The Democratic Process

US History Foundations of U.S. History The Democratic Process
Students brainstorm text that appears on all U.S. currency and then learn about the mottos “E. Pluribus Unum” and “In God We Trust.” Next they examine the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens. Then they explain ways U.S. residents can participate in the democratic process. Finally they learn about the steps for naturalization and they take the USCIS civics practice test.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Teacher Pack

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

Here are the teacher pack items for The Democratic Process:

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Overview

In this experience, students brainstorm text that appears on all U.S. currency and then learn about the mottos “E Pluribus Unum” and “In God We Trust.” Next they examine the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens. Then they explain ways U.S. residents can participate in the democratic process. Finally they learn about the steps for naturalization and they take the USCIS civics practice test.

Objectives

  • Identify methods of participating in the democratic process.
  • Explain the steps for becoming a U.S. citizen.


Engage


“We the People” is a very important phrase in American democracy. These three words are the core of the principle of popular sovereignty, the idea that government is based on consent of the people. How can you as one of the people in the United States participate in the democratic process? Ask yourself this question as you progress through this experience.

Objectives

  • Identify methods of participating in the democratic process.
  • Explain the steps for becoming a U.S. citizen.


a jar full of coins and one dollar bills

Picture in your mind a one-dollar bill and a penny coin. What text appears on both of them?


Post a phrase that appears on all U.S. currency. To list more than one phrase, separate them with commas like this: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln.

Post your answer

The phrases that appear on all U.S. currency are:

  • United States of America
  • In God We Trust
  • E. Pluribus Unum


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next part.

the official seal of the U.S. Congress, with the eagle and the motto “E. Pluribus Unum”; the back of a penny also with the text of this motto

E Pluribus Unum is Latin for “out of many, one,” referring to the original thirteen colonies. By an act of Congress, this phrase has appeared on the Great Seal since 1782. This phrase was unofficially considered the national motto.

In 1956, the phrase “In God We Trust” was adopted by Congress as the official U.S. motto. The senator who proposed the bill stated, “While the sentiment of trust in God is universal and timeless, these particular four words ‘In God We Trust’ are indigenous to our country.”

Turn to an elbow partner and discuss what each of these phrases means and how it represents the United States.


Ask for volunteers to summarize their discussions. The Student Pack includes links to additional reading about the mottos.


Which do you think should be the official motto of the United States?

A) In God We Trust
B) E. Pluribus Unum
C) Something else

Ask for a few volunteers to explain their votes.

Depending on students’ backgrounds and view, they may make the following comments:
  • “E Pluribus Unum” originally stood for the thirteen colonies becoming a united country. One could argue that today it represents the commonalities of the fifty states.
  • As a nation of immigrants, Americans come from many different backgrounds, so “E. Pluribus Unum” best describes the national identity.
  • The phrase “In God We Trust” is putting religion into the government. Some students may see this as a foundation of American identity, others may see it as a violation of the separation of church and state. In the case Gaylor vs USA (1996), a federal judge determined that the motto is not a government endorsement of religion, and therefore it is allowed under the Constitution.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

End of Preview
The Complete List of Learning Experiences in Foundations of U.S. History Unit.
US History Foundations of U.S. History Studying U.S. History
Studying U.S. History
U.S. History Foundations of U.S. History Foundations of U.S. History: Review
Foundations of U.S. History: Unit Review
US History Foundations of U.S. History Declaration of Independence: A Close Reading
Declaration of Independence: A Close Reading
US History Foundations of U.S. History U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights: A Close Reading
U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights: A Close Reading
Foundations of U.S. History: STAAR Practice Test
Foundations of U.S. History: Review
US History Foundations of U.S. History The Democratic Process
The Democratic Process
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