Students explore the rule of law in American democracy and its impact on every individual. Through class discussion and role play, student gain an understanding of what the rule of law means in terms of American government, the functions laws play in our society, and the role all citizens and community members, from a student to the President, play in adhering to and upholding the rule of law.

In this lesson, students analyze how education in America affects its youth and the nation by assessing a variety of ways in which American courts and communities are dealing with the unanimous Supreme Court ruling to end ‘separate but equal’ education.

This lesson focuses on the Crito, in which Socrates argues against the idea that he should escape the penalty of death imposed on him by Athens, laying the groundwork for future debates over the rights of the individual and the rule of law.

In this lesson, students read primary and secondary source documents about the Supreme Court cases Strauder v. West Virginia, Smith v. State of Texas, the 14th amendment, and racial discrimination in jury selection. Students then answer analysis questions about the cases.

In this lesson, students read primary and secondary source documents about the Supreme Court case Taylor v. Louisiana and the 6th and 14th amendments. Students then answer analysis questions about the case. There is a teacher answer key included in the lesson.

Students explore and compare how the Constitution has granted and/or limited Presidential actions during times of crisis. Beginning with background information regarding the parts of the Constitution related to Executive Power/Privilege, students gain context regarding how American democracy defines, grants, and limits presidential powers. In groups, students then examine a scenario describing an incident in American history during which a President had to respond during a time of crisis. After analyzing the crisis and determining whether the President's response was appropriate and Constitutional, students present their scenario to classmates.

Compelling Question:  What is the best interest rate strategy to stabilize the economy?(How does the Federal Reserve Monetary Policy on discount rates affect interest rates, me and the business cycle?)Supporting Question I What is Federal Reserve monetary policy, specifically the discount rate?    Supporting Question II What are the advantages of high interest rates (controlled by high discount rates)?    Supporting Question IIIWhat are the advantages of low interest rates (controlled by low discount rates)?