The Rule of Law and Why it Matters
Summary: In the United States, the rule of law guides the relationship between representatives and citizens between elections. This lesson provides students the opportunity to both learn what it means to respect the rule of law and consider its importance in a democracy. Students will first integrate excerpts from historical texts and contemporary justice organizations to define the elements of rule of law. Students will then listen to the travel experiences of an American professor to illustrate the presence of rule of law even in the most ordinary circumstances. Finally, students will research current events from around the world that illustrate the relationship between the rule of law and a healthy democracy.
Overarching Questions:
- CIVICS: Have the concepts of liberty, justice and/or equality changed during the time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
- 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?
NJ Learning Standards for Social Studies:
Link for Lesson: The Rule of Law and Why It Matters | Facing History & Ourselves
New Jersey’s Constitutional Framework, 1776-1947
Summary: In this lesson, students compare and contrast the 1776, 1844 and 1947 New Jersey Constitution regarding who can vote, the legislature, the governor and individual rights. The lesson explores the impact of these changes on the functioning of the state government and why these changes were made. By the completion of the lesson, students will be able to explain how the New Jersey constitutional framework changed over time, the impact of these changes, and why do you think these changes occurred?
Overarching Questions:
- CIVICS: Have the concepts of liberty, justice and/or equality changed during the time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
- 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:
- 6.1.12.CivicsPI.2.a: Prepare and articulate a point of view about the importance of individual rights, separation of powers, and governmental structure in New Jersey’s 1776 constitution and the United States Constitution.
- 6.1.12.CivicsDP.3.a: Compare and contrast the successes and failures of political and social reform movements in New Jersey and the nation during the Antebellum period (i.e., the 1844 State Constitution, abolition, women’s rights, and temperance).
- 6.1.12.HistoryCC.4.a: Analyze the extent of change in the relationship between the national and state governments as a result of the Civil War and the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments during the 19th century.
- 6.1.12.CivicsPI.13.a: Craft an argument as to the effectiveness of the New Jersey Constitution of 1947, New Jersey Supreme Court decisions (i.e., Hedgepeth and Williams v. Trenton Board of Education), and New Jersey’s laws in eliminating segregation and discrimination.
Link to Lesson: New Jersey's Constitutional Framework 1776-1947