One Hour Civics: Rule of Law

What would happen if our society weren't rooted in the rule of law? Students learn about the rule of law and how it protects individual rights and freedoms. In our selected readings, we will identify the six factors that make up the rule of law and analyze how each factor affects daily life. Students then make connections between the rule of law and America’s founding documents and think about the relationship between the rule of law factors.

What is the rule of law? What evidence can we find in our society, government, and institutions?  How does the rule of law protect individuals? What happens if we're missing one of the size factors that make up the rule of law?   

In this session, we will watch a short video, work through the questions outlined above regarding the rule of law, complete a comparison worksheet, work together to identify the six factors of the rule of law, and examine the rule of law in our own society.  Students will be asked to discuss if our society needs to strengthen any aspects of the rule of law, such as access to justice, equal application of the law, or checks and balances.  Students will write a paragraph, or outline, of what aspects they would strengthen, why, and how.  

We will discuss the rule of law as it applies to political systems and society as a whole, not police, ICE, FBI, or other law enforcement agencies. This is a foundations of government class and our government was founded with the principle that law applies to everyone equally and we have equal access to the protection of law and the legal system.  Our system is not perfect, which students will have the opportunity to discuss and suggest ways our government could make improvements.  In the interest of civic discourse, I encourage discussion and debate.