Is It More Important to Understand the Federal Government or Local Governments like State and County?

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This inquiry explores civics and citizenship through the compelling question, “is it more important to understand the federal government or local government like state and county?” The importance of understanding how complex government entities are created in this inquiry is twofold: (1) students should be able to understand how government units function, and (2) students will benefit from understanding how change is made at different government levels. While progressing through the inquiry, students will analyze issues and changes occurring in contemporary state politics and speculate future scenarios.

This inquiry is expected to take two class periods; however, teachers are encouraged to adapt the inquiry to meet the needs and interests of their students and the amount of time they have available.

Inquiry Design Model (IDM) Blueprint™
Compelling Question
Is it more important to understand the federal government or local government like state and county? 
Standards and Practices
ND.6_12.2.2 Describe the formation, structure, and modern role of the territorial, state, county, and local government of North Dakota.
Staging the Question
What is the North Dakota Century Code and how does it affect your life?
Supporting Question 1
Supporting Question 2
Supporting Question 3
What is the structure of state government?
What is the structure of county and local governments?
How does your community make decisions?
Formative Performance Task
Formative Performance Task
Formative Performance Task
Using the internet and library resources, students will conduct research and develop a flow chart or infographic.
Using the internet and library resources, students will conduct research and develop a flow chart or infographic.
Create a poster illustrating the arguments for and against a new public building.
Featured Sources
Featured Sources
Featured Sources
  • Internet and library resources
  • Internet and library resources
  • North Dakota Capitol: Fire and Re-Building Document Set
Summative Performance Task
Argument
Is it more important to understand the federal government or the local government like state and county?
Extension
How do the people of your community solve problems and develop policies and laws? Create a poster that uses an infographic or flow chart that depicts the process your local government uses to create policies and laws.
Using the capital building as a case study, develop an argument to build a new public building in your community.
Taking Informed Action

Understand: How do decisions, policies, and laws get made in your local community?

Assess: Have the class deliberate on the pros and cons of a local issue. What recommendations would they make to local leaders to resolve the problem?

Act: Draft a policy paper or brief describing what the problem is and provide suggestions for how it may be resolved. A policy paper or brief should include some background information, analysis of the problem, options, recommendations, and a conclusion that summarizes the analysis and recommendation. Present the policy brief to the appropriate body of government (city or county commission).