Students will engage in public discourse regarding the role that individuals make in contributing to society.

Anticipatory Set:
Ask students what they remember about Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson. Remind students that, although these men are remembered in history for the important things they did, they also made sacrifices for which they are not remembered. Paine was imprisoned in France during the French Revolution, died penniless and was buried in an unmarked pauper's grave. Jefferson had to sell his library to hold onto Monticello.

• Ask students what they think would have happened if both Jefferson and Paine had decided to remain private citizens and not get involved in government. When people make decisions not to take part in government, can we always be guaranteed that someone else will step in? Can we be sure that others will act with the same principles and commitment toward liberty?
• As a forerunner to the written work that will accompany the lesson, give each student a copy of the rubric for all quick writes on public policy issues. Go over the information (see rubrics in Attachments One and Two). If evaluating the oral discussion as well, the rubric for discussion (Attachment Two) may also be distributed and discussed.
• On a sheet of paper which is distributed to the class, represent the following scenarios:
• One group has proposed that "universal service" becomes a part of national education standards. Such service could be in the form of military service, social service such as hospitals, local and state governments, or public and private agencies such as the Peace Corps, VISTA or Volunteers of America, or various religious groups. Should such service be made mandatory for all people between the ages of 18-25?
• The headline in this week's paper indicates that for the second time in this decade, City Council members and School Board members have run unopposed. Currently both groups receive a nominal sum for serving (less than $25.00 per month). Should salaries of volunteer government officials be raised to attract more people for the job?
• An article in the paper says that less people are voting in elections in the United States each year. Yet, in most other countries of the world, voting is required. In fact, if you do not vote in Australia, you can be fined as much as $75.00. Should an amendment be made to the constitution requiring citizens to vote?
• Divide the class into teams of two students each. Assign each team one of the scenarios above and ask them to brainstorm possible arguments for and against their statement.
• After brainstorming their question, each team should share their question and ideas with two other teams who each were given a different question.
• After all ideas are presented and discussed, each individual student should write an essay on the following topic: "What role does volunteerism play in maintaining our form of government and preserving our civil society?" Students should use the ideas developed in their brainstorming groups to support their points of view.
• After each student has completed his or her essay, it should be read aloud to his or her partner who employs the rubric to establish that each part has been completed.
• Each pair should then share their ideas with the other four people in their original group. Modifications may be made depending on the responses from other members in the group, prior to turning in the essay for a grade.

Writings of Locke, Rousseau, Montesque and the Preamble to the Constitution from standard textbook sources.