Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will understand the basic concepts of government and citizenship, and how they relate to the real world, using Stuffies as a fun and relatable context.

Materials and Prep

• Stuffies (stuffed animals)
• Pen and paper
• Internet access (optional)

No prior knowledge is required for this lesson.

Activities

1. Introduce the concept of government by asking the student to imagine their Stuffies as citizens of a fictional Stuffie Town. Discuss what it means to have rules and laws in a community.
2. Have the student create a list of rules or laws that they think would be important for the Stuffie Town to have. Encourage them to think about fairness, safety, and cooperation.
3. Discuss the role of a government in making and enforcing rules. Explain the different branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial) and their functions.
4. Ask the student to assign roles to their Stuffies, such as a mayor, council members, and judges. Have them explain why they chose each role for their Stuffies.
5. Have a mock town meeting where the student presents their proposed rules to their Stuffie government. Encourage them to discuss and debate the rules, and make decisions based on what would be best for the community.
6. Reflect on the importance of being an active and responsible citizen, both in the fictional Stuffie Town and in the real world. Discuss how citizens can participate in their government and make a positive impact on their community.

Seventh Grade Talking Points

• "Government is a system that creates and enforces rules and laws to maintain order and protect the rights of its citizens."
• "Citizenship refers to the rights and responsibilities of individuals within a society or community."
• "In a democracy, like the United States, citizens have the power to elect their leaders and participate in decision-making."
• "The executive branch of government is responsible for enforcing laws and carrying out the day-to-day operations of the government."
• "The legislative branch makes laws and represents the interests of the people. In the United States, it consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate."
• "The judicial branch interprets laws and ensures that they are applied fairly. It includes the Supreme Court and other federal courts."
• "Being an active citizen means being engaged in your community, participating in elections, and staying informed about current events."
• "Responsible citizens respect the rights of others, follow laws, and contribute positively to their community."