Learning Objectives
Show 6.1 Activity: Separation of Powers and Federalism: Whose job (or check), is it?
Purpose In this activity, you will explore the separation of powers and federalism. Process After your discussion, your teacher will lead you through an activity to determine your understanding of separation of powers and checks and balances, in particular. Launch Activity Synthesis Now that students have a better understanding of the separation of powers, ask students to identify examples of when a branch has the sole power to work alone and when a branch must work with another branch to take action. Ask the students these follow-up questions:
As part of the discussion, connect the principles of the separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism to the broader theory of our republic: the need to both check abuses of power and create a government that creates policy that serves the common good (by slowing politics down, blocking bad ideas, curbing abuse, promoting deliberation, valuing principled compromise, etc.). Students should see not only the value of checking government abuse, but also the constructive parts of our complicated system—how it might promote good policy—and also reflect on whether they think that the founders struck the right balance. To frame this part of the discussion, ask students to reflect on the following questions:
Constitution 101 Resources Constitution 101 Resources 6.2 Activity: Key Terms
Launch Information Activity Synthesis Activity Extension (optional) Constitution 101 Resources 6.3 Video Activity: Separation of Powers
Purpose Process Then, complete the Video Reflection: Separation of Powers worksheet. Identify any areas that are unclear to you or where you would like further explanation. Be prepared to discuss your answers in a group and to ask your teacher any remaining questions. Launch Activity Synthesis Activity Extension (optional) Constitution 101 Resources 6.4 Activity: Branch Exploration
Purpose Description
Complete the Activity Guide: Branch Exploration worksheet to further explore your branch. Students should also be encouraged to look at the Constitution’s text itself when completing the activity sheet. Final Assignment:
Launch
Activity Synthesis Activity Extension (optional) Constitution 101 Resources Constitution 101 Resources Constitution 101 Resources Constitution 101 Resources Constitution 101 Resources 6.5 Activity: Philosophical Thinking on Separation of Powers
Launch As a class, discuss the connection between Montesquieu’s ideas of separation of powers, Adams’s views, and Madison’s views. Activity Synthesis
Activity Extension (optional) Constitution 101 Resources Constitution 101 Resources Constitution 101 Resources Constitution 101 Resources 6.6 Activity: Federalism, It’s in There
Purpose In this activity, you will find examples of federalism in the Constitution. Process Launch Activity Synthesis Activity Extension (optional) Constitution 101 Resources Constitution 101 Resources 6.7 Test Your Knowledge
Purpose Congratulations for completing the activities in this module! Now it’s time to apply what you have learned about the basic ideas and concepts covered. Process Complete the questions in the following quiz to test your knowledge. Launch This activity will help students determine their overall understanding of module concepts. It is recommended that questions are completed electronically so immediate feedback is provided, but a downloadable copy of the questions (with answer key) is also available. Knowledge Check Constitution 101 Resources When the central government and state government share power what is that called?Federalism is the system of government in which power is divided between a central government and regional governments; in the United States, both the national government and the state governments possess a large measure of sovereignty.
What is the federalism principle?Another basic concept embodied in the Constitution is federalism, which refers to the division and sharing of power between the national and state governments.
What is the concept of cooperative federalism?Cooperative federalism, also known as marble-cake federalism, is defined as a flexible relationship between the federal and state governments in which both work together on a variety of issues and programs.
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