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The Influence of Citizen Action
Overview
In this lesson students will analyze and evaluate the influence of citizen action on government.
Grade Levels
9 – 12
Objectives
Students will:
- list different things citizens can do to influence government;
- explain why it is important to vote;
- describe the effectiveness of letter writing; and
- explain citizens' right to protest.
Estimated Time
3 days
Materials Needed
- E-Learning Module: Getting Involved
- Internet connection with Macromedia FLASH ® enabled
- Projection device
- Copies of The Importance of Voting [PDF]
- Copies of The Importance of Letter Writing [PDF]
- Copies of The Role of Civil Disobedience [PDF]
Procedure
- Use a projection device to show students "Individuals Who Made a Difference" from the Getting Involved E-Learning Module. Explain to students that this video lists just a few ways citizens can make a difference. Tell students that in a representative democracy such as ours citizens have many opportunities to influence government. Ask students to list some different things citizens can do to influence government.
- Tell students that they will analyze and evaluate the influence of citizen action on government. Divide the class into three groups.
- Give each student in the first group a copy of The Importance of Voting. Ask students to follow the instructions on this worksheet. Then have students in this group prepare an oral presentation in which they explain why it is important of voting, cite some historical examples of when a small number of votes made a big difference, discuss the voter turnout rate for young people, and describe some possible ways to increase voter turnout among young people.
- Give each student in the second group a copy of The Importance of Letter Writing. Ask students to follow the instructions on this worksheet. Then have students in this group prepare an oral presentation in which they discuss how citizens can have an impact on government by writing letters, cite two examples of ordinary citizens who influenced government by writing letters, and describe how to write an effective letter to a legislator.
- Give each student in the third group a copy of Civil Disobedience. Ask students to follow the instructions on this worksheet. Then have students in this group prepare an oral presentation in which they define civil disobedience, explain how Henry David Thoreau and Martin Luther King, Jr. followed an American tradition of civil disobedience, and discuss citizens' right to protest.
Extension Activities
Ask students to interview a legislator or former legislator and ask him or her to describe instances when individuals have come forward and influenced their opinion on public policy. Have the class create their own book about individuals who have made a difference. Display the book at your school or public library.
As a class, generate a list of different ways citizens can influence government. Have students explain which avenues they would feel comfortable participating in and describe instances in which they would participate in that activity.
Assessment
Basic Concepts and Processes
Ask your students to respond to the following requests for information and assess their knowledge of key concepts taught in this lesson.
- List at least three things citizens can do to influence government.
- Why is it important to vote?
- Why is letter writing a good way to try and influence government?
- Explain citizens' right to protest.
Scoring Guide for Oral Presentations
Group 1
| Elements | Possible Score | Assigned Score | Notes |
| Speaks clearly and at a good pace | 10 | ||
| The presentation is well-organized | 10 | ||
| Explains why it is important to vote | 20 | ||
| Cites at least three examples of when a small number of votes made a big difference | 20 | Discusses the voter turnout rate for young people | 20 |
| Describes some possible ways to increase voter turnout among young people | 20 |
Group 2
| Elements | Possible Score | Assigned Score | Notes |
| Speaks clearly and at a good pace | 10 | ||
| The presentation is well-organized | 10 | ||
| Discusses how citizens can have an impact on government by writing letters | 25 | ||
| Cites two examples of ordinary citizens who influenced government by writing letters | 25 | Describes how to write an effective letter to a legislator | 30 |
Group 3
| Elements | Possible Score | Assigned Score | Notes |
| Speaks clearly and at a good pace | 10 | ||
| The presentation is well-organized | 10 | ||
| Defines civil disobedience | 25 | ||
| Explains how Henry David Thoreau and Martin Luther King, Jr. followed an American tradition of Civil disobedience | 25 | Discusses citizens' right to protest | 30 |
Lesson Plan Feedback
If you have suggestions for improving this lesson plan, or if you have ideas for others using the module, please let us know. We value your input. Thank you!