Government: Do We Need It?

So, I guess there's some controversy over what's being taught in social studies these days.

Like this: Colorado?

And because we don't want to be accused of being biased, this: Colorado.


We're lucky enough to be able to teach some controversial topics here in 7th grade social studies.  And today, we're getting to it: government.

Mr. Helmuth asked the kids a couple questions today:  What is the purpose of government?  What does it do?  Do we (human beings/ Americans) need a government?  Is it necessary?  Why or why not?

Overall, the student responses were great.  There was some discussion about what governments do, don't do, and should do.  Mr. Helmuth tried to let the students lead the discussion, asking them a follow-up question here or there whenever appropriate.

After that, we discussed some key concepts - limited government, unlimited government, and rule of law - and we went over 7 different types of government.

There was relatively no controversy in the lesson.  But I'd like to point out that this is one of the benefits of this blog.  You get to know what's going on in the classroom - a classroom that may at times discuss issues which you have strong feelings about.

Here's the chart we filled out today:

If you weren't here, copy it down.

If you were here and want credit for reading and discussing the blog, you should have read it and discussed it with an adult.  If you've done that, find a scrap of paper, write down what's meant by an "unlimited government."  Then, have the adult you read and discussed the blog with sign the paper.

Turn it in tomorrow in the "extra credit tray."  ...Make sure your name, date, and hour are on it as well.  ...Do I really have to still say that?