Unit 2: Our Democratic Roots

Read the passage.

 
Aram and Nancy are working together on a research project about how elected officials can bring about change. Aram wants them to explore the relationship between the president and Congress, and how good leaders are able to build support for important legislation. 
"I’d rather focus on city government,” Nancy said. "My aunt is in the city council and that’s where real change happens.”

 "But that’s small stuff compared to what goes on in Washington,” Aram replied. "I say we go straight to the top!”

 "I disagree,” said Nancy. "It’s at the local level where all change begins.”

Why do you think Nancy has a different point of view on this topic?

• Nancy thinks Aram is trying to control the project

• Nancy does not agree with the current president’s views

• Nancy does not like Aram’s idea because she thinks it will be too difficult to do

• Nancy’s family background and experience have given her a different perspective

Why is compromise important to civil discourse?

• Compromise shows the public which side of an issue is right

• Compromise makes sure that some participants win and some lose

• Compromise makes sure that all participants get something they want

• Compromise shows the public what they should believe about an issue

Read a letter written in response to what a senator said in a television debate.

Dear Senator Kaye,

 
I would like to comment on the way you spoke about people who are on government assistance in your debate last night. I found your description to be unfair. Several of my family members have received government assistance at different times in their lives. I can assure you that they are good, hardworking people who want to take care of themselves and their families.

I ask you to rethink how you talk about these citizens in the future. I would be happy to discuss this matter further and share more about my family’s experiences.

Respectfully,
Robert Gee 

Which statement best describes Robert’s communication with the elected official?

• Robert’s letter was too respectful; he should have been more critical of the senator. 

• Robert’s letter was very emotional; he was not clear about why he was upset

• Robert’s letter was clear and respectful; he offered his opinion in a helpful way

• Robert’s letter was friendly; he complimented the senator’s debate performance

Read the passage.

 
Chelsea and Simon were taking part in a classroom discussion about government. After Chelsea made an important point, Simon nodded enthusiastically.

 "I see what you’re saying,” Simon said with a smile, "I never thought about it that way!”

 As Chelsea continued to explain her thoughts, Simon leaned forward in his chair, his eyes widening. As she finished talking, he gave her a thumbs-up. 

Which statement best describes Simon’s nonverbal communication?

• Simon disagrees with Chelsea’s views about government

• Simon strongly agrees with the points Chelsea is making

• Simon wants to help Chelsea better state her position.

• Simon is having trouble following Chelsea’s thoughts

What was one problem caused by the Articles of Confederation?

• The US government could not provide enough land for farmers

• The US government could not collect taxes, so soldiers did not get paid

• The US government collected too many taxes, which upset the farmers

• The US government could not find enough soldiers to fight the British

The Constitutional Convention was held because many delegates hoped to

• select a new president for the United States

• punish banks for taking the land of poor farmers

• create a new system of government for the United States

• punish the farmers who had participated in Shays’s Rebellion

The Constitutional Convention was held because many delegates hoped to

• select a new president for the United States

• punish banks for taking the land of poor farmers.

• create a new system of government for the United States.

• punish the farmers who had participated in Shays’s Rebellion

Why did Anti-Federalists oppose the Constitution at first

• They feared that it gave the states too much power

• They feared that it gave the central government too much power

• They worried that it focused too heavily on individual rights

• They worried that it would allow the people to abuse power

What type of system did The Mayflower Compact create for the colonists?

• a legislative system

• a constitutional republic

• a system of self-government

• a system of representational democracy

What is one way the cultures of European settlers and Indigenous peoples differed?

• Indigenous peoples were spiritual, while European settlers were not spiritual

• Most European settlers were Christian, while Indigenous peoples followed diverse religions

• Indigenous peoples believed in private property, while European settlers did not claim land

• European settlers conducted widespread trade, while Indigenous peoples just traded with settlers