Three Levels of Law: Lobbying, Media, and Courts
Created byBenjamin Fry
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Three Levels of Law: Lobbying, Media, and Courts

Grade 12Social StudiesHistory5 days
In this project, students explore the intricacies of the American legal system across federal, state, and local levels, examining the roles of lawmaking bodies, the impact of lobbying and media, and the structure of court systems. Through simulations, research, and presentations, students analyze how laws are made, how lobbying and media influence legislation, and how the courts function. The project culminates in students developing plans to influence a lawmaking process, empowering them to become informed and engaged citizens capable of navigating and impacting the legal landscape.
LawmakingLobbyingMedia InfluenceCourt SystemsCivic EngagementFederalism
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as informed citizens, navigate and influence the interconnected legal systems at the federal, state, and local levels to address pressing issues in our community?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How do federal, state, and local laws affect our daily lives?
  • What role do lobbying and media play in shaping laws at different government levels?
  • How do the federal, state, and local court systems interact and differ in jurisdiction?
  • How can individuals influence the lawmaking process at each level of government?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will be able to compare and contrast the lawmaking processes at the federal, state, and local levels.
  • Students will be able to explain the influence of lobbying and media on lawmaking at different government levels.
  • Students will be able to identify the organization and jurisdiction of federal, state, and local courts and their interrelationships.
  • Students will be able to analyze how individuals can influence the lawmaking process at each level of government.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

'A Day in the Life' Simulation

Students participate in a day-long simulation where they role-play as legislators, lobbyists, and journalists at the federal, state, and local levels, dealing with a mock bill. This immersive experience will expose students to the real-world challenges and dynamics of lawmaking, lobbying, and media influence, sparking inquiry into the complexities of each governmental level.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Level Up: Government Lawmaking 101

Students create an informational guide comparing the basics of lawmaking at the federal, state, and local levels.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research the basic structure of the legislative branch at the federal, state (e.g., California), and local levels.
2. Identify the key steps in the lawmaking process at each level, from bill introduction to final enactment.
3. Create a table or chart comparing the processes, highlighting similarities and differences.
4. Write a brief summary explaining the overall structure and process at each level.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed comparative guide to lawmaking at the federal, state, and local levels, including a chart and summaries.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of comparing and contrasting the lawmaking processes at different levels.
Activity 2

Lobbying & Media Influence: Unveiling the Truth

Students will investigate and present on the impact of lobbying and media on lawmaking at each level of government.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Select a specific piece of legislation at the federal, state, or local level.
2. Research the lobbying efforts surrounding the legislation, identifying the groups involved and their arguments.
3. Analyze media coverage of the legislation, noting the framing and biases present.
4. Prepare a presentation summarizing your findings, including the influence of lobbying and media on the legislative outcome.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation analyzing the impact of lobbying and media on a specific piece of legislation at one or more levels of government.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of explaining the influence of lobbying and media on lawmaking at different government levels.
Activity 3

Courts in Action: Jurisdiction Junction

Students will map out the organization and jurisdiction of federal, state, and local courts and their interrelationships.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Create a visual map of the federal court system, including district courts, appellate courts, and the Supreme Court.
2. Create a similar map for the state court system (e.g., California), including trial courts, appellate courts, and the state supreme court.
3. Research the jurisdiction of each court level, noting the types of cases they handle.
4. Write a short essay explaining how the federal, state, and local court systems interact and where their jurisdictions overlap.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityVisual maps of the federal and state court systems, along with an essay explaining their jurisdictions and interrelationships.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of identifying the organization and jurisdiction of courts and their interrelationships.
Activity 4

Citizen Power: Influencing the System

Students will develop a plan to influence a lawmaking process at one of the three levels of government.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Identify a current issue or proposed legislation at the federal, state, or local level that you care about.
2. Research the relevant lawmaking process and identify key decision-makers.
3. Develop a plan to influence the process, including specific actions such as contacting legislators, organizing a petition, or writing a letter to the editor.
4. Present your plan, explaining your goals, strategies, and potential impact.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed plan to influence a specific lawmaking process, including goals, strategies, and potential impact.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of analyzing how individuals can influence the lawmaking process at each level of government.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Lawmaking and Governance Portfolio Rubric

Category 1

Understanding Lawmaking Processes

Demonstrates knowledge of the structure and processes of lawmaking at federal, state, and local levels.
Criterion 1

Comparison of Lawmaking Processes

Accurately compares and contrasts the lawmaking processes at the federal, state, and local levels, identifying key steps and differences.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of lawmaking processes at all three levels, providing insightful comparisons and identifying nuanced differences. The comparison is exceptionally detailed and accurate.

