Forming a Government

Scenario: Imagine that you are on a lush, deserted island along with the rest of the students in
your class. After a few weeks, it becomes clear that there is absolutely no chance of ever being
rescued. It is quickly becoming clear that the lack of rules is creating tension among the islands
new inhabitants. Your group is also disagreeing with the other groups how to run things. You
decide that each group will get a portion of the island to create your own country. You know that
you need to create a government to secure people's rights and to secure order.

Directions: COnsider your situation and the various forms of government discussed earlier in
class. You are responsible for deciding what kind of government is best for the island. In doing
so, you will need to consider the questions below (and answer them). Be prepared to discuss
your answers with the class and defend your form of government. This means you will need to
discuss within your group possible problems that might arise after your government is in place.
The things that you must include are:
You will answer all of the questions below
10 individual rights that each citizen will receive (like our Bill of Rights),
10 Laws that will help keep peoples rights intact
For the rights and laws you will be writing a Constitution that will include these items
You will also need to come up with a name for your country and explain why you named it that
You will also need to come up with a flag - needs to be drawn and colored
Each group will turn in one set of answers, one Constitution, and one flag with ALL names on it
YOU WILL TURN EVERYTHING IN ON PAPER NOT ONLINE
Questions:
1. What kind of authority figure(s) will your government have? (which form of government will
yours be modeled after) Explain how you came to this decision
2. How will you decide who has authority? (voting by all citizens, voting by elites, self-
appointment, familial, etc) Explain how you came to this decision
3. What will authority be responsible for?
4. What rights will your government be responsible for protecting? Think of at least 10
fundamental rights
5. What laws will your government have to protect rights? Think of at least 10 laws. In doing so,
consider laws that will uphold your governments fundamental rights. (laws that restrict citizens
as well as laws that limit government). How will violators of laws be tried (if at all) and
punished?
6. Will citizens be involved in government? If so to what extent?
7. What responsibilities will citizens have? What duties will citizens have?
8. What possible problems might arise in your form of government?