Classroom Resource

Rule of Law

Subject Area

Social Studies

Grade(s)

7

Overview

In this lesson from iCivics, Students learn about the rule of law and how it protects individual rights and freedoms. By performing short, scripted skits that illustrate what life might be like without the rule of law, students identify six factors that make up the rule of law and analyze how each factor affects daily life. Students then make connections between the rule of law and America’s founding documents and think about the relationship between the rule of law factors.

Social Studies (2010) Grade(s): 7 - 7th Grade: Civics

SS10.7C.2

Explain essential characteristics of the political system of the United States, including the organization and function of political parties and the process of selecting political leaders.

Unpacked Content

UP:SS10.7C.2

Vocabulary

  • philosophers

Knowledge

Students know:
  • The important ideas and contributions of historical thinkers such as John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, Jean-Jaques Rousseau, Thomas Paine, Niccolo Machiavelli, Charles de Montesquieu, Voltaire.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Relate the ideas put forth by important philosophers to founding ideas and documents of American government. Interpret primary source documents to identify original ideas.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Many of the founding documents of the United States are based upon the ideas of various Enlightenment Philosophers.
Social Studies (2010) Grade(s): 7 - 7th Grade: Civics

SS10.7C.5

Compare duties and functions of members of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of Alabama’s local and state governments and of the national government. (Alabama)

Unpacked Content

UP:SS10.7C.5

Vocabulary

  • branches: executive, legislative, judicial
  • duties
  • functions
  • organization
  • jurisdiction
  • federal
  • districts
  • separation of powers
  • checks and balances

Knowledge

Students know:
  • The functions of each of the three branches of the Federal Government and the three branches of Alabama's government.
  • The functions of the local government.
  • The organizational structure of local, state and Federal Courts.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Locate state and federal political districts and geographic districts in Alabama on a map.
  • Cite evidence in primary source documents to support important concepts of American Government.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • The structure of government at the federal and state level and the unique duties and functions of each are set forth by the U.S. and Alabama Constitutions.
    Social Studies (2010) Grade(s): 7 - 7th Grade: Civics

    SS10.7C.6

    Explain the importance of juvenile, adult, civil, and criminal laws within the judicial system of the United States.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:SS10.7C.6

    Vocabulary

    • juvenile
    • civil law
    • criminal law
    • rights
    • Bill of Rights
    • rule of law
    • state
    • federal
    • local
    • court
    • offense
    • felony
    • misdemeanor
    • jail
    • prison
    • juvenile detention center

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • The similarities and differences between civil and criminal law.
    • The structure of the juvenile court system.
    • The rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Use primary source documents to justify the actions of courts.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • Laws are different for adults and juveniles and that there are separate civil and criminal laws and courts.
    Social Studies (2010) Grade(s): 7 - 7th Grade: Civics

    SS10.7C.10

    Describe individual and civic responsibilities of citizens of the United States.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:SS10.7C.10

    Vocabulary

    • responsibilities
    • duties
    • rights
    • privileges
    • citizen
    • alien
    • immigrants
    • naturalization
    • character

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • The distinction between right, duties and responsibilities. There is a way for immigrants to become a citizen.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Cite primary source documents to provide evidence that an idea is a right guaranteed to citizens.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • There are rights, duties, responsibilities, and privileges of U.S. citizenship.
    Link to Resource
    https://www.icivics.org/teachers/lesson-plans/rule-law?referer=node/10467&page_…

    CR Resource Type

    Lesson/Unit Plan

    Resource Provider

    Other

    Resource Provider other

    iCivics
    Accessibility

    Accessibility

    Text Resources: Content is organized under headings and subheadings
    License

    License Type

    CUSTOM

    Custom License Type (URL)

    https://www.icivics.org/terms-use

    Comments or Notes

    iCivics is free for teachers.  Teachers need to create a free account to access all available resources.

    Approved Date

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