1.4 Governments and Laws

From EngageNY

People create governments in order to create peace and establish order. Laws are created to protect the rights and define the responsibilities of individuals and groups.

1.4a Rules and laws are developed to protect people's rights and the safety and welfare of the community.
  • Students will discuss the difference between rules and laws and determine why school rules were developed and what the consequences are of not following the rules.
1.4b Governments exist at the local, state, and national levels to represent the needs of the people, create and enforce laws, and help resolve conflicts.
  • Students will begin to identify that there are local, state, and national levels of government and will identify some actions that the government takes.
1.4c Children can participate in problem solving, decision making, and conflict resolution within their home, school, and community.
  • Students will be given opportunities to solve problems, make decisions, and resolve conflicts.

Supporting Materials

Streaming

Changes, Changes

Changes, Changes begins with two wooden people building themselves a home with blocks. When one of the blocks catches on fire, the people use the blocks from the house to make a fire truck. Water sprays from the wooden hose of the truck to put out the fire. Unfortunately, the water does not...

DVD

Community Rules & Laws

This program distinguishes between the rules made by institutions such as schools and laws made for everyone in the community. Provides an introduction to the Bill of Rights and the freedoms it preserves for all Americans. Using women's suffrage as an example, explains that unjust laws can be...

DVD

Founding of our Federal Government

While George Washington was leading the Continental Army against the British, Thomas Jefferson was writing a document that would be used to declare America's separation from England - The Declaration of Independence. Students identify some of the people who fought for the rights of Americans....

DVD

Local Government

Viewers take a trip to City Hall. Introduces young viewers to the services that the local government provides, like educating children, keeping the community clean and making laws. Examines the different offices that are often located in city hall, how laws are passed, experience what a typical...

DVDTeachers Guide

Safety First! Rules Have a Reason

Using music and realistic scenarios, this program shows children the reasons behind the safety rules adults ask them to obey. It helps to make them aware of the need to respect those rules and the people whose job it is to enforce them.
DVD

The United States

Join Miguel on his exciting adventure across the United States! From the ancient Appalachian Mountains to a swamp called Okeefenokee, from the Grand Canyon to Little Havana, Miguel's journey takes him from sea to shining sea and everywhere in between. Explore the five U.S. regions and the states...

Learn more on Engage NY

EngageNY.org is developed and maintained by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) to support the implementation of key aspects of the New York State Board of Regents Reform Agenda.

This is the official web site for current materials and resources related to the Regents Reform Agenda. The agenda includes the implementation of the New York State P-12 Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS), Teacher and Leader Effectiveness (TLE), and Data-Driven Instruction (DDI). EngageNY.org is dedicated to providing educators across New York State with real-time, professional learning tools and resources to support educators in reaching the State’s vision for a college and career ready education for all students.