Rule of Law SS.7.C.1.9 Define the rule of law and recognize its influence on the development of the American legal, political, and governmental systems.

Rule of Law RULE OF LAW: the principle that all people and institutions are subject to and answer to law that is fairly applied and enforced

Order & Security Citizens feel safe during daily activities. Police have procedures for dealing with crime. Criminals face consequences.

Legitimacy Citizens see the laws as worthy of following. Citizens have input in the law making process. Citizens respect the law and see the law as fair.

Checks & Balances Power is divided among branches of Government. All branches function effectively