HS Government Reading and Writing Workshop

Focus: Understanding government principles through primary sources, persuasive writing, and argumentation.
Workshop GoalsBy the end of this workshop, students will:

• Analyze primary sources on government and democracy.
• Develop argumentative writing skills using historical texts.
• Apply rhetorical analysis to foundational government documents.
• Engage in collaborative discussions and debates.

Week 1: What is Government?
​Reading Focus:

• The Leviathan (1651) – Thomas Hobbes (excerpts on the necessity of government)
• Two Treatises of Government (1689) – John Locke (natural rights & social contract)

Writing Activity:Argumentative Response – “Is government necessary? Why or why not?”

• Use Hobbes vs. Locke to argue different perspectives.
• AI Integration: Use an AI tool to generate counterarguments to their claims for revision.

Discussion Activity:

• Socratic Seminar: “Would life be better without government?”
• Compare historical theories to modern examples.

Week 2: Types of GovernmentReading Focus:

• The Spirit of the Laws (1748) – Montesquieu (separation of powers, republics vs. monarchies)
• The Federalist Papers (1787-88) – Hamilton, Madison, Jay (excerpts on federalism, checks & balances)

Writing Activity:Comparative Analysis – “Which type of government is most effective?”

• Compare Montesquieu’s ideas to modern government structures.
• AI Integration: Use AI-generated government descriptions to apply Montesquieu’s analysis.

Discussion Activity:

• AI Political Debate: Students use AI to simulate government decisions (e.g., taxation, law enforcement) and compare outcomes.

Week 3: Limited Government & Rule of LawReading Focus:

• Magna Carta (1215) (excerpts on limiting the king’s power)
• U.S. Constitution (1787) – Bill of Rights (individual freedoms & government limits)

Writing Activity:Persuasive Essay – “Does the U.S. government today reflect the ideals of limited government?”

• Use historical texts + current events as evidence.
• AI Integration: Use AI to summarize historical documents and compare with modern policies.

Discussion Activity:

• Case Study Analysis: “Where has the rule of law been challenged?” (e.g., Watergate, executive overreach).

Week 4: Applying Government Principles to Modern SocietyReading Focus:

• Gettysburg Address (1863) – Abraham Lincoln (democracy & equality)
• Franklin D. Roosevelt’s First Inaugural Address (1933) (role of government in crisis)

Writing Activity:Speech Writing – “What would you say if you were President?”

• Write an inaugural address based on historical speeches.
• AI Integration: Use AI to generate a draft, then revise with historical accuracy.

Discussion Activity:

• Public Speaking Workshop: Students deliver speeches & analyze rhetorical techniques.

Assessment & Reflection:

• Final Portfolio: Students revise and compile their best writings.
• AI Editing Workshop: Use AI tools to refine their final drafts.
• Class Debate: “What is the best form of government?” (Using evidence from texts).

This public domain workshop helps students connect historical ideas to modern government while strengthening reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.