Civics

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

New Jersey Government: The Legislature

Summary: In this lesson, students will identify the requirements of being a member of the New Jersey State Legislature, describe the role of the legislature, and explain how a bill becomes a law in New Jersey. In addition, students will identify a public policy issue; collaborate on the development of a proposal to address an issue or problem facing New Jersey; participate in a legislative hearing on such an issue or problem; and present a public policy proposal to the appropriate governmental officials.

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?
  • 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.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.5: Engage in simulated democratic processes (e.g., legislative hearings, judicial proceedings, elections) to understand how conflicting points of view are addressed in a democratic society.
  • 6.3.8.CivicsPR.7: Compare how ideas become laws at the local, state, and national level.
  • 6.1.12.CivicsPI.14.a: Draw from multiple perspectives to evaluate the effectiveness and fairness of the processes by which local, state, and national officials are elected.
  • 6.1.12.EconET.14.a: Use current events to judge what extent the government should intervene at the local, state, and national levels on issues related to the economy.
  • 6.3.12.CivicsPD.1: Develop plan for public accountability and transparency in government related to a particular issue(s) and share the plan with appropriate government officials.

Link to lesson: The New Jersey State Legislature