Foundations of American Government
Session 2: Fundamental Principles

Materials

• Textbook
• Daily newspapers
• Computer with Internet access

Instructional Activities

NOTE: Teachers may wish to visit the following Web site for lesson ideas on the fundamental principles: “What is Meant by Returning to Fundamental Principles?” <http://www.civiced.org/index.php?page=wtp_hs40_sb>.

1. Discuss the meaning of each of the listed fundamental principles.
   
   
2. Have students select one of the fundamental principles of the American government and explain how this system of government would be different if that principle were not included.
   
   
3. Divide students into small groups. Give each group several newspapers. Ask them to find an article that shows a practical application of each principle discussed in activity #1. Groups may make oral or written presentations of their articles, including an explanation of how the article demonstrates a fundamental principle of American government.
   
   
4. Review fundamental principles by creating and using flash cards with the principle of government written on one side and the name of the appropriate document on the back.
   
   
5. For homework, write one sentence using at least three fundamental principles in such a way that it shows their meaning. Read the textbook section on the Virginia historical documents.