Citizen's Handbook: New U.S. Citizen Guide on Rights & Duties

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Citizen's Handbook: New U.S. Citizen Guide on Rights & Duties

Grade 9Social Studies7 days

In this project, high school students in Grade 9 are tasked with creating a comprehensive Citizen's Handbook aimed at new U.S. citizens. The handbook will cover the rights and responsibilities of citizens, as well as explore the historical and philosophical foundations of American democracy. Students engage in various activities, including debates and research projects, to deepen their understanding of the U.S. government's structure, particularly the executive branch, and how citizens can influence public policy. Through this project, students will enhance their critical thinking and analysis skills related to civic education and democratic principles.

CitizenshipAmerican DemocracyRights and ResponsibilitiesGovernment StructureCivic EngagementPublic PolicyEducation

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as high school students, create a comprehensive and engaging Citizen's Handbook that not only explains the rights and responsibilities of new citizens but also illustrates how these aspects are rooted in the historical and philosophical foundations of American democracy and manifested in today's society?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

What are the historical and philosophical roots of the American constitutional democracy, and how do they manifest in today’s governmental structures?
How does the structure and function of the United States government, particularly the executive branch, impact the daily lives of its citizens?
In what ways do citizens influence public policy and how does understanding the political process empower individuals in a democratic society?
What are the key rights and responsibilities of citizens in the United States, and how do they contribute to the nation’s democratic principles?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Students will understand and interpret the historical and philosophical foundations of American constitutional democracy.
Students will identify and describe the structure and functions of the U.S. government, focusing on the executive branch.
Students will analyze the political processes and how they shape public policy and the political landscape in the U.S.
Students will articulate the rights and responsibilities associated with citizenship in the United States.

Custom Teacher Standards

Standard 1

Primary

Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental historical and philosophical principles and ideas that led to the development of the American constitutional democracy.Reason: The project involves creating a handbook that requires students to explore and explain the historical and philosophical foundations of American democracy.

Standard 2

Primary

Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and functions of government at all levels in the United States.Reason: Students need to understand government structures to effectively design a handbook for new citizens.

Standard 3

Secondary

Demonstrate an understanding of the political process in determining and shaping public policy and the political climate in the United States.Reason: The handbook project encourages students to investigate and describe how citizens can influence policy and understand political climate.

Standard 4

Primary

Demonstrate an understanding of the rights and responsibilities associated with citizenship in the United States.Reason: A core part of the project is explaining the rights and responsibilities of citizens, aligning directly with this standard.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Rights and Duties Debate

Organize a lively debate where students discuss various rights and duties associated with U.S. citizenship. Provide different scenarios and challenge students to argue for or against specific responsibilities and their relevance today. Debating these contentious issues prompts students to question preconceptions and strengthens their understanding of civic duties and rights.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Foundations and Philosophies Explorer

In this activity, students will delve into the historical and philosophical roots that shaped the American constitutional democracy. They will research key documents, ideas, and figures from history that contributed to its development, enhancing their understanding of the nation's founding principles.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Begin by researching primary sources such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

2. Identify and summarize the key philosophies and principles within these documents.

3. Research influential philosophers and historical figures who contributed to these ideas, such as John Locke and Montesquieu.

4. Discuss how these ideas are reflected in contemporary society and government structures.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityCreate a written or digital presentation summarizing the historical and philosophical foundations of American democracy.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with Standard 1 by exploring the historical and philosophical principles behind American constitutional democracy.

Activity 2

Government Functions Deep Dive

Students will analyze the structure and functions of the U.S. government with a focus on the executive branch. They will learn how various branches work together and the role of the executive in executing policies and laws.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research the three branches of government, emphasizing their distinct roles and interactions.

2. Focus on the executive branch and detail its specific functions and responsibilities.

3. Discuss how the executive branch influences daily life and its importance in the implementation of public policy.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed report or infographic on the structure and functions of the U.S. government with a focus on the executive branch.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with Standard 2 by discussing the structure and functions of government.

Activity 3

Policy Influencer Investigation

This activity engages students in exploring how citizens influence public policy and contribute to the political climate. They will analyze real-world examples and case studies to see the impact of civic engagement.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research how a policy is created and the stages it undergoes in the political process.

2. Study case studies where citizen action has influenced policy, such as advocacy campaigns or significant legislation.

3. Discuss the role of various political actors and institutions in shaping and passing policies.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn investigative report on the impact of citizen engagement on public policy.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with Standard 3 by demonstrating an understanding of how citizens influence policy and politics.

