Who Decides?

Comparing Governments

Ms. Tipper, Social Studies

Anne Arundel County

 

 

Introduction

Task

Process

Evaluation

Conclusion

Resources

 

Introduction

 

In sixth grade you learned about the importance of government in the development of the world’s earliest civilizations.  7,000 years ago- before civilization - there were no governments; today there is virtually no place without one. In the beginning most all governments were monarchies, but today there are a variety of ways that countries are governed.  Why? How do governments function (work) and how does a government influence the lives of its citizens? In this activity you and your partner will work to answer these questions.  Click on the King icon to learn about a legendary monarch.

 

Task

You and a partner will review the purpose (role) of government in the development of civilization, Investigate three characteristics of eight government systems that are practiced today, Classify these governments as either limited or unlimited, and create a skit comparing and contrasting life in a limited government system and an unlimited system.

 

 

Process

  1. Review the purpose (role) of government in the development of civilization and discuss your thoughts on the purpose of government today. How has it changed, how has it remained the same? Click on the Pharaoh to refresh your memory.

 

  1. Each of you will investigate three characteristics of four government systems that are practiced today. You will complete one of the worksheets as your partner completes the other. Click on the worksheet link to print out both worksheets. After you have completed your research, you will come back together to share your notes and record your partner’s findings. When you are finished each of you will have both worksheets completed. Click on the king for a list of web resources. 
 

   
Click on the Freedom Meter to help you with the last question.
 

  1. Governments fall into two major categories, limited and unlimited. Visit an online dictionary to identify the characteristics of a limited and unlimited form of government. Based on your understanding of a these definitions, classify these governments as either limited or unlimited.  Record this information on worksheet #3.
 
Click on this icon to get a copy of this worksheet.

Limited Government

Unlimited Government

 

 

 

 

 
 

  1. Create a skit comparing and contrasting life in a limited government system and an unlimited system.  Use the Venn Diagram to help organize your thoughts.

 

Evaluation

Print the rubric to guide you in your planning. Your skit should be under five minutes.

 

CATEGORY

4

3

2

1

Props

Student uses several props (could include costume) that show considerable work/creativity and which make the presentation better.

Student uses 1 prop that shows considerable work/creativity and which make the presentation better.

Student uses 1 prop which makes the presentation better.

The student uses no props OR the props chosen detract from the presentation.

Preparedness

Student is completely prepared and has obviously rehearsed.

Student seems pretty prepared but might have needed a couple more rehearsals.

The student is somewhat prepared, but it is clear that rehearsal was lacking.

Student does not seem at all prepared to present.

Content

Shows a full understanding of the topic.

Shows a good understanding of the topic.

Shows a good understanding of parts of the topic.

Does not seem to understand the topic very well.

Speaks Clearly

Speaks clearly and distinctly all (100-95%) the time, and mispronounces no words.

Speaks clearly and distinctly all (100-95%) the time, but mispronounces one word.

Speaks clearly and distinctly most ( 94-85%) of the time. Mispronounces no more than one word.

Often mumbles or can not be understood OR mispronounces more than one word.

Conclusion

Now that you have investigated a number of government systems and dramatized their effects on the people who live under them, think about the pros and cons of each type of government. What are the advantages of living in an unlimited government system like an authoritarian state? What are the disadvantages of living in a limited government system like our own? Write you thoughts in the organizer on worksheet #3.

Resources