Pequea Valley Government & Civics

1. Pequea Valley Government&Civics For all Learners

2. 10th Grade American Government • Required course • Focus is on America, how our government works, and the rights / duties of citizens

3. Key Concepts • Overview of government ~Citizenship test ~Create your own government (Island) • Review of the beginning of our nation ~Review struggles (US History) & popular sovereignty

4. Key Concepts: • Constitution ~Formal and Informal Amendments (throughout course) • Federalism ~State laws vs Federal laws • Checks and Balances (branches)

5. Elections • The role of political parties & elections ~ Look at both major parties and political spectrum ~ Look at key political issues (Tie with Ag Bio topics)

6. Elections • Look at minor parties and their roles ~Create our own minor parties & run a campaign ~We register to vote (creates my poll book) and hold the election

7. Elections • Electoral college • Public opinion (polling) ~ Explore Gallup polls and add in degree of error

8. Judicial branch • Civil Liberties and Rights (Bill of Rights) ~Constitution and sample cases ~ Icivics (reviews our basic rights)

9. Judicial Branch • Supreme court ~ Role play Supreme Court cases (judges and lawyers)

10. Legislative Branch • House and Senate ~ Find your Representatives ~ Explore 115th Congress • How law is created ~Write our own bills & roleplay

11. Executive Branch • President’s roles & duties ~ Virtual White House Tour • Cabinet Departments ~ Project on departments

12. Executive Branch • The Federal Budget ~ Icivic ….balance the budget, taxes and citizens • Foreign Affairs ~ Security (State, Defense, Homeland Security) ~ Current issues

13. Other Electives: Current Affairs • Explore current topics • Look at multiple points of view • Debate both sides of the issues

14. Other Electives Criminal Law • Ethics and the Constitution • Criminal law & Court system ~ Lancaster County court house

15. HS ELA Debate

16. 9th and 10th GRade Humanities Informal – In classroom discussions of books & plays that we are reading. Ex: discussion on themes, morals, values – controversial topics Formal – Propaganda and persuasive techniques, argument writing instruction, building platforms across ELA/SS and defending it and debating it. (Ethos, Pathos, Logos)

17. 11th Grade Debate • Is the American Dream dead in society debate • Justice system debate linked to the Crucible. Are you innocent until proven guilty? Confession of crimes you didn’t commit or die for your beliefs and honor. • What makes a good person debate and writing linked to the Crucible. • Is John Proctor a hero debate and writing • Is money a good indicator of success- writing assignment and discussion linked to Gatsby J

18. 12th grade Honors/CP Public Speaking – 12th Grade • consistent debating of ideas in impromptu speaking and discussions on issues going on in the media and society • mostly informal but some formal speeches as well • debate on State of the Union address and the issues presented • Original Oratory discussions and debates Multicultural Lit. – 12 Grade • -How does our world compare to 1984 discussion/debate • -What is the meaning of life debate Composition – 12th Grade • -Lots of argument writing and discussion • -Lots of work on structuring rhetoric and balance between logos, ethos, pathos Contemporary Literature – 12thGRade • -Debate over what success is, what it looks like, and how we recognize it.