Activity 4

Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities

Students will explore the rights and obligations associated with U.S. citizenship, examining how these elements sustain democracy and societal values.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. List and define basic rights afforded to U.S. citizens, such as free speech and voting.

2. Research key responsibilities like jury duty and paying taxes.

3. Analyze how these rights and responsibilities support democratic values and social order.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn informative guide that outlines and explains the key rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with Standard 4 by focusing on understanding the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Citizen's Handbook Project Evaluation

Category 1

Historical and Philosophical Comprehension

Evaluates students' understanding of the historical and philosophical roots of American democracy.

Criterion 1

Key Philosophies and Principles Relation

Measures ability to identify and connect key historical philosophies and principles to American democracy.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates sophisticated understanding by thoroughly relating multiple philosophies and historical principles to the foundations of American democracy with insightful connections.

Proficient

3 Points

Shows thorough understanding by correctly relating key philosophies and historical principles to the foundations of American democracy with clear connections.

Developing

2 Points

Shows emerging understanding by identifying some philosophies and historical principles with inconsistent connections to American democracy.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows initial understanding with minimal identification of relevant philosophies or historical principles, struggling to connect them to American democracy.

Criterion 2

Philosophers and Historical Figures Evaluation

Assesses the identification and evaluation of contributions from influential philosophers and historical figures.

Exemplary

4 Points

Identifies a wide range of influential philosophers and historical figures, demonstrating exceptional insight into their contributions to American democratic principles.

Proficient

3 Points

Identifies key philosophers and historical figures, demonstrating clear understanding of their contributions to American democratic principles.

Developing

2 Points

Identifies some philosophers and historical figures, with basic understanding of their contributions.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to identify relevant philosophers and historical figures, with minimal understanding of their contributions.

Category 2

Understanding Government Functions

Assesses comprehension of the structure and functions of U.S. government, focusing on integration and impact of the executive branch.

Criterion 1

Executive Branch Analysis

Evaluates understanding of the executive branch's structure, functions, and societal impact.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates sophisticated analysis of the executive branch, articulating its functions, structure, and significant societal impacts with in-depth examples.

Proficient

3 Points

Shows thorough understanding of the executive branch and its societal impact, with appropriate examples.

Developing

2 Points

Shows basic understanding of the executive branch, with limited examples of its societal impact.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows initial understanding, struggling to articulate the structure or function of the executive branch.

Category 3

Citizenship and Civic Engagement

Evaluates students' understanding of civic rights, responsibilities, and their influence on public policy.

Criterion 1

Rights and Responsibilities Articulation

Measures ability to clearly articulate and explain citizens' rights and responsibilities.

Exemplary

4 Points

Thoroughly articulates essential rights and responsibilities of citizens with exceptional understanding and context.

Proficient

3 Points

Clearly articulates key rights and responsibilities of citizens with appropriate context.

Developing

2 Points

Identifies basic rights and responsibilities but with limited articulation and context.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to identify or articulate key rights and responsibilities, with little context provided.

Criterion 2

Public Policy Influence Analysis

Assesses students' ability to analyze and evaluate the influence of citizen engagement on public policy.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates in-depth analysis of citizen engagement in public policy, articulating nuanced insights and multiple examples.

Proficient

3 Points

Analyzes citizen engagement in public policy with clear examples and understanding.

Developing

2 Points

Shows basic analysis of citizen engagement in public policy, with limited examples.

Beginning

1 Points

Demonstrates minimal understanding of citizen engagement in public policy, struggling to provide examples.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

Reflect on how your understanding of the historical and philosophical foundations of American democracy has evolved through the creation of the Citizen’s Handbook. What new insights have you gained about the development of constitutional democracy in the United States?

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Required

Question 2

How confident do you feel in explaining the structure and functions of the U.S. government, particularly the executive branch, to someone who is unfamiliar with it?

Scale

Required

Question 3

Which aspect of the Policy Influencer Investigation was most engaging or surprising to you, and why?

Text

Required

Question 4

In your opinion, what is the most significant right or responsibility of a U.S. citizen, and how does it contribute to maintaining democratic principles?

Multiple choice

Required

Options

Freedom of Speech

Voting

Jury Duty

Paying Taxes

Question 5

Overall, how has participating in this project changed your perspective on the role of citizens in the United States?

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Required