We ARE the Government

Unit of 2 Lessons
Grade Levels: 
6
7
8
Subjects: 
Language Arts
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Issue Area: 
Democracy
Focus Question 

 What is our democratic responsibility for volunteering and serving for the common good? 

 

Photo Credit:  Copy of U.S. Constitution by Adam Theo is licensed under CC by 2.0

Unit Overview 

Learners look at the primary documents of the Constitution to gain a sense of the purpose, motivations, and people of the founding documents. They explore the meaning of democracy and responsible citizenship as it relates to philanthropy. 

Service Experience 
Learners explore how they can use their voice to be active participants in making a better world.
Lessons in This Unit 
Unit: 
We ARE the Government
Lesson 1 of 2
Grades: 
6
7
8

In this lesson, learners read primary documents that illustrate the motivations of the founding fathers of the United States related to philanthropy (government by the people, advocacy, civil rights, shared power). We have a long history of demanding civil rights for a population that was discriminated against or underserved.

Unit: 
We ARE the Government
Lesson 2 of 2
Grades: 
6
7
8

Learners read and reflect on the meaning of democracy. They discuss and explore examples of participatory democracy in history. They read quotes from Founding Fathers and relate them to philanthropy and civic engagement.