Civics and Government Standard 1: Students will understand and be able to explain the purposes and structure of governments with an emphasis on constitutional governments. Standard 2: Students will be able to analyze, interpret, and evaluate the rights, responsibilities, and privileges of citizens living in a democratic society. Standard 3: Students will analyze the United States Constitution in principle and practice, describing the republican form of government it creates. Standard 4: Students will be able to explain the extent to which Americans have incorporated the principles of the Constitution into their daily lives. Standard 5: Students will gain knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become contributing citizens in our participatory democracy. This unit will address the survey question that relates to students connecting what they learn in school to what they do outside of school. Lesson Plan: Impact of Government on the Individual Description: This lesson allows the students visualize the government of the United States as a very important part of their everyday existence. Objectives: 1.List 15 ways in which government has an impact/influence on them, personally. 2.Identify, from their list, which are the result of national government, state government, and/or local government. 3.Write a brief paragraph on the topic, "Governmental Power--- Too Little or To Much?" Activities: 1.Near the end of the class period, and with no rationale, ask students to list as many activities as they can think of in which government plays no role. Encourage the students to be creative. 2.Just before the bell rings, direct the students to take their lists home and suggest they consult with their parents for further ideas. The list will be handed in the next day. Evaluation: Students will be evaluated by the knowledge and rational that they demonstrate while sharing their ideas with the class.