LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Goal 2

The learner will analyze political and social institutions in North America and examine how these institutions respond to human needs, structure society, and influence behavior.

Objective 2.02

Describe the similarities and differences among the local, state, and national levels of government in the United States and explain their legislative, executive, and judicial functions.

Resources aligned to this objective

Comparing governments - Local, State, and National
This lesson on comparing governments will focus on looking at the similarities and differences between local, state, and federal governments in North Carolina and the United States. It is suggested that this lesson be followed by Comparing governments - International. This plan could be easily adapted for eighth grade or high school ESL students.
Format: lesson plan (grade 5 English Language Development and Social Studies)
By Tami Weaver and Wendy Pineda.

Resources on the web

We must not be enemies: Lincoln's first inaugural address
The focus for this EDSITEment lesson plan unit is on the address given by Abraham Lincoln at his first inauguration as U.S. President. His address reflected contemporary events and set the tone for his presidency. This series of lesson plans aims to help... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts and Social Studies)
Provided by: EDSITEment
I do solemnly swear: Presidential inaugurations
Presidential inaugurations have been solemn ceremonies and uninhibited celebrations. They are carefully scripted and they are unpredictable. They reflect tradition and they reflect the moment. This unit from EDSITEment, consisting of five lesson plans,... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts and Social Studies)
Provided by: EDSITEment
Balancing three branches at once: Our system of checks and balances
Students use primary source documents to investigate how the three branches of the American government can check each other. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 5 English Language Arts and Social Studies)
Provided by: National Endowment for the Humanities