THEMES OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

5 THEMES OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENT Rule of Law Distribution of power Beliefs and Ideals Conflict Resolution Individuals, Groups and Institutions

Rules and Law http://www.wingclips.com/movie- clips/despicable-me/ground-rules

Beliefs and ideals in a society influence the social, economic and political decisions of that society. What is a belief? What is a value? What do you belief and value?

Beliefs and Ideals http://www.wingclips.com/movie- clips/rango/believe-in-something

Societies resolve conflict through legal procedures, force or compromise. What is conflict? What causes conflict? How do you resolve disagreements?

Distribution of power in government is based on documents and laws combined with our values and beliefs. What is power? Who has it? Why do they have it?

Individuals, groups and institutions make decisions that impact a society through intended and unintended consequences. What does that mean? How do decisions (ours and others and the government affect us)? What is a consequence? Give an example of here at ARC.

Consequences of our Decisions http://www.wingclips.com/movie-clips/liar- liar/traffic-violation

In a democracy, rule of law influences the behavior of citizens, establishes procedures for making policies and limits the power of government. What does that mean? What is democracy? What is rule of law and how does it affect you? What limits the power of our government?

Now it is your turn to show how the themes apply to you. Question to answer: How do the themes of American Government apply to ME? Work with a partner or alone. Create a poster, writing or brochure that answers the questions on AT LEAST ONE of the themes. Use the questions on the Connecting Themes worksheet to help you understand the themes.