United States Government: Democracy in ActionUnit 1:
Foundations of American GovernmentBig Idea Activity <![CDATA[<a onClick="window.open('/olcweb/cgi/pluginpop.cgi?it=jpg::::/sites/dl/free/0078799821/680642/big_idea.jpg','popWin', 'width=NaN,height=NaN,resizable,scrollbars');" href="#"><img valign="absmiddle" height="16" width="16" border="0" src="/olcweb/styles/shared/linkicons/image.gif"> (10.0K)</a>]]>
Is democracy the best form of government?
Assignment: Government Role Plays
Create a mini-production demonstrating the key concepts of one of the following forms of government: absolute monarchy, dictatorship, or republic.Assignment Task List Step 1: Brainstorm ideas for your mini-production.
- Which form of government has your group chosen or been assigned to present?
- Which specific historical or current example of this form of government will your mini-production highlight?
- Which form of presentation will your group's mini-production take? Options include but are not limited to a dialogue between two people, a reporter interviewing a historical or current leader, a discussion among three or more people, a drama about a "family" who is ruled by the type of government, or a monologue or soliloquy from one speaker.
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Step 2: Organize your research so that all group members participate. Each member must research at least one of the topics below. Use a K-W-L chart to activate your prior knowledge as well as to set your purpose for research. Outline what you Know already, what you Want to find out, and what you Learned.
K-W-L Chart about the __________________________ form of government. | What I Know | What I Want to Find Out | What I Learned | | • Definition of ________________________ [type of government]
•Purpose of this type of government
•Who makes laws?
•Rulers' attitudes toward or impressions of citizens and subjects
•Advantages/efficiency of this system
•Disadvantages of this system
•Role of judiciary (if any) and rule of law
•Citizens' rights/incentives
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Step 3: Gather and summarize online and print information relevant to your mini-production. Take notes and prepare an outline as a guide. Step 4: Write the script your group will follow as you present your mini-production. Consider your "characters" as you write the script. Identify who is speaking, the demeanor that should be displayed as the lines are read, and the historical context of the words spoken. Keep in mind that the goal of your mini-production is to present information about your form of government. As such, your format may be persuasive, antagonistic, or descriptive—depending on how you want the public to view your form of government. Step 5: Create props and practice the presentation. If your group is conducting an "on the street" interview, for example, props may include a video camera, crowd noise, and a visual backdrop. Have several dress rehearsals before presenting your group's mini-production in front of the class. Step 6: Present the mini-production. A successful role play will demonstrate the following items:
___ detailed research
___ multiple sources used
___ a deep understanding of the form of government
___ conversation driven by research
___ well rehearsed actors
___ creativity in communicating with intended audience
___ outstanding effort in preparing props
___ organization, focus, and an appropriate length
___ group members who work together harmoniously and dynamically <![CDATA[<a onClick="window.open('/olcweb/cgi/pluginpop.cgi?it=jpg::::/sites/dl/free/0078799821/680642/big_idea.jpg','popWin', 'width=NaN,height=NaN,resizable,scrollbars');" href="#"><img valign="absmiddle" height="16" width="16" border="0" src="/olcweb/styles/shared/linkicons/image.gif"> (10.0K)</a>]]>
After all of the mini-productions have been completed, use information from the presentations to discuss this question: Is democracy the best form of government? | 
