Course Plan: Understanding the Washington State Constitution and Tribal Treaties
Course Overview
This course is designed for 7th-grade history students. It aims to explain the structure of and key ideals set forth in fundamental documents, particularly the Washington State Constitution and tribal treaties with the United States government. Through a combination of discussions, activities, and project-based learning, students will develop a deeper understanding of representative government and the principles of democracy as reflected in their state's foundational documents.
Course Goals
- Understanding Structure: Students will be able to describe the structure and main components of the Washington State Constitution and tribal treaties.
- Identifying Key Ideals: Students will identify key ideals, including representative government, justice, and individual rights, as outlined in these documents.
- Analyzing Documents: Students will analyze the significance of these documents in the context of state and tribal relations with the federal government.
- Connecting History to Modern Governance: Students will connect historical principles to current understanding of governance and civic responsibility.
Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction to Fundamental Documents (Lessons 1-2)
Lesson 1: What are Fundamental Documents?
- Objectives:
- Define what a fundamental document is.
- Discuss the importance of constitutions and treaties in governance.
Activities:
- Group discussion on various types of fundamental documents.
- Homework: Research a fundamental document from another state or country.
Lesson 2: Overview of Washington State Constitution
- Objectives:
- Introduce the Washington State Constitution.
- Explain its historical context and purpose.
Activities:
- Timeline creation of major events leading to the adoption of the Washington State Constitution.
- Analyze excerpts from the document.
Module 2: Structure of the Washington State Constitution (Lessons 3-4)
Lesson 3: The Three Branches of Government
- Objectives:
- Identify the three branches of Washington's government.
- Explain the powers and responsibilities of each branch.
Activities:
- Create a visual diagram illustrating the three branches.
- Class discussion on checks and balances.
Lesson 4: The Bill of Rights in the Washington State Constitution
- Objectives:
- Describe the Bill of Rights.
- Discuss how individual rights are protected.
Activities:
- Small group analysis of selected articles from the Bill of Rights.
- Present findings to the class.
Module 3: Tribal Treaties and Relations with the Federal Government (Lessons 5-7)
Lesson 5: Understanding Tribal Sovereignty
- Objectives:
- Explain the concept of tribal sovereignty.
- Discuss how tribal governance differs from state governance.
Activities:
- Video presentation on Native American tribes.
- Individual reflection papers on sovereignty.
Lesson 6: Key Treaties Between Tribes and the U.S. Government
- Objectives:
- Identify significant treaties made with tribal nations in Washington.
- Understand their terms and the impact on tribal governance.
Activities:
- Research project on a specific treaty.
- Group presentations on findings.
Lesson 7: The Role of Treaties Today
- Objectives:
- Discuss the ongoing importance of treaties in contemporary governance.
- Explore case studies of treaties affecting Washington tribes.
Activities:
- Debate on the relevance of treaties today.
- Write a persuasive essay on a selected treaty's impact.
Module 4: Ideals of Representative Government (Lessons 8-10)
Lesson 8: Principles of Representative Government
- Objectives:
- Define representative government.
- Discuss how the Washington State Constitution reflects these ideals.
Activities:
- Class debate on what constitutes effective representation.
- Analyzing representation in current events.
Lesson 9: Citizens' Rights and Responsibilities
- Objectives:
- Explore citizens’ rights and responsibilities as outlined in the documents.
- Discuss civic engagement and participation.
Activities:
- Community service project planning.
- Group reflection on civic duties.
Lesson 10: Course Wrap-Up and Review
- Objectives:
- Review key concepts and ideals discussed throughout the course.
- Prepare for assessment on Washington State Constitution and tribal treaties.
Activities:
- Quiz game covering the key topics.
- Final project presentation on chosen topics related to the course.
Assessment and Evaluation
Students will be assessed through a combination of class participation, group projects, individual assignments, and an end-of-module quiz. Each lesson may also involve informal assessments through discussions and reflections.
References
- Washington State Constitution, Revised Code of Washington.
- National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). (2021). "Understanding State Constitutions."
- United States Department of the Interior. (n.d.). “Tribal Treaties.”
- Banks, C. (2002). The United States Constitution in Question: An Introduction to the Themes of Constitutional Law.
- Deloria, V., & Lyttle, D. (1983). American Indian Policy in the Twentieth Century.
This plan serves as a foundational stepping stone for 7th graders to appreciate both state governance and tribal relations through the lens of historical documents.