Nancy S. James
STRATEGY # 1
Since this unit will be taught under the “umbrella” of American History a brief introduction using factual information concerning the U.S. court system is warranted.
LESSON 1
A brief description of the three branches of the Federal Government. This description could include: the federal government is divided into three parts or branches. These branches are the: 1} legislative; 2) Executive; 3) Judicial.
The legislative branch is Congress (composed of the House and the Senate). The executive branch includes the president and vice-president.. The judicial branch is made up of the courts. None of the three branches of the federal government can work alone. For example, only Congress can make laws. But the president must approve the laws by signing them, or not approving them or not approve by power of veto. The Supreme Court can decide whether the law goes against the Constitution. This system has checks and balances. This means that each branch checks or limits, the power of the others. The power is then balanced among all three branches.
Vocabulary
1. branch
2. legislative
3. executive
4. judicial
5. congress
6. checks
7. veto
8. federal
9. constitution
10. balances
LESSON 2
Students can be divided into 3 groups. Using cooperative learning techniques, each group can be given the responsibility for 1/3 of a chart displaying the 3 branches of the federal government. When the groups are finished the charts can be combined and displayed in the classroom for future reference.
LESSON 3
To explore in more depth and as background information for various court cases and issues to be used in strategy # 2, we will define law “the set of rules and regulations made and unforced by the government that regulates the conduct of people within a society. Laws generally reflect and promote a society’s values.(McMahon 3)
LESSON 4
As a final introductory lesson it will be helpful to present the following chart of the federal and state court system.
U.S. SUPREME COURT
APPEALS
____
U.S.CIRCUIIT COURT OF APPEALS
APPEALS
____
U.S. DISTRICT COURT
____
(FEDERAL TRIALS)
FEDERAL CASES
APPEALS
____
STATE SUPREME COURT
____
(HIGHEST STATE COURT)
APPEALS
____
MUNICIPAL OF COUNTY COURT
____
(LOCAL TRIALS))
LOCAL CASES
____
FAMILY COURT
____
JUVENILE COURT
Further it can be explained that “Family of Domestic Relations Courts” may hear all actions involving divorces separation and child custody.
Additions time can be spent. Supplying students with various cases (varied) and having the students determine which type of court would try the case.