American Government is designed to meet the scope and sequence requirements of the single-semester American government course. This title includes innovative features designed to enhance student learning, including Insider Perspective features and a Get Connected Module that shows students how they can get engaged in the political process. The book provides an important opportunity for students to learn the core concepts of American government and understand how those concepts apply to their lives and the world around them. American Government includes updated information on the 2016 presidential election.Senior Contributing AuthorsGlen Krutz (Content Lead), University of OklahomaSylvie Waskiewicz, PhD (Lead Editor)

In this lesson, students use their research from Lessons 8-9 to write a draft of their Directors' Note with their monologue group (W.5.2, W.5.4, W.5.5, W.5.8).
In Work Time B, students are guided through a research reading share. Consider using the Independent Reading: Sample Plan if you do not have your own independent reading review routines. This review is designed to hold students accountable for their research reading completed for homework. This volume of reading promotes students' growing ability to read a variety of literary and informational texts independently and proficiently (RI.5.10, RL.5.10, SL.5.1).
This lesson focuses on the following habits of character: working to become effective learners and working to become ethical people. The characteristics students are reminded of in this lesson are: collaboration, as they work with their groups to write their Directors' Note, and taking initiative, prior to sharing their independent reading.
In the Closing, students practice reading their monologues in preparation for Part III of the End of Unit 3 Assessment and the performance task (RF.5.4).
The research reading that students complete for homework will help build both their vocabulary and knowledge pertaining to human rights. By participating in this volume of reading over a span of time, students will develop a wide base of knowledge about the world and the words that help describe and make sense of it.