In this lesson, students learn about and explore the characteristics of limited and unlimited governments, both historical and contemporary. Students engage in a Fiction in the Facts activity in which they identify two true statements and one false statement about governments, and they read an article about government power while completing a T-chart. Students then go on a Google Earth tour and read about governments in several countries. Students read quotes about governmental power and participate in a Magnetic Statements activity. Students wrap up the lesson by creating a Venn diagram to demonstrate their understanding of limited and unlimited governments.
Grade(s) | Subject | Time Frame | Duration | Course | Modality |
9th - 12th | Social Studies | 45 - 90 Minutes | 1 - 2 Class Periods | U.S. Government |
What are limited and unlimited governments?
Which countries have limited governments, and which countries have unlimited governments?
Students read statements about government and determine which are true and which are false.
Students read an article about characteristics of unlimited and limited governments and complete a T-chart as they read.
Students engage in a Google Earth tour to compare countries around the world and read biographies about the countries’ governments. They determine whether each country has a limited government or an unlimited government.
Students analyze quotes about governments, and then choose quotes they find most and least appealing and explain why.
Students create a Venn diagram to compare the characteristics of limited and unlimited governments.