Exploring Civics at the Tennessee State Capitol

Overview:

Do you need an introduction to Tennessee Civics? We will be hosting this annual teacher workshop from the one and only Tennessee State Capitol building. Join us as we look at civics through the lens of Tennessee's history and culture. We will use real-world examples of the three branches and primary sources to add context to help make an often abstract topic more real for your students. What better setting for a discussion about how the government was formed and how it affects our day-to-day life than the building where it all happens?

We will:

• Take a tour of the Capitol building and learn its history.

• Explore how our government was formed and organized by looking at Tennessee’s Constitutions.
• Explore how laws from the past reflect the culture and priorities of the time.
• Try out classroom activities that you will be able to take back with you and use with your students.

Targeted Grade Levels: 2, 4, 5 (High school civics teachers are welcome too.)

• 2.22 Recognize that Tennessee has a constitution, which is the basis for our state’s laws.
• 2.23 Describe the three branches of U.S. government and the basic role of each.
• 4.14 Describe the principles embedded in the Constitution, including: Purposes of government (listed in the Preamble);Separation of powers; Branches of government; Checks and balances; Recognition and protection of individual rights (in the 1st Amendment)
• 5.35 Describe the steps that Tennessee took to become a state (i.e., population requirement, vote by the citizens, creation of a state constitution, and Congressional approval). (T.C.A. § 49-6-1028)
• 5.43 Explain the impact of the Tennessee Constitutional Convention of 1870, including: poll taxes, segregation, and funds for public education. (T.C.A. § 49-6-1028)
• 5.54 Describe the structure of Tennessee’s government, including the role of each of the three branches, the governor, and state representatives.

Time: 6 Hours

Format: In Person

Location: Tennessee State Capitol (Parking at the Tennessee State Museum)

Topics Covered: Tennessee History, Three Branches, Constitution, Government Functions

Host or Publisher Tennessee State Museum