Topic 2: Governing the European Union

Strategy: Compare and Contrast

Activities

Make copies of Worksheet #3: Topic 2, Lesson 1 (Comparing Governments) and distribute them to the class. Use the computer lab or the class textbook to have the students review information about the workings of our own government. Have them fill out the first section of the chart focusing on:

The Executive Branch

The Legislative Branch

The Judicial Branch

Use Teacher Resource #5: Topic 2, Lesson 1 (Comparing Governments). During the ensuing class discussion be sure students have gathered all pertinent information about each branch of government. Have them add information to their chart as needed during the class discussion.

Use Slide #7: Topic 2, Lesson 1 (How a Bill Becomes a Law) to review how a bill becomes a law in our country.

Slide #7

Have each “expert group” review important information about their topic with the class and allow time for the class to ask questions to clarify the purpose of each Institution of the European Union.

Have the class work in their original groups to complete the second part of the chart filling in the key Institutions of the European Union and important information about each of the Institutions.

Have them use a Venn Diagram or a graphic organizer of your choice to show the similarities and differences between Institutions of the European Community and those of our own government. Have several of the groups present their Venn Diagrams to the rest of the class.