Political System Web Quest

State of Nevada

Political System Web Quest

AUTHOR: Shawn Curtis; North Valleys High School

HISTORICAL TOPIC/ERA: Historical and Current Nevada Political Structure

GRADE LEVEL(S): 12

TIME REQUIRED: One block period (90 minutes).

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:

The State of Nevada has gone through numerous political changes from the time of its inception in 1864 to the present day. From the mining booms and busts in the 18^th and 19^th centuries to the present day population explosion and urban sprawl, the State’s political climate has always been in a state of flux. Nevada has always been known for its uniqueness due broad scale gaming and prostitution that is legal only in the state of Nevada and presents unique challenges to Nevada politicians.

The understanding of the structure of government for Nevada and the State’s politicians is an important facet of the state of Nevada standards for American Government. The goal of this activity is to utilize the internet to analyze the history, structure and function of the government in the State of Nevada.

NEVADA STANDARDS:

6.12.1 – Explain the structure and function of State and Local governments.

STUDENT LEARNING GOALS/OBJECTIVES:

· Understand the basic structure of State of Nevada government.

· Identify the politicians who currently occupy state and federal offices representing the state of Nevada and its citizens.

MATERIALS/SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS:

1. Computer Lab

2. Assignment sheets

3. Websites-

1. www.nv.gov

2. www.onlinenevada.org/

ACTIVITIES/STRATEGIES:

1. Secure a computer lab for the class.

2. Explain to the students how to log on to the internet, if needed.

3. Instruct the students to download the assignment from their Edline accounts to complete this activity.

4. Monitor the log on process and ensure that all students are successful.

5. Provide examples to the class pertaining to the method in finding the three websites needed to complete the assignment. www.nv.gov www.onlinenevada.org .

6. Allow the students the entire period to work on and complete the assignment.

7. Monitor and assist all students as they work through the assignment.

8. Have students turn in their web quest sheets at the end of the period or turn them in at the beginning of the next class period if they complete the assignment at home.

Nevada State Government

Web quest Focus Sheet

Directions: Using this focus sheet and the internet site provided, please respond to the following questions.

A. At the onlinenevada.org website, click on the “Politics and Government” tab.

1. Read and discuss the opening paragraph that explains Nevada’s Politics and Government. Provide a synopsis of this opening paragraph.

2. Under the “county court houses” tab, select Washoe County Courthouse. Provide a brief write up about the History of Washoe County’s courthouse.

3. Look in the media gallery of County Court houses. Describe your opinion about the appearance of the courthouses that have pictures.

4. Click on the Nevada State Assembly tab. Select one of the 3 Historical figures listed and read that article. Provide a response about the figure that you choose.

5. Read the entry pertaining to “Nevada Statehood” under “Nevada State Constitution”. Provide a brief synopsis of this article.

6. Click on the Nevada State Senators link. Create a brief (100 words) biography for each Senator listed.

7. Click on the Nevada Supreme Court link. Why was John Wesley North a significant figure in Nevada History? Who was he and how did he arrive in Nevada?

8. Inside the Media gallery, take the Virtual Tour of the Nevada Mint. Compose a paragraph discussing your impressions of the Nevada State mint.

B. Go to the website www.nv.gov

1. Identify the following office holders from the Executive branch in the State of Nevada.

· Governor

· Lieutenant Governor

· Secretary of State

· Controller

· Attorney General

2. Click on the “Legislature” link. Go to the “General Info” link. Explain the structure of the State of Nevada Legislature. Create a diagram that represents the Nevada State Legislative branch.

3. Click on the “Supreme Court” link. Describe the overall make up of the Nevada Supreme Court. Identify each current NSC Justice.

EVALUATION OF STUDENT LEARNING:

Students will turn in the completed web quest focus sheet responses. The responses will then be checked by the instructor. Upon the next class meeting, the assignments will be handed back to the students and graded in class while going over the potential answers with the entire class.

Nevada State Government

Web quest Focus Sheet

Directions: Using this focus sheet and the internet site provided, please respond to the following questions.

A. At the onlinenevada.org website, click on the “Politics and Government” tab.

9. Read and discuss the opening paragraph that explains Nevada’s Politics and Government. Provide a synopsis of this opening paragraph.

10. Under the “county court houses” tab, select Washoe County Ccurthouse. Provide a brief write up about the History of Washoe County’s courthouse.

11. Look in the media gallery of County Court houses. Describe your opinion about the appearance of the courthouses that have pictures.

12. Click on the Nevada State Assembly tab. Select one of the 3 Historical figures listed and read that article. Provide a response about the figure that you choose.

13. Read the entry pertaining to “Nevada Statehood” under “Nevada State Constitution”. Provide a brief synopsis of this article.

14. Click on the Nevada State Senators link. Create a brief biography each Senator listed.

15. Click on the Nevada Supreme Court link. Why was John Wesley North a significant figure in Nevada History? Who was he and how did he arrive in Nevada?

16. Inside the Media gallery, take the Virtual Tour of the Nevada Mint. Compose a paragraph discussing your impressions of the Nevada State mint.