Week-Long Political Science Unit Study for High School (FREE PRINTABLE)

 Political Science for Everyone

This unit is appropriate for grades 9-12, but can be tailored to fit a family-style learning format.  It is designed to be used in a single week OR in a Fun Friday format, completing one day of the unit each week of the month.  Visit the Subscribers Page for a printable PDF version.

For extra enrichment, study Types of Government in depth.  To tailor for additional middle or elementary school family members, visit this Elections Resource Roundup.

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Day 1: What Is Political Science?

Activities:

• Read/Watch:

  • What is political science?

  • Watch: Crash Course Government and Politics

• Activity:

  • Make a chart of different forms of government (define and give real-world examples)

• Journal Prompt:

  • “Why do people form governments? What would life be like without one?”

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Day 2: Political Ideologies & Theories

Activities:

• Read/Watch:

  • Watch: “Political Ideology”

  • Compare and contrast two political ideologies in your notebook

• Activity:

  • Take a political compass quiz and reflect

• Discussion/Journal Prompt:

  • “What beliefs or values influence my views on politics or government?”

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Day 3: How Governments Work – Structures & Systems

Activities:

• Read/Watch:

  • Watch: “Separation of Powers”

  • Read: Overview of U.S. vs. parliamentary systems

• Compare and Contrast Activity:

  • Make a Venn diagram comparing the U.S. and another country's government system

• Journal Prompt:

  • “Which system of government do you think is most effective, and why?”

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Day 4: Citizenship, Rights & Political Participation

Activities:

• Read/Watch:

  • Watch: “Public Opinion and Political Socialization”

  • Read: UN Declaration of Human Rights

• Case Study Discussion:

  • Choose a landmark case (e.g., Tinker v. Des Moines) and discuss its impact on student rights

• Journal Prompt:

  • “What does being an active citizen mean to me?”

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Day 5: Global Politics & Final Project

Activities:

• Read/Watch:

  • Watch: "Foreign Policy"

  • Read: About the United Nations

• Final Project:

  1. Create a political profile of an existing country (government type, leaders, history, key challenges)

  2. Design your own country: What kind of government would it have? What rights would it protect?

• Final Journal Prompt:

  • “What did I learn about the power and purpose of politics?”

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Optional Resources

Videos:

• TED-Ed on Democracy

Pick up the ENTIRE SERIES right now - plus several bonus units - in our Cottage Shop.

These units are appropriate for grades 9-12, but can be tailored to fit a family-style learning format.  They are designed to be used in a single week OR in a Fun Friday format, completing one day of the unit each week of the month.  Each day takes 1-2 hours. This bundle includes the basic twelve, tailored to each month of the year, plus EIGHT bonus units!