Grade 11 & 12
Standard: Common Core New York State Social Studies Framework.
Module Focus: Democracy. The principles of democracy are reflected in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and in the organization and actions of federal, state, and local government entities. The interpretation and application of democratic principles continue to evolve and be debated and will be examined in the context of the U.S. and Egypt.
Learning outcome 1: Understand – At the end of this lesson, students will be able to describe democracy by providing all the principles that can be associated with a democratic State.
Assessment method: Writing. Students will write at least 5 democratic principles in a graphic organizer.
Activity 1: Brainstorming (flip classroom)
Instruction: From home, watch the video and answer the following questions in brief.
1. State any 3 words or phrases that stood out to you in the video.
2. What can you conclude from the speaker’s statement “Regardless of the system, a country’s form of government is never set in stone.”
3. Do you think one form of government is better than the other? Explain why?
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBFXD06fudM
Padlet link: https://padlet.com/oluwapelumidickson/social-studies-unit-s2aizhhvz58zo7bg/wish/2819179869
Activity 2: What is democracy?
| Democracy (Ancient Greece) |
|---|
| Democracy in ancient Greece served as one of the first forms of self-rule government in the ancient world. The system and ideas employed by the ancient Greeks had profound influences on how democracy developed, and its impact on the formation of the U.S. government. The ancient Greeks were the first to create a democracy. The word “democracy” comes from two Greek words that mean people (demos) and rule (kratos). Democracy is the idea that the citizens of a country should take an active role in the government of their country and manage it directly or through elected representatives. In addition, it supports the idea that the people can replace their government through peaceful transfers of power rather than violent uprising or revolution. Thus, a key part of democracy is that the people have a voice. The first known democracy in the world was in Athens. Athenian democracy developed around the fifth century B.C.E. The Greek idea of democracy was different from present-day democracy because, in Athens, all adult citizens were required to take an active part in the government. If they did not fulfill their duty they would be fined and sometimes marked with red paint. The Athenian definition of “citizens” was also different from modern-day citizens: only free men were considered citizens in Athens. Women, children, and slaves were not considered citizens and therefore could not vote. Each year 500 names were chosen from all the citizens of ancient Athens. Those 500 citizens had to actively serve in the government for one year. During that year, they were responsible for making new laws and controlled all parts of the political Social Studies Unit (Student’s Handout) process. When a new law was proposed, all the citizens of Athens had the opportunity to vote on it. To vote, citizens had to attend the assembly on the day the vote took place. This form of government is called direct democracy. The United States has a representative democracy. Representative democracy is a government in which citizens vote for representatives who create and change laws that govern the people rather than getting to vote directly on the laws themselves. |
| Reference: ● National Geographic Society. (2023, October 19). Democracy (Ancient Greece). National Geographic Society, from https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/democracy-ancient-greece/ |
a, Reading for gist
Instruction: read the headline and guess if questions 1-4 are TRUE/FALSE.
- The Americans were the first to create a democracy.T/F
- Democracy means people (demos) and rule (kratos). T/F
- Democracy supports the idea that the people can replace their government through violent uprisings or revolution. T/F
- Citizens/representative votes are important to creating and changing laws that govern the people. T/F
b, Reading for details
Instruction: Individually, read the passage again and search online to find information and other meanings for the words below
‘Citizens’______________________________________________________________________________
‘Representatives’ ________________________________________________________________________
‘Democracy’ ____________________________________________________________________________
‘Constitution’ ____________________________________________________________________________
c, In pairs, discuss and complete the table. Decide which actions can be described as democratic and undemocratic.
| Voting | Freedom | Trust | Justice |
| Dishonesty | Equity | Elected government | Censorship |
| Living in fear | Dictatorship | Respect for others | Violence |
| Responsibility | Bullying | Fair elections | No voting |
| Intolerance | Corruption in elections | Excluding people who are different | Discrimination |
| Democratic | Undemocratic |
Learning Outcome 2: (Apply) – At the end of this lesson, students will be able to interpret Citizens’ rights, Freedoms, and Duties in the U.S. and Egypt’s constitution through the lens of democratic principles.
Assessment method: Writing: Students will explain at least 5 constitutional articles in writing.
