What is Government?

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Overview

This lesson explains what government is and what purpose it serves. Students will analyze how the purposes of government impact the individual and society.

Grade Levels

5 - 8

Objectives

Students will:

• explain the purpose of government;
• describe the functions of government; and
• explain how the government impacts individuals and society.

Estimated Time

2 days

Materials Needed

• E-Learning Module: An Ordinary Day
• Internet connection with Macromedia FLASH ® enabled
• Projection device
• Chalk and chalkboard, a marker and whiteboard, or marker and overhead projector
• Pencil and paper

Procedure

Day 1

1. Have student volunteers describe what it would be like to live in a place where no one is in charge and there are no laws. Discuss student ideas and emphasize that in a place without law people would do what they want without regard for the common good or safety.
2. Ask students to explain what a government is. Explain that different nations have different kinds of governments but all governments have some system of leadership and laws. Discuss the following functions of government:
   • Governments make, enforce, and interpret laws.
   • Governments provide for safety and security.
   • Governments look out for the general welfare of the people and manage conflicts.
   • Governments provide public services such as schools and transportation.
3. Explain to students that the purpose of government is to promote the general welfare. The U.S. government fulfills its responsibilities by enacting laws that insure the well-being and safety of citizens. Tell students that on Day 2 they will examine the impact of government on their daily lives. For homework, have students write down all of their activities for one day. Students may list activities such as taking a shower, putting on make-up, listening to the radio, surfing the Internet, or eating dinner.

Day 2

1. Ask students to share some of the activities they listed on Day 1. Write these activities on a chalkboard, whiteboard, or overhead transparency.
2. Look at the list as a class and ask students to state whether or not the government was involved with that action and explain how the government was involved.
3. Tell students that laws enacted by Congress are involved with more activities than they realize. Have students complete the An Ordinary Day E-Learning Module. Once the students have completed the module, discuss how the purposes of government impact their daily lives.

Extension and Adaptation Activities

Extending the Activity

Have students examine the list of activities they created and write a story about how laws impact their daily life.

Cross-Curricular Connection

Have students read Life on Paradise Island: Economic Life on an Imaginary Island by W. Harmon Wilson and Roman F. Warmke (New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, 1972) and discuss how the residents on the island reorganized their government.

 

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.

1. Explain the purpose of government.
2. Describe the functions of government.
3. Name at least three ways that government impacts individuals and society.

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!

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