Making Our Voices Heard!

Casey

Making Our Voices Heard!

(Affecting Change in a Democratic Society)

Introduction:
As American citizens, we have many different ways to change things in our society. One of the key ways to make changes is to UTILIZE OUR GOVERNMENT. During this project you will teach yourselves HOW to use the tools that our government provides every one of us, whether we are the poorest citizen or the riches company owner, to influence the changes that we think should be made.

NOTE: Though ALL of us have the right to influence change in the U.S.A., it is very difficult (if not impossible) to do so without becoming educated about HOW to make this occur. One of the hard things about being a U.S. citizen is that it is OUR OWN RESPONSIBILITY to learn HOW to make change happen. If we don't educate ourselves, who is getting hurt (THINK ABOUT IT).

Essential Vocabulary

Task:
The issues of capital punishment, gun control, and legalization of marijuana have never been more controversial than they are today. It is more important than ever that the public knows all they can on these issues in order to make informed decisions. Our elected officials need to know how we feel on these issues so we can ensure that U.S. laws reflect the values of its citizens (US!)! Groups, within this class, have been formed in order to make this happen. As a group member, you will need to do all you can to persuade the public (the class as a whole) to vote your way on the issue. Good luck, and TAKE A STAND! MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

Process:

1. Click here to take the online poll defining your views on each of the three issues mentioned above.
   
2. Click on the picture to take the final referendum poll.
   DID YOU KNOW???
   
   The Governator was elected governor of California by the referendum and recall process that you are studying right now.
   
   A referendum is: A proposal of a law for citizen approval.
   A recall is: The process by which an official is removed by vote of the people.
   
   
3. Your group will be assigned an issue and whether you are for or against the topic.
4. Go to
   SIRS (click on the icon for your issue and then the PRO/CON tab to read a quick overview)
   and/or use the PRO/CON, Issues and Controversies books in the Reference section to read up on the issue, and your particular stand on it.
   Here are some reference book titles and call numbers:
   PRO/CON Health REF 362.1 HEA
   Taking Sides: Social Issues 306 TAK
   Taking Sides: Crime & Criminology 364 TAK
   Taking Sides: Drugs & Society 362.29 TAK
   Illegal Drugs 2003 REF 364.1 LAC
   Gun Contol 2003 REF 363.33 SCH
   Capital Punishment 2003 REF 364.66 REI
   The VERY FIRST thing that your group should do will be to write a paragraph about WHERE YOUR GROUP STANDS ON THE ISSUE AND WHY- be sure to include at least THREE details from SIRS and the books to explain your position. This will give you a starting point on which to base your entire project. ;-)
   
5. Each member in your group will be assigned a role:
   1. Average Joe or Jill
   2. Media Strategist/Public Relations Director
   3. Lobbyist/PAC Member/Interest Group Representative
   4. Political Party Chairperson/Campaign Manager
   Click on the role to see specific responsiblilities and resources for each.
   
6. Once you have completed the tasks required for your job, come together as a group to create a presentation to be delivered to the rest of your class (you may bring in posterboard, create a commercial, perform a skit, deliver a PowerPoint presentation- WHATEVER- just get your idea approved by your teacher, and USE PROPAGANDA. Your presentation must persuade as many members of the class as possible to take your side on the issue.
   
7. AFTER all group’s have presented their sides, take the new online poll to tally your results. Remember, the side that convinces the most people to vote for their position at the end WINS (what it is that you win is a secret your teacher won't share yet, but BOY, is it AWESOME!)!
   
8. ULTIMATE GOAL for ALL groups: Remember, DO NOT lose sight of the ultimate goal: you are trying to figure out how our political system works (or doesn't, in some cases). You will be TESTED on this info, so HAVE fun, but be sure to understand ALL of the vocabulary on the ESSENTIAL VOCABULARY list AND what EACH person in your group does that relates to this subject! HELP each other- QUIZ each other along the way! It is NOT ENOUGH to just do your small/individual part and say you are done!

Evaluation:

1. As said earlier, you will be TESTED on this material later (don't worry, if you are careful, you will see some of the test questions while doing your research- heh, heh, hah!)! Also, the “Essential Vocabulary List and Questions” you get at the end will clue you in to what is most TESTABLE too!
2. Your group will be assigned ONE grade for the group's product at the end of your research; this PRODUCT MUST be completed by the end of Monday's Government class next week. Presentations begin on Tuesday. Your group will then decide how to split your group grade up fairly amongst team members (see "Associative Cooperative Grading" sheet for more details). THIS WILL BE A MAJOR GRADE!

Conclusion:

Curricular Connections:

Unit Two (Calvert County Government Curriculum)

Objectives 1-4

Maryland/HSA Standards 1.1.4

Links to HSA Related Questions from Actual Assessments