Unit Introduction:

The American Political System and Citizenship

Unit Highlights

In this unit, students will analyze primary and secondary sources to explain the foundation of the American political system and the ways in which citizens participate in it. Students will be able to

  • Explain the effects of state constitutions on the American political institutions.

  • Explain the effects of the land ordinances of 1785 and 1787

  • Classify the advantages of the common market and their protections in the Constitution.

  • Compare and contrast the conflicts between Jefferson and Hamilton and explain how they caused the emergence of two political parties.

  • Explain how the government responded to domestic resistance movements.

  • Sequence the law-making process

  • Evaluate and describe how citizens participate in the political process

  • Classify the functions and responsibilities of a free press.

Unit Vocabulary

  • Alexander Hamilton

  • Alien and Sedition Acts

  • Bill

  • Citizenship

  • The common market

  • Democratic-Republicans

  • Economic policy

  • Foreign policy

  • Free Press

  • Hamilton's Financial Plan

  • Land Ordinance of 1785

  • Land Ordinance of 1787

  • Law

  • Political Parties

  • Shay's Rebellion

  • Thomas Jefferson

  • The Whiskey Rebellion

Activity 1: The American Political System and Citizenship Pre-Test

Using your prior knowledge, brainstorm, list, and/or draw what you know about the American political system and citizenship in a thinking map. Complete this assignment on the Thinking Maps Learning Community or on paper. You may include:

  • Information you know or kind of know about the American political system and citizenship.

  • Guesses about the American political system and citizenship.

  • Questions you have about the American political system and citizenship.

  • Information you would like to know about the American political system and citizenship.

  • What comes to mind when you think of the American political system and citizenship.