Contributions of Citizens Who
Defended American Principles
Session 1: Understanding the Basic Principles of a
Republican Form of Government

Materials

• Slips of paper for voting
• Overhead of T-chart

Instructional Activities

1. Ask students if they know what a republican form of government is. Introduce the United States’ republican form of government. Discuss implications of the rights of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, and equality under the law. Tell students that all citizens 18 years and older have the right to vote.
   
   
2. Simulate a voting situation. Tell students they will vote on whether to use blue or red construction paper to make a birthday card for the teacher. Pass out voting slips to girls only. Explain that the boys are not allowed to vote. Collect and tally the votes. Do another ballot, but only allow students with brown hair to vote. Collect and tally the votes. Have students talk about what it felt like to be left out of the voting. Relate this to equality under the law. Make a list of other examples where all Americans are equal under the law (e.g., riding a bus, eating in restaurants, talking on the phone, owning a car).
   
   
3. Lead a discussion on rights vs. responsibilities. Record the ideas in a T-chart on the overhead.