Synopsis: Unit topic will cover the development of the United States government with the emphasis on the focus of democratic ideals of the citizens of the United States. We will focus on the development of the “United States” as a country, through the lives the colonists endured from the development of the British colonies through the American Revolution. My unit will trace the steps of what influenced the creation of American culture, government, and daily life. From the establishment of colonies to the failures of the Articles of Confederation to the writing of the Constitution and beyond.

A part of my unit will focus on what colonial life was like. We will look and investigate the impact of religion, trade, cultural influences, politics, and daily life of the colonists. More importantly, we will focus on the diet of the average American colonist. We tend to overlook some characteristics of Colonial America that led to their survival. Their inability to farm effectively, grow food, or manufacture a clean water supply led them to stealing and manipulating Native Americans for food and supplies and ultimately almost led to their downfall. The lack of food almost led to the United States not existing! That may be a bold statement, but it definitely had a big impact on the colony’s development. As Colonial America progressed via Native American teachings of farming, food development, and weather patterns, the Colonists were able to survive and maintain development of more successful colonies. We will look at specific food that was grown in the colonies, what influenced them to grow particular foods, and how that impacted the culture of becoming ‘America’. My goal is to make students realize how much of the ‘American’ culture and government are actually highly influenced by other countries, cultures, etc.

The unit will focus on the development and change over time of the influences of colonial life as well as the developments of political democracy in America. Another focus of this time period and my unit will be discussing if democracy of today is what the Founding Fathers had in mind for America when it was developed, and if not, what is it? The unit will also focus on how democracy was developed and what influenced the creation of democracy in the United States.

The unit will focus on the purpose of a democratic government: protecting rights, promoting rule of law, preparing for common defense, providing public services, and supporting the economic system. Students will be responsible for debating whether these four purposes of a democratic government are true, if changes need to be made, and what is working versus what is not working for our country.