5th Grade Birth of American Democracy

 

In this unit, students will analyze the development of the federal government including the Articles of Confederation and Constitution. Students will analyze the structure and function of the new national governments under the Articles of Confederation, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses. Students will investigate significant events that contributed to the creation of the Constitution, including limited government, checks and balances and separation of powers. Students will evaluate the principles within the Constitution. Students will explore the purpose and importance of the Bill of Rights to the citizens of the United States.

 

Enduring Understanding:

 

• Governments evolve to adapt to changing circumstances
• Democratic governments establish the law as the supreme authority.
• The functions of government are to write, execute, and interpret laws.
• Democratic societies recognize a belief in unalienable rights and the need to protect them.

 

Essential Questions:

 

• What are inalienable rights?

• What is the need for documenting rights?

• Are democratic governments more flexible than others?

• How do democracy and the Constitution provide for changes and growth?

• How does the structure of a democratic government prevent a single individual from gaining too much power?

 

Click on these links to go to the resources that will help you answer these questions.

 

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Constitution

• The Bill of Rights

• Three Branches of Government

• Branches of Government: The Legislative Branch

• Branches of Government: The Executive Branch

• Branches of Government: The Judicial Branch

• Laws
• 5th Grade Birth of American Democracy Handouts