Social Studies Curriculum

Unit 3: Government & Military of Canada, Mexico & Brazil

(Suggested amount of time to spend on unit: mid-November to January)

FOCUS QUESTIONS

FQ1: How does the governmental structure of a nation impact its citizens? (EQ2,5) Formation of the current governmental structure Opportunity/restrictions on citizens Regional/global power/influence

S7; PS1 Describe and compare unlimited and limited government.

S7; PS3 Compare and evaluate forms of government found outside of the United States

S14; PS7 Analyze the impact of government taxing and spending decisions on specific individuals, businesses, organizations and groups.

FQ2:What role does the military play for these nations?(EQ4) Size and strength of the military Primary function/purpose

S3; PS6 Explain reasons for conflict and the ways conflict has been resolved.

FQ3:How do governments resolve conflict? (EQ4) Diplomacy Economic sanctions Military force management, including negotiation, mediations, arbitration, and litigation.

S6; PS3 Evaluate situations involving conflicts between rights and propose solutions to those conflicts.

S14; PS5 Identify governmental activities that affect the local, state, national and international economy.

S3; PS6 Explain reasons for conflict and the ways conflict has been resolved.

S4; PS2 Describe and analyze, using historical data and understandings, the options which are available to parties involved in contemporary conflicts or decision making.

S5; PS7 Describe means of conflict.

NOTES TO TEACHER:

Canada, Mexico and Brazil will be compared and contrasted to each other and the United States throughout the year.

RESOURCES:

Provided resources:

Latin America and Canada MacGlobe

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES:

Collect current events news articles about these nations and discuss.
Research a military conflict from a nation and report to the class what the causes were and how the conflict was resolved.
Create a visual that compares the governments of these nations.

ASSESSMENTS:

Essential questions
Focus questions
Performance tasks
Tests/quizzes
Teacher observations