EBAS - Structures and Origins *NEW

The student will demonstrate the ability to evaluate sources and use evidence.

• The student will evaluate the credibility of the sources by considering the authority, origin, type, context, and corroborative value of each source.
• The student will identify credible, relevant information contained in sources.

The student will demonstrate the ability to communicate and critique conclusions.

• The student will construct arguments using precise and knowledgeable claims, with evidence from multiple sources.

The student will evaluate how the principles of government assist or impede the functioning of government by: 

• Explaining how the delegated, reserved, concurrent, and denied powers of government are divided in federalism and shared between the national and state levels. 

Students will analyze historic documents to determine the basic principles of the United States government and apply them to real-world situations by: 

• Tracing the evolution of limited government and other principles from English common law through the Enlightenment philosophers to the foundations of American government. 
• Explaining representative democracy, popular sovereignty, and consent of the governed, and demonstrating how these concepts have ensured citizens’ power over time.
• Analyzing how the principles of government are applied to real-world situations.

The student will evaluate how the principles of government assist or impede the functioning of government by: 

• Describing how the Constitution structures the government and provides for separation of powers, checks and balances, and judicial review, in such a way as to limit governmental power in favor of the people. 

The student will evaluate how the principles of government assist or impede the functioning of government by: 

• Evaluating the balance between majority rule and the protection of individual rights. Identifying the rights in the Bill of Rights and how they protect individuals and limit the power of government. 
• Analyzing the purpose of limited government and its impact on the structure, function, and processes of government. 
• Analyzing how principles are incorporated into the historic documents of American government and how those principles have been applied. 
• Analyzing how the principles of government are applied to real-world situations.

INTRODUCTION

The US Constitution provides the structure of the US government, while the Bill of Rights provides individual rights to citizens in an effort to limit the government. The students’ compelling question is:

 Do the principles of government, as outlined in the Constitution, protect the rights of individuals?

Use the sources provided below to answer the question. Red Flag - 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION (CONTEXT)

People keep their freedom and rights through both official government bodies and unofficial community traditions. For this to work, people need to be vigilant and informed to make sure these institutions are doing what they're supposed to. This deep understanding of fundamental principles—like federalism, popular sovereignty, and consent ofthe  governed—guided the creation of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These principles, built right into the Constitution, are designed to protect us. By grasping these principles, "We the People" can better safeguard and promote freedom and opportunity for everyone.

Vigilant-Careful watch

Which source best provides an example of the separation of powers?

How does the message of Source B corroborate the message of Source C?

How does the challenge to government authority shown in Source A differ from the challenge shown in Source B?

Which statement below is true about the similarities between Source C and Source D?

Which perspective summarizes the main idea of all the sources?

Assume that the information provided in the sources is credible. Complete the following extended-response question:

Do the principles of government as outlined in the Constitution protect the rights of individuals?

• Develop a claim in response to the question.
• Cite evidence from the provided sources to support your claim. 
• Use your knowledge of government in your response.
• A rubric is added at the end of the page to assist you.