Unit 1 – Origins of Government Name:
Jigsaw Review Game
Your Task: To help prepare for the summative unit assessment, you will engage in an activity where you will become an “expert” on one of the topic sets listed below. You will work cooperatively and utilize your classmates’ as resources in helping you review.
Sequence:
1. Meet with those classmates that have been assigned the same topic set number as you.
a. Work together to answer the corresponding questions.
(consult notes/other materials).
2. Reconvine with your original group. Here, each of you will be responsible for tramsitting your “expert” knowledge to your group members.
· You will be given time limits for each segment of this activity.
· Be sure to make note of additional questions you have – we will have time at the end of class to answer any lingering questions.
Good Luck!
Topic Set 1 – Philosophy and Purpose of government
· What is the definition of government?
o What six (6) purposes does it serve?
o Where are these purposes outlined?
· Define the term ‘democracy’ and provide an example.
· Explain the idea behind the ‘social contract theory.’
· What are natural rights, and how do they relate to the social contract theory?
Topic Set 2 – Colonial Origins of United States Government
· What three (3) basic concepts of government stem from colonial America?
· What justification does the Declaration of Independence offer for revolution?
o Of what importance is the Declaration to our history of government?
o What are some of the major points discussed in the Declaration of Independence?
· In what ways are the ideas of John Locke and Thomas Jefferson similar?
· What purposes did the Articles of Confederation serve? What weaknesses were evident?
o How was Congress structured in the Articles of Confederation?
Topic Set 3 – Constitutional Issues and Compromises
· What did delegates agree to do at the Philadelphia Convention?
· What was the Virginia Plan? New Jersey Plan? Connecticut Compromise?
· How were the issues of slavery and representation resolved at the Constitutional Convention?
o Why was this important for small states?
· Describe the debate between the Federalists and the anti-Federalists.
o What concerns did the anti-Federalists have about the power of a federal government?
o What compromise was eventually reached between the two groups?
· Explain the relationship between the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.
· Describe the structure of the Constitution.
o How was power divided between the branches?
o What purpose does each branch serve?
o How were individual states represented in the HOR and Senate?
Topic Set 4 – Constitutional Principles / Ideals and Symbols of Democracy
· Explain how the six (6) basic principles of the Constitution are interrelated.
· Discuss the significance of the words “We the People”.
o What basic principle of the Constitution does it reflect?
· Define republicanism, federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, limited government, popular sovereignty.
· Explain the major argument for the “states’ rights” position
· Describe each of the ideals (basic concepts) of democracy and explain how they are interrelated.