High School
Lesson Plans
Justice in the Classroom | The Rule of Law
The Rule of Law:
Border Crisis or Constitutional Crisis
AP U.S. GOV'T
Justice in the Classroom | The Rule of Law | Border Crisis or Constitutional Crisis? is a lesson on the concept of the rule of law and how it is an integral part of our governing systems in America. Through this AP Government & Politics standards-based curriculum, high school students examine the expanded power of the presidency, checks and balances, and the rule of law. Working in groups, students interpret primary and secondary resources and formulate arguments illustrating the interplay of the rule of law on issues revolving around appropriations and border security. Students demonstrate their knowledge by writing an argumentative essay using documents from the required reading list.
High School: 2015 Standards
Virginia
CON-4A Explain how the president can implement a policy agenda.
CON-4B Explain how the president’s agenda can create tension and frequent confrontation with Congress.
CON-4 The presidency has been enhanced beyond its expressed constitutional powers.
CON-4A.1 Presidents use powers and perform functions of the office to accomplish a policy agenda.
CON-4A.2 Executive Orders—implied from the president’s vested executive power, or from power delegated by Congress, executive orders are used by the president to manage the federal government Signing statements—informal power that informs Congress and the public of the president’s interpretation of laws passed by Congress and signed by the president.
CON-4C.1 Justification for a single executive are set forth in Federalist No. 70.
National
NSS-C.9-12.1 Civic Life, Politics & Government
NSS-C.9-12.2 Foundations of the Political System
NSS-C.9-12.3 Principles of Democracy
The Rule of Law - Border Crisis or Constitutional Crisis (AP GOVT)
Introduction
Border or Constitutional Crisis
Resources
Creative approach, engaging activities, links to past and present
