UNIT 5
Active Citizens:
Democracy in Action

OBJECTIVES 1) Understand the characteristics of democracy 2) Understand the historic barriers to full participation in American democracy 3) Understand the importance of the suffragette and civil rights movements in expanding voting participation 4) Explore the reasons for low voter turnout and importance of voter registration

TOOLS and MATERIALS 1) Web access for online projects and research 2) Surveys and handouts

ACTIVITIES 1) Group Activity 1: Online Voter Registration at BeAVoter.org

SUMMARY of the LESSON

This lesson introduces the characteristics of democracy and distinguishes the difference between direct and representative democracy. It provides a brief discussion of historic barriers to full participation, citing restrictions against Japanese-Americans during World War II. It notes the successful efforts to overcome barriers to voting for women and African-Americans. Finally, voter participation is discussed, concluding with an exercise that accesses online voter registration.