Forming the Foundation of Government in the Classroom, School, and Community
Session 4: Government of the United States

Materials

• Internet access
• Teacher-selected book on how laws are made or the roles of a government

Instructional Activities

1. Review concepts from the previous session “The Purpose of Laws.” Include that a government makes the laws, carries out the laws, and decides if laws have been broken (judges and the courts enforce the laws).
   
   
2. Read a teacher-selected book on how laws are made or the roles of a government.
   
   
3. Review the following concepts and post them in the classroom:
   •    A community is where people live, work, and play.
   •    The purpose of rules is to let people know how they should act or behave.
   •    Laws are rules that people must live by.
   •    A government is necessary because it develops laws and protects the rights and property of individuals.
   •    The purpose of a government is to make laws, carry out laws, and decide if laws have been broken.
   
   
4. Visit Ben’s Guide to U.S. Government at <http://bensguide.gpo.gov>, and follow these steps:
   •    First, click on the K–2 section on the kite.
   •    Next, click on “Our Government.” Read and discuss with the students.
   •    Then, go back and click on the 3–5 section on the kite.
   •    Click on “Your Neighborhood and Beyond.” Read and discuss with students.
   •    Go back to the 3–5 section (blackboard).
   •    Click on “How Laws Are Made.” Read and discuss with students.
   •    Go back to the 3–5 section (blackboard).
   •    Click on “Citizenship.” Don’t read, but click on “Responsibilities of Citizens.” Then read and discuss this part with the students.