Introduction

Enduring Knowledge: "We the People" have a unique role in our American democracy.

Analyze the photograph below. What do the words "We the People" mean to you? Give two reasons why you think these people might be rallying and waving American flags.

White House staff members wave American flags as President George W. Bush depart for Camp David aboard Marine One. (George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum).

Fullscreen version

Lesson Objectives

Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to:

  • describe the role of American citizens in government including their rights and responsibilities as a citizen to participate.
  • identify the principles of American democracy including individual rights, majority versus minority rule, state versus national authority, and participation of citizens.
  • explain how the balance between individual versus majority rule and state versus national authority is essential to our democracy.

The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Government objective(s): 14, 14.1.

This lesson incorporates the following Literacy Standards: R2, R3, R4, R6, R7, R8, W1, W3, W4, W6, and W9.

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