EALR

Social Studies:Civics Objectives

1.3 Examine representative government and citizen participation

2.1 Understand and explain the organization of U.S. Government

2.3 Compare and contrast democracies with other forms of government

Materials:

Access to library or other source of information on US or State government

Access to information on Chilean system of government, or via World Wide Web:

http://www.localaccess.com/chappell/chile/

Background Information: Chile has had a very turbulent history including seven different constitutions, various power structures, and a military dictatorship. Today, Chile has a strong economy, and is making a slow transition away from the dictatorship of General Pinochet toward a more democratic system. While the method of passing legislation, electing officials, and interpreting constitutional law in Chile does show this trend, there are still echoes of the dictatorship in the process. This lesson is intended to be a cross-cultural comparison of government systems between the US and Chile, allowing the students to draw their own conclusions as to the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Time: Approximately 1-2 weeks

An Opening Activity: Take nine students to the side or out in the hall. Divide the remaining students into two groups; make sure that one group is larger by 3-6 people. These students will represent two political parties, each one elected by the people they represent. The smaller group will be under the control of the teacher (Pinochet?) who wants to have school year around. Let the larger group decide how long they want it to be. Tell them that there will be a vote. When the larger group is ready (and is feeling pretty good about having a majority), you, the teacher, will "appoint" the nine students you left out to join the smaller body and vote your way. Take the vote, and when the whining subsides, discuss with students their impression of the process. In the Senate in Chile, 25% of the senators are "appointed" rather than elected.

Research: The following questions are designed to build a basic understanding of the US political system, while at the same time providing insight into an emerging South American nation. I would highly suggest taking the questions and dividing them up as you see fit, breaking students into research groups assigned to certain tasks. When research is completed, students can report their findings as a group to the entire class. The answers to each question should be found for both the US and Chile, but could be applied to a state legislature rather than the federal congress if desired.

1) What is the historical origin of the constitution?

2) What is the name/location of the capitol?

3) What city contains the presidential headquarters?

4) Where is the Congress located? Is it in the same city as the presidential headquarters?

5) Describe (draw?) the congressional building. When was it constructed?

6) Describe the congressional chambers:

a. What are they called?

b. How are the members chosen?

c. How many members are in each chamber?

d. Who do they represent (states, regions, provinces)? (Perhaps draw a map)

7) How is legislation passed?

a. What is a piece of legislation called?

b. In which chamber does the legislation originate?

c. Who must approve it before it becomes law?

d. How long does the congress have to pass it?

8) Who may vote? Who must vote?

9) What is the role of the president in passing law?

10) Does the military have a role in legislation? What kind?

11) What are a couple major issues facing the lawmakers?

Culminating Questions:

1. What do you see as the primary strengths and weaknesses of the two government system?

2. Would there be benefits to a military dictatorship?

3. Know that you have studied Chile's government system, has your view of the American system changed? If so, how?

4. Do you feel that Chile's transition to democracy will be successful? Why or why not?

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