Topic 2: Political Institutions in Germany

Transfer Task

Note to the Teacher: Although the transfer task is included here, it is intended that this task be given to students at the end of the three lessons. Its placement here is intended to remind teachers of the content and thinking strategies that will need to be part of the classroom instruction if students are to perform well on the transfer task.

Context

Now that you have learned about the structure of the German government and how Germany uses these political institutions to ensure political freedom for all of its citizens, you are ready to assess Germany’s progress toward this goal.

Problem

Since the Second World War, Germany has had to rebuild its political institutions to allow for the participation of all its citizens. This rebuilding also had to demonstrate that Germany is committed to political freedom for all its citizens. Finally, Germany has had to demonstrate to the world that it is ready to take its place as a partner on the world stage.

Role/Perspective

You are a German citizen who remembers the Holocaust and the atrocities of the Nazi era. Although you know that this is now part of your cultural heritage, you believe that Germany is moving in a new direction – a direction of which Germans should be proud.

Product

Write a letter to an American friend, inviting him or her to come to Germany to see the changes that have occurred in Germany over the past fifty years.

Criteria

In your letter, be sure to mention:

Why Germany has had to reconstruct its political institutions.

What these new political institutions are and how they function.

How these institutions function to ensure political freedom for all citizens.