SSCG7 - The student will describe how thoughtful and effective participation in civic life is characterized by obeying the law, paying taxes, serving on a jury, participating in the political process, performing public service, registering for military duty, being informed about current issues, and respecting differing opinions.

To know and understand our governmental system, we must know how we have grown as a nation

The cultural diversity of the U.S. is perhaps unmatched in modern day and throughout historyo People from all walks of life have made their home in the

U.S.

As immigrants moved to the U.S., they began to group themselves by language, culture, etc.o Chinatown, Sicilian Mafia

Over time, people settled due to location and lifestyle, rather than cultural similaritieso Growth of cities and suburbso Sunbelt

Assignment: Take out a sheet of paper and draw 2 circles

o In the inner circle, write down at least 5 details about where Americans live

o In the outer circle, write down at least 5 details about what Americans do for work

Early on, many Americans worked as farmers and manufacturers.

As technology advanced and people were needed less, the workforce shifted to the service industry.

This advance in technology also caused people to live longero Baby Boom

For many years, U.S. was referred to as a “melting pot”o Many different ingredients mixed into a large pot

Recently, the term “mosaic” has begun to be usedo Many different “tiles” assembled together to form one

whole picture

Would you say that the U.S. is more like a melting pot or a mosaic?o Explain in at least 4-6 sentences.

Having so many different types of people has caused many problems throughout our historyo Slaveryo Racism/discriminationo Questions about equality

Has led to many changes in government, policy, and executiono Civil War Amendmentso Civil Rights Act of 1964o Today’s immigration laws in Arizona/Georgia

In the U.S. today, the traditional minority groups are quickly becoming the majority in some states