their goals?

Lesson Essential Question #2 – How does one get heard by a commission examining public policy?

Lesson Essential Question #3 – What is a citizens’ group and how do they operate?

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