Civics

Era 14: Contemporary United States: Domestic Policies (1970–Today) - Article

New Jersey’s Government: The Powerful Governor

Summary: In this lesson, students will identify the role of Governor of New Jersey, as well as the sources of the governor’s power. In addition, students will compare the powers of the New Jersey governor with those from other states and will explain how the position changed from one of the weakest to one of the strongest in the country. This inter-state analysis will include a graphic organizer to draw evidence from informational texts (the New Jersey Constitution and a video prepared by NJN-TV) about the scope of the New Jersey Governor’s authority. Finally, students will analyze potential benefits and problems with the current structure of New Jersey government and identify ways to make the New Jersey governor more accountable and transparent.

Overarching questions:

  • CIVICS: How well does the government balance individual rights and the common good, including the need to maintain order, safety and a healthy environment, during this time period?
  • NEW JERSEY: How have changes in New Jersey during this time period influenced U.S. history?

NJ Student Learning Standards for Social Studies:

  • 6.3.8.CivicsPI.3: Use a variety of sources from multiple perspectives to examine the role of individuals, political parties, interest groups, and the media in a local or global issue and share this information with a governmental or nongovernmental organization as a way to gain support for addressing the issue.
  • 6.3.8.CivicsPI.4: Investigate the roles of political, civil, and economic organizations in shaping people’s lives and share this information with individuals who might benefit from this information.
  • 6.3.8.CivicsPD.1: Deliberate on a public issue affecting an upcoming election, consider opposing arguments, and develop a reasoned conclusion.
  • 6.3.8.CivicsPD.2: Propose and defend a position regarding a public policy issue at the appropriate local, state, or national level.
  • 6.3.8.CivicsPD.3: Construct a claim as to why it is important for democracy that individuals are informed by facts, aware of diverse viewpoints, and willing to take action on public issues.
  • 6.3.8.CivicsPR.7: Compare how ideas become laws at the local, state, and national level.

Link to Lesson: Why is New Jersey's Governor So Powerful?