Activity 3: The U.S. and Egypt’s Constitution
Instructions:
a. From the unit handout, read and underline the action words/verbs in the constitution section assigned to your group. b. In group, discuss and rewrite the constitution in your own words
Reading 1
| The United States Bill of Rights (or First Ten Amendments) (1791) | Your interpretation |
|---|---|
| Group 1 1 . Congress is forbidden to pass any law setting up legislation or interfering with religious freedom or with free speech or with the right of people to get together peacefully and petition the government to have their grievances looked into. 2. The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be interfered with. 3. No soldier in time of peace shall be assigned to live in a private home without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war except in a lawful manner. 4. The people are protected against search and seizure without a warrant. 5. A grand jury is provided for in serious crimes. Persons are protected from being tried twice for the same offense, or from having to testify in criminal cases against themselves, or from being deprived of life, liberty, or property without lawful means. 6. A fair and speedy trial for the accused is guaranteed in criminal cases. 7. A jury trial is provided for in civil suits exceeding $20. 8. Very high bail, stiff fines, or cruel punishment are forbidden. 9. Just because certain rights of the people have been stated in the Constitution does not mean that they do not have still others not mentioned there. 10. All powers not given by the Constitution to the U.S. nor forbidden to the states are reserved to the states or to the people. | |
| Group 2 Later Amendments. 11. Forbids the citizens of another state or of a foreign country from suing a state in the U.S. courts (1798). 12. Provides that the electors should state on their ballots the person they want for President and the person for Vice President (1804). Social Studies Unit (Student’s Handout) 13. Forbids slavery and “involuntary servitude” (1865). 14. Forbids states from passing laws depriving any person of life, liberty, or property “without due process of law” or of not giving to each person the equal protection of the law (1868). 15. Forbids the U.S. or any state from preventing a person from voting because of “race, color, or previous condition of servitude” (1870). 16. Permits the income tax (1913). 17. Provides for the election of Senators by the people instead of by the state legislatures (1913). 18. Forbids the manufacture, sale, or shipment of intoxicating liquors (the Prohibition Amendment) (1919). 19. Gives women the right to vote (1920). 20. The term of the President ends on January 20. If the President-elect dies before the term begins, the Vice President-elect shall become President (1933).21. Repeals the 18th Amendment; once more allows the making and sale 10 of liquor (1933). 22. Bars any President from serving more than two terms. Where a Vice President has become President on the death of the President and has served more than two years of the President’s term, the Vice President shall not be allowed to run for more than one term in addition (1951). 23. Gives the District of Columbia three electoral votes for the election of President and Vice President (1961). 24. Section 1. Forbids the United States or any state to abridge or deny any citizens the right to vote for the President or Vice President or for any state representative in Congress because of failure to pay a poll or any other tax. Section 2. Gives Congress the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation (1964). 25. Sets up a plan for the Vice President to take over the duties of the President when the latter is unable to perform them (1967). 26. Permits voting by eighteen-year-olds (1971). |
Reading 2:
| Egypt’s Constitution Part III: Public Rights, Freedoms & Duties | Your interpretation |
|---|---|
| Group 3 Article (52) – Torture in all forms and types is a crime that is not subject to prescription. Dignity is the right of every human being and may not be violated. The State shall respect and protect human dignity. Article (53) – All citizens are equal before the Law. They are equal in rights, freedoms and general duties, without discrimination based on religion, belief, sex, origin, race, color, language, disability, social class, political or geographic affiliation or any other reason. Discrimination and incitement of hatred is a crime punished by Law. The State shall take necessary measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination, and the Law shall regulate creating an independent commission for this purpose. Article (54) – Personal freedom is a natural right, shall be protected and may not be infringed upon. Except for the case of being caught in flagrante delicto, it is not permissible to arrest, search, detain, or restrict the freedom of anyone in any way except by virtue of a reasoned judicial order that was required in the context of an investigation. Every person whose freedom is restricted shall be immediately notified of the reasons therefore; shall be informed of his/her rights in writing; shall be immediately enabled to contact his/her relatives and lawyer; and shall be brought before the investigation authority within twenty-four (24) hours as of the time of restricting his/her freedom. Investigation may not start with the person unless his/her lawyer is present. A lawyer shall be seconded for persons who do not have one. Necessary assistance shall be rendered to people with a disability according to procedures prescribed by Law. Every person whose freedom is restricted, as well as others, shall have the right to file a grievance before the court against this action. A decision shall be made on such grievance within one (1) week as of the date of action; otherwise, the person must be immediately released. In