Description

This lesson helps students understand the role that government plays in the lives of its citizens and how the government protects individual rights.

Materials

-Computer with Internet access
-3x5 note cards
-Pencil
-Writing paper
-Highlighter

Procedures

Prerequisites: Students are competent in writing essays that meet the Florida Writes standards.
1. Ask students �Do we need government?� Enter into discussion.
2. State that the purpose of the lesson is to help students understand the role government plays in the lives of its citizens and how the government protects individual rights.
3. Distribute the articles from the Internet website.
4. Allow students time to read and highlight important facts.
5. Facilitate a discussion on what makes government necessary and its purpose (protects individual rights, provides legislation and a court system, and provides services to its citizens).
6. Students take notes on the notecards during discussion.
7. Recap the discussion and review the Checklist in Associated File.
8. Assign the writing prompt. Why is government necessary and what is the purpose of government?
9. Students write essay with concepts taught in this lesson (see Checklist in Associated File).
10. Student submits essay and eight note cards.
11. Teacher evaluates essay.

Web Links

Web supplement for Can We Live Without Government?
Free Republic

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Importance of Philosphy

Web supplement for Can We Live Without Government?
The Necessity of Government

Web supplement for Can We Live Without Government?
Politics