Name ______________________

Unit Assessment: Why Do We Need a Government?

Part I: Matching Definitions Community Form of government in which officials are elected and the public knows the state of the country Important rules written and carried out by the government A group of people who makes laws, carries out laws, and decides if laws have been broken A place where people live, work, and play Government What people must or must not do Republican form of government

Rules

Laws

Part II: Short Answer Write 2-3 sentences to answer each question. 1. What are the basic purposes of government?

2. Why do we have laws in our country?

3. Who does government protect?

4. What are the three branches of government? What is the purpose of each branch?

Part III: Compare and Contrast The United States has a republican form of government. Compare and contrast the US republican form of government to other forms of government. How are they similar? (Give at least 2 ways). How are they different? (Give at least 2 ways).

Part IV: One-Page Letter Now that you have spent this week developing your new government and laws, share your ideas with the man in charge! Write a one-page letter to the President of the United States to: (1) Explain your government and why your group made the choices you made, (2) Compare and contrast your new government with the current US government (include at least 2 similarities and 2 differences), and (3) Convince him that your new form of government could benefit the US people (include facts you know about the current US government and why your government would be better).

Part IV: One-Page Letter Rubric

CATEGORY 4321Above Standards Meets Standards Approaching Standards Below Standards Score The student provides a clear, strong explanation of their government and reasons behind their choices. The student explains at least 2 similarities and 2 differences between their government and the US government. All of the evidence and examples are specific, relevant and explanations are given that show how each piece of evidence supports the author's position. The student provides a clear explanation of their government but does not include reasons behind choices. The student explains at least 1 similarity and 1 difference between their government and the US government. Most of the evidence and examples are specific, relevant and explanations are given that show how each piece of evidence supports the author's position. The student states the type of government they chose but does not provide a clear explanation. The student does not state or explain their type of government chosen.

Explanation of New Government

Comparison and Contrast Between Governments

The student provides either a similarity or difference between their government and the US government, but not both.

The student does not provide any similarities or differences between the US government and their government. Evidence and examples are NOT relevant AND/OR are not explained.

Evidence and Examples for Benefits of their Government

At least one of the pieces of evidence and examples is relevant and has an explanation that shows how that piece of evidence supports the author\'s position.

Accuracy of facts about US republican government Audience (US President)

All supportive facts Almost all are reported supportive facts accurately. are reported accurately.

Most supportive facts are Most supportive reported accurately. facts were inaccurately reported.

Demonstrates a clear understanding of the potential reader and uses appropriate vocabulary and arguments.

Demonstrates a general understanding of the potential reader and uses vocabulary and arguments appropriate for that audience.

Demonstrates some It is not clear who understanding of the the author is potential reader and uses writing for. arguments appropriate for that audience.