How Do Citizens Solve Problems Democratically?
In this lesson, students will explore the foundations of “democratic” problem-solving.
What is democracy?
- Uncover the students’ initial understanding of democracy
- Identify and explore key democratic principles
- Reflect on America’s democratic priorities (compared to other countries and past versions of itself)
- Create a collective definition of democracy
How can we apply democratic principles to solve problems
- Explore the concept of civic action (i.e. civic problems and solutions)
- Identify examples of democratic problem-solving in the world around them
- Practice basic democratic skills in the classroom
What are the strengths of democratic problem-solving?
- Consider the challenges of democratic problem-solving
- Explore arguments for defending democracy, despite its challenges and weaknesses
- Apply democratic problem-solving to personal problems
- Discuss what it means to build a “community,” and how democratic practices can help
Discipline: Social Studies
Sub-discipline(s): Civics
Grade level: 9-12
Summative Performance Task
Description: Through small group and whole class discussions, the students will write their own “classroom constitution” based on democratic principles.
Assessment method(s): Discussion; short answer essay
Assessment criteria:
- Can the student make a strong argument (backed by reasons/evidence)?
- Can the student properly participate in a discussion according to collectively agreed upon guidelines?
- Can the student appropriately reference democratic principles in discussion?
- Can the student identify ways in which democratic principles translate to a classroom setting?
Taking Informed Action
Description: After creating a “classroom constitution,” the students will periodically reflect on how well they are upholding that constitution.
Assessment method(s): Short answer essay; point system
Assessment criteria:
- Can the student identify democratic moments in their own classroom?
- Can the student identify areas of improvement in their own classroom (in terms of democracy)?
- Can the student accurately assess their own compliance with their constitution?
Types of activities featured in this lesson plan...
C3 Standards
- D1.1.9-12 Explain how a question reflects an enduring issue in the field.
- D2.Civ.2.9-12 Analyze the role of citizens in the US political system, with attention to various theories of democracy, changes in Americans’ participation over time, and alternative models from other countries, past and present.
- D2.Civ.4.9-12 Explain how the US Constitution establishes a system of government that has powers, responsibilities, and limits that have changed over time and that are still contested.
Interdisciplinary Connections
Give your students a more integrated educational experience
Overlapping standards and skills
- History: The activities in this lesson would pair well with an exploration of important democratic moments/movements throughout history (e.g. Ancient Greek governments, the fight for women’s suffrage, the Civil Rights Movement, etc.)
- History: The activities in this lesson would pair well with an exploration of the early days of American democracy (e.g. colonial governments, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitutional Conventions, the Federalist Papers, etc.)
- History: Multiple activities in this lesson require students to analyze primary sources, a skill that is crucial for the study of history
- Social studies: This lesson features many opportunities for you (or another teacher) to incorporate current events related to the promotion and protection of democracy throughout the world.
- English: The short answer essay activities featured in this lesson will give students a chance to practice their writing skills. Also, as students begin to explore the concepts of democracy and civic action from a civics standpoint, they can read a work of fiction that showcases these concepts. See this list of poems about democracy, as well as this list of chapter books about civic action, for ideas. Consider collaborating with an English teacher.
- Art: As an extension of this lesson, the students could create an art piece that visually represents democratic principles; consider collaborating with an art teacher.
- General: Ask other teachers in your building if your students can practice observing their classroom constitution in their other classes.
Relevant lessons from other disciplines
English Lesson: How do we write an effective paragraph using CREW?
Part of the "Basics of Civic Action" collection
Civics Lesson: How do different levels of government solve problems democratically?
Civics Lesson: How do average citizens solve civic problems?
Civics Lesson: How will I take action to address a civic problem?