About This Lesson
In this 90 minute lesson, students will build SEL skills such as: decision-making and developing relationships while gaining an understanding of the concept of limited government and its origins. Students will begin by responding to a journal prompt, about whether or not the President can break the law. Students will work cooperatively to analyze an article about the Magna Carta (two versions provided for differentiation purposes), and the ideas of some of the Enlightenment philosophers (Locke, Montesquieu, and Voltaire) that helped shape the ideas of limited government in America, as we know it. Students will take a pre-assessment quiz about limited government, and conclude with an exit ticket reflective essay to explore their feelings and perspectives about limited government and their own individual rights. Handouts, answer keys, and rubrics are provided for all activities. This lesson is aligned to the Common Core Standards for History/Social Studies and the Ohio State Standards for American Government.
