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The State of the State
Description
Students participate in an interactive PowerPoint presentation, gathering information on the features of the state and the function of government. Mini-quizzes along the way assess understanding. Students then create a profile for a fictional, sovereign state, and determine how specific features of the state affect the functions of government. Students must then set the agenda and budgetary priorities for the new state.
Objectives
Students will be able to:
- identify and describe the four features of a state by creating a chart and agreeing or disagreeing with statements about the features.
- differentiate between a sovereign state and the "states" of the United States by deciding whether the four features of a state apply to each.
- list the four roles of government.
- apply the features and roles of a state by creating a profile of a fictional, sovereign state and deciding its priorities.
Lesson Prep
Step by Step
ANTICIPATE the lesson by asking students to imagine that they have their own country. What would the people be like? What would the territory be like?
DISTRIBUTE the State of the State packets to students, and review the graphic organizer on the guided notes page.
RUN the State of the State PowerPoint, taking time to review the vocabulary covered with your students as needed and spot checking for understanding and guided note completion. Use open ended questions as an opportunity to check for understanding.
INSTRUCT students to write three of their own thumbs up and thumbs down (true and false) statements about the material covered in their guided notes. Pair students with a neighbor and have them test out their statements.
REVIEW the instructions for worksheets pgs 2-3 with your students. Begin the activity with them, guiding them and breaking down vocabulary through the Population and Territory sections. Release students to independent work.
INSTRUCT students to follow directions carefully and to use complete sentences where necessary.
Recommended Sequence
After:
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