This is the introduction to the entire unit. Students explore their personal views of democracy and what it meant to the creators of the Declaration of Independence, Federalists Papers, The Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Students take a close look at de Tocqueville's Democracy in America.

This lesson addresses the following English-Language Arts Standards: #1. Students read a wide range of print and nonprint texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. #4. Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes. This lesson also addresses U.S. History Standards #2: Historical Comprehension and #3: Historical Analysis and Interpretation and the History/SS's U.S. Government Standards

Students need to have successfully completed 10th grade English to enroll in American Literature.

1. Journal Writing on the meaning of democracy 2. Oral reading and responding to primary U.S. documents.

1. Students reflect on and write about their personal meaning of democracy. 2. Students pair-share and engage in whole class discussions.