Proficient
3 Points

Demonstrates a thorough understanding of lawmaking processes at all three levels, providing accurate comparisons and contrasts. The comparison is detailed and well-organized.

Developing
2 Points

Shows an emerging understanding of lawmaking processes, with some inaccuracies or omissions in the comparison. The comparison lacks detail and organization.

Beginning
1 Points

Shows a limited understanding of lawmaking processes, with significant inaccuracies and omissions. The comparison is minimal or absent.

Category 2

Analysis of Lobbying and Media Influence

Evaluates the impact of lobbying and media on lawmaking at different levels of government.
Criterion 1

Impact of Lobbying and Media

Analyzes the influence of lobbying and media on specific legislation, identifying involved groups, arguments, framing, and biases.

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the influence of lobbying and media, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of their impact on the legislative outcome. Analysis includes identification of multiple perspectives and biases.

Proficient
3 Points

Provides a thorough analysis of the influence of lobbying and media, demonstrating a clear understanding of their impact on the legislative outcome. Analysis includes identification of key groups and arguments.

Developing
2 Points

Shows an emerging understanding of the influence of lobbying and media, with some omissions or inaccuracies in the analysis. Analysis may lack depth and detail.

Beginning
1 Points

Shows a limited understanding of the influence of lobbying and media, with significant inaccuracies and omissions. Analysis is minimal or absent.

Category 3

Understanding Court Systems

Demonstrates knowledge of the organization, jurisdiction, and interrelationships of federal, state, and local court systems.
Criterion 1

Organization and Jurisdiction of Courts

Accurately maps out the organization and jurisdiction of federal and state court systems, explaining their interrelationships and overlaps.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the organization and jurisdiction of court systems, providing a clear and insightful explanation of their interrelationships and overlaps. Maps are exceptionally detailed and accurate.

Proficient
3 Points

Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the organization and jurisdiction of court systems, providing an accurate explanation of their interrelationships and overlaps. Maps are detailed and well-organized.

Developing
2 Points

Shows an emerging understanding of the organization and jurisdiction of court systems, with some inaccuracies or omissions in the explanation. Maps lack detail and organization.

Beginning
1 Points

Shows a limited understanding of the organization and jurisdiction of court systems, with significant inaccuracies and omissions. Maps are minimal or absent.

Category 4

Citizen Engagement and Influence

Develops a plan to influence a lawmaking process, demonstrating understanding of civic engagement strategies.
Criterion 1

Plan for Influencing Lawmaking

Develops a detailed and realistic plan to influence a specific lawmaking process, including clear goals, strategies, and potential impact.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presents an innovative and highly effective plan to influence a lawmaking process, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of civic engagement strategies and potential impact. Plan is exceptionally detailed, realistic, and well-justified.

Proficient
3 Points

Presents a well-developed and realistic plan to influence a lawmaking process, demonstrating a clear understanding of civic engagement strategies and potential impact. Plan is detailed, realistic, and well-justified.

Developing
2 Points

Presents an emerging plan to influence a lawmaking process, with some omissions or unrealistic strategies. Plan lacks detail and justification.

Beginning
1 Points

Presents a minimal or unrealistic plan to influence a lawmaking process, demonstrating a limited understanding of civic engagement strategies. Plan is vague and lacks justification.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

How has your understanding of the lawmaking processes at the federal, state, and local levels evolved throughout this project?

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Question 2

In which activity ('Level Up: Government Lawmaking 101', 'Lobbying & Media Influence: Unveiling the Truth', 'Courts in Action: Jurisdiction Junction', 'Citizen Power: Influencing the System') did you feel most engaged and why?

Multiple choice
Required
Options
Level Up: Government Lawmaking 101
Lobbying & Media Influence: Unveiling the Truth
Courts in Action: Jurisdiction Junction
Citizen Power: Influencing the System
Question 3

To what extent do you now feel empowered to influence lawmaking processes at any level of government?

Scale
Required
Question 4

What is one specific action you could take to apply what you've learned to a real-world issue in your community?

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Required