Comparative Government Country Foundations Project: Class Guide Home

Essential Questions:

• What are the foundations of your selected country?
• How do these foundations differ? 
• What causes countries to develop different systems of government?

Comparative Government Country Foundations Project

Part 1 – Group Presentation

Mission: In your country groups, research the origin, symbolism, and system foundation of your country.

Presentations should include commentary on the following:

• Events leading to the creation of the state
• Key figures in the creation of the state
• Philosophical/Political motivations for the founding
• Geographically significant characteristics that influenced the formation of the state
• State goals when created
• Motto, Anthem, Flag and the significance/message/mission of each for the state
• Social situation at the founding – unity/disunity
• Social Contract or coercive creation – Is the Constitution Legitimate?
• Inspiration for the type of government chosen
• Key components of the government/Constitution Basics

The Group must present as a team.

Each Presentation should be 20 to 30 minutes in length.

Each group must have a handout, visual, and music sample – power point, poster, map, mp3….

Groups will be graded on the following:

1. Completion and Distribution of Tasks
2. Accuracy of Information
3. Class involvement/attentiveness
4. Audio and Visuals
5. Analysis of group findings
6. Individual performance
7. Timing

Due Date: September 29/30

Part 2 – Personal Analysis “Thinking like de Tocqueville”

The final component to the project will be a 6-8 page analytical paper in which you discuss – individually or as a team - the findings of the group and offer your interpretation of the advantages or disadvantages your state possessed as it attempted to achieve legitimacy and stability – use the “Social Conundrum” as a guide. Your conclusion should make a comment as to the short and long term viability of the state.

Each paper should be typed in Times New Roman size 12 font, with one inch margins, and no cover page. Writing should begin at the top of the first page and end with the bibliography.  A complete bibliography of sources must be included, and internal citations used to note the source of your information must be used. Any paper not following this format will be returned unread to be resubmitted with a maximum grade of D.

Papers may be submitted in paper form, or electronically.

Papers will be graded on: 

1. Format
2. Introduction
3. Accuracy and relevance of the facts discussed
4. Logic/Quality of assertions, 5) Conclusion

Due Date: October 6

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