all events, it is not permissible to present an accused for trial in crimes that may be punishable by imprisonment unless a lawyer is present by virtue of a power of attorney from the accused or by secondment by the court. Article (55) – Every person who is either arrested, detained, or whose freedom is restricted shall be treated in a manner that maintains his dignity. He/she may not be tortured, intimidated, coerced, or physically or morally harmed; and may not be seized or detained except in places designated for that purpose, which shall be adequate on human and health levels. The State shall cater to the needs of people with disability. Violating any of the aforementioned is a crime punished by Law. An accused has the right to remain silent. Every statement proved to be made by a detainee under any of the foregoing actions, or threat thereof, shall be disregarded and not be relied upon. Article (56) – A prison is a place of correction and rehabilitation. Prisons and places of detention shall be subject to judiciary supervision, where actions inconsistent with human dignity or which endanger human health shall be prohibited. The Law shall regulate the provisions of reform and rehabilitation of convicted persons and facilitate decent lives after their release. Social Studies Article (57) – The right to privacy may not be violated, shall be protected and may not be infringed upon. Postal, telegraphic and electronic correspondences, telephone calls, and other means of communication are inviolable, and their confidentiality is guaranteed. They may not be confiscated, revealed or monitored except by virtue of a reasoned judicial order, for a definite period, and only in the cases defined by Law. Article (58) – Privacy of homes is inviolable. Except for cases of danger or call for help, homes may not be entered, inspected, monitored or eavesdropped except by a reasoned judicial warrant specifying the place, the time and the purpose thereof. This is to be applied only in the cases and in the manner prescribed by Law. Upon entering or inspection, the residents of houses must be apprised and have access to the warrant issued in this regard. Article (59) – Everyone has the right to a safe life. The State shall provide security and reassurance for its citizens and all those residing in its territory. Article (60) – The human body is inviolable and any assault, deformation or mutilation committed against it shall be a crime punishable by Law. Organs trade shall be prohibited, and it is not permissible to perform any medical or scientific experiment thereon without a certified free consent according to established principles in medical sciences and as regulated by Law. Article (62) – Freedom of movement, residence and emigration shall be guaranteed. No citizen may be expelled from the State territory or prevented from returning thereto. No citizen may be prevented from leaving the State territory, placed under house arrest or prevented from residing in a certain place except by a reasoned judicial order for a specified period of time and in the cases as defined by the Law. Article (64) – Freedom of belief is absolute. The freedom of practicing religious rituals and establishing worship places for the followers of Abrahamic religions is a right regulated by Law. | |
| Group 4 Article (65) – Freedom of thought and opinion is guaranteed. Every person shall have the right to express his/her opinion verbally, in writing, through imagery, or by any other means of expression and publication. Article (66) – Freedom of scientific research is guaranteed. The State is committed to sponsoring researchers and inventors and to provide protection for and endeavoring to apply their innovations. Article (67) – Freedom of artistic and literary creativity is guaranteed. The State shall encourage arts and literature, sponsor creative artists and writers and protect their productions, and provide the means necessary for achieving this end. Article (70) – Freedom of the press, printing and paper, visual, audio and electronic publication is guaranteed. Every Egyptian – whether being natural or legal, public or private person – shall have the right to own and issue newspapers and establish visual, audio and digital media outlets. Newspapers may be issued once notification is given as regulated by Law. The Law shall regulate the procedures of establishing and owning visual and radio broadcast stations and online newspapers. Article (71) – It is prohibited to censor, confiscate, suspend or shut down Egyptian newspapers and media outlets in any way. By way of exception, they may be subject to limited censorship in times of war or general mobilization. Article (73) – Citizens shall have the right to organize public meetings, marches, demonstrations and all forms of peaceful protests, without carrying arms of any kind, by serving a notification as regulated by Law. The right to peaceful and private assembly is guaranteed without need for prior notification. Security forces may not attend, monitor or eavesdrop on such meetings. Article (74) – All citizens shall have the right to form political parties by notification as regulated by Law. No political activity may be practiced and 17 no political parties may be formed on the basis of religion or discrimination based on sex, or origin, or on sectarian basis or geographic location. No activity that is hostile to democratic principles, secretive, or of military or quasi-military nature may be practiced. Political parties may not be dissolved except by virtue of a court judgment. Article (75) – All citizens shall have the right to form non-governmental associations and foundations on a democratic basis, which shall acquire legal personality upon notification. Such associations and foundations shall have the right to practice their activities freely, and administrative agencies may not interfere