Our Federal System of Government
Sessions 1 and 2: A Government Simulation

Materials

• Textbook
• Chart paper
• Markers

Instructional Activities

1. Explain that this unit concerns the organization and powers of our national government. Before students begin their study of American/United States government, give them the opportunity to describe the type of government they would create if they had the opportunity.
   
   
2. Divide the class into groups of 3-5 students. Explain that each group is going to create a new nation. Groups will need to do the following:
   •    Name their country.
   •    Draw a national flag.
   •    Draw a map of the country.
   •    Briefly outline a form of government. (This will be the country’s Constitution.)
   
   
3. Allow groups to work cooperatively for the remainder of the class. Remind them they will need to assign various group members homework in order to finish the task in two days.
   
   
4. On the second day, allow groups to complete their work during the first half of class. Ask each group to share information about the country they have created. What type of government does it have? (2-3 minutes per group)
   
   
5. Explain that tomorrow students will learn what the founding fathers decided to do in the United States when they were faced with a similar task.