Crisis of Nations

Last week we studied the foreign policy and diplomacy of the United States during its first 40 years  as a nation.  There were many events that affected our relationships with foreign nations.  Today you will play a game called Crisis of Nations. 

In Crisis of Nations, take the helm of your own country and work together with others to solve international problems! As the leader of your own country, you'll have to make tough choices about how to use military, espionage, and economic resources to serve both the best interests of your own country and the larger global community. Navigate a shifting landscape of international allies and enemies as you declare war, broker peace, and increase prosperity at home.

Click on the following link to play the game:  Crisis of Nations

U.S Foreign Policy 1783-1823

As a new nation, the U.S. struggled with stronger, more established nations. This assignment will help you learn more about the events between 1783 and 1823 that changed the role of the U.S. in the world.

First go to the following link to find the foreign policy worksheet:  U.S. Foreign Policy and Diplomacy 1783-1823

There, you will find a chart of events involving the U.S. and foreign nations. You may google each event, or find it in your textbook, read about it, then fill in the chart. Keep in mind, you want to determine whether the U.S was most successful when using diplomacy/compromise or when using military action.
If you struggle with finding information, click on this link to find useful sites for each event:
Useful research links

In the end, you will want to be able to agree or disagree with the following statement: "The United States earned the respect of European nations between the years 1783-1823 through compromise".     You will write a 5-paragraph essay to support your opinion.  It is due Monday, February 11th.

Counties Work!

Today, if you have finished and turned in the States Rule and the Capable Counties webquest questions, you may play a new game called "Counties Work!"
Click on the following link to play the game:  Counties Work

Webquest!

Now that you have studied how a state works you are ready for a webquest!  Follow the link and answer the questions on the hand-out:    States Rule Webquest
If you are not at school today, answer the following questions on a google doc and share with me.

1. Do you think it is important to divide power between the state and national government?
           Why or why not?
2.  Who is the governor of Iowa?
3.  Describe one thing that he is working on in our state.
4.  In your own words, describe the similarity between being governor of a state and being president
            of the United States.  Explain the difference.
5.  What is the name of Iowa's legislature? (Hint: it may have two houses with two different names)
6.  List three types of courts found in Iowa.




If you finish early, start the county webquest by clicking on the link below.  Make sure you answer the questions on the hand-out.
County Basics Webquest
If you are not at school and cannot get the hand-out, answer the following questions on a google doc and share with me.

1.  How did the county form of government develop? 
2.  How long have counties been a part of the government structure in the United States?
3.  How many counties are there in the United States?
4.  Which state has the most counties?
5.  Which states have the fewest counties?
6.  Do any states not have counties?
7.  What are the top 10 county names?
8.  How many states have counties with these names?
9.  Complete the following information for your county:
          County name:
          Population:
          Size:
          County seat:
          Name 3 elected officials and their position titles:
    

Executive Command

Today you will play an icivics game called Executive Command
Click on the following link to play: http://www.icivics.org/games/executive-command

Supreme Decision

Today you will play the game Supreme Decision from icivics
Click on the following link: http://www.icivics.org/games/supreme-decision

The Three Branches of Government

Today you will be playing a game on icivics.  The purpose of the game is to learn and experience how the three branches of government work together to pass laws.  You will want to successfully pass at least 5 bills and sign them into law.

Click here to play the game: http://www.icivics.org/games/branches-power