The first supporting question, “what is the structure of state government?” helps students use sources to unwrap the context of the time and topic being examined. North Dakota became a state in 1889. The overall structure of the state government follows the Federal government with executive, legislative, and judicial branches. There is also a state constitution and a code of statutes, or laws, called the Century Code. How are new laws and policies created in North Dakota?
Work with your school librarian or media specialist to support students as they get started on the following research project. Assist them in identifying a variety of secondary and primary sources that will help them understand the historic context of how government functions in North Dakota Have them use library and internet sources to gather basic information to create a flow chart of how laws are created in the state.
Formative Performance Task 1
Working individually or in groups, students will research the process followed for creating new policy and laws in North Dakota. Students will log their research in an outline that requires them to cite their work and use valid sources. They will develop their outline into an infographic or flow chart that depicts the process.
Featured Sources 1
For this section, students will be required to find sources themselves.
Learn more about government in North Dakota by visiting the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum or the Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site.
Learn more about citizenship in North Dakota by visiting the Stutsman County Courthouse State Historic Site.