in their affairs or dissolve them, or dissolve their boards of directors or boards of trustees save by a court judgment. Article (79) – Each citizen has the right to healthy and sufficient food and clean water. The State shall ensure food resources to all citizens. The State shall also ensure sustainable food sovereignty and maintain agricultural biological diversity and types of local plants in order to safeguard the rights of future generations. Article (80) – Anyone under the age of 18 shall be considered a child. Each child shall have the right to a name, identity documents, free compulsory 18 vaccination, health and family or alternative care, basic nutrition, safe shelter, religious education, and emotional and cognitive development. The State shall ensure the rights of children with disabilities, their rehabilitation and their integration in society. The State shall provide children with care and protection from all forms of violence, abuse, mistreatment and commercial and sexual exploitation. Every child shall be entitled to acquire early education in a childhood center until the age of six. It is prohibited to employ children before the age of completing their preparatory education (six years of primary and three years of preparatory) or in jobs that subject them to danger. | |
| Group 5. Article (81) – The State shall guarantee the health, economic, social, cultural, entertainment, sporting and educational rights of persons with disabilities and dwarves, strive to provide them with job opportunities, allocate a percentage of job opportunities to them, and adapt public facilities and their surrounding environment to their special needs. The State shall also ensure their exercise of all political rights and integration with other citizens in compliance with the principles of equality, justice and equal opportunities. Article (85) – Every individual shall have the right to address public authorities in writing and under his own signature. Public authorities may not 19 be addressed in the name of any group except for any entity having a legal personality. Article (86) – Protecting national security is a duty. The responsibility of all parties to uphold national security is guaranteed by the Law. Defending the nation and the protection of its land are an honor and a sacred duty. Military service is mandatory according to the Law. Article (89) – All forms of slavery, oppression, forced exploitation of human beings, sex trade, and other forms of human trafficking are prohibited and criminalized by Law. Article (91) – The State may grant political asylum to any foreigner persecuted for defending the interests of people, human rights, peace or justice. Article (92) – Inalienable rights and freedoms of citizens may not be suspended or reduced. No law regulating the exercise of rights and freedoms may restrict such rights and freedoms in a manner prejudicing the substance and the essence thereof. Article (93) – The State shall be bound by the international human rights agreements, covenants and conventions ratified by Egypt, and which shall have the force of law after publication in accordance with the prescribed conditions. |
References:
- Dine, M. (2022, September). The U. S. Constitution: Simplified. The Founding Project, from https://thefoundingproject.com/u-s-constitution-simplified/
- SSCHR. (n.d.). The Egyptian Constitution. Supreme Standing Committee For Human Rights, from https://sschr.gov.eg/en/the-egyptian-constitution/
Learning outcome (Analyze) – At the end of the lesson students will be able to compare and contrast the interpretation and application of democracy in the U.S. and Egypt context, providing 2-3 practical examples.
Assessment method: Oral presentation, provide at least 2-3 practical examples of differences and similarities between the U.S. and Egypt’s interpretation and application of democracy.
Activity 4: Asking questions
Instruction:
(a) In groups, use your interpretations from the previous activity above to brainstorm 12 questions in your graphic organizer.
| What | |
| When | |
| Why | |
| How |
(b) In groups, grade your questions using the following rubric and rate 3, 2, or 1.
| (3) | (2) | (1) |
|---|---|---|
| ● Factual questions. ● Questions are connected to the application of democracy in the U.S. or Egypt. ● Questions stay on topic and are relevant to professional experiences. ● Questions are clear and do not need further explanation. | ● Opinion questions. ● Questions are connected to the interpretation of democracy in the U.S. or Egypt. ● Questions stay on topic and are relevant to personal experiences. ● Questions are clear and do not need further explanation | ● Questions are all over the place. ● Questions are unconnected to democracy. ● Questions are unclear and would need further explanation. |
(c) Only choose the questions rated 2 and 3. Prepare and write out your selected interview questions.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Activity 5: Interviewing
Note: Each group is provided 2 short bios of prospective interviewees (ordinary citizens and judicial personnel) and allowed a Q&A session with the guest interviewees.
Instruction:
(a) Conduct a f2f or online field interview with the assigned interviewees. From your group, appoint one student to take notes.
Activity 6: Reflecting
Instruction:
(a) In groups, prepare and present an oral presentation answering the following.
- How is democracy in the U.S. and Egypt different? Provide 2 examples.
- How is democracy in the U.S. and Egypt similar? Provide 2 examples.
(b) Answer the following questions individually.
- What did you think democracy was before beginning this unit?
- What seems most important about what you have just learned?
- Do you think the information from your interviews was useful to understanding the subject? Why or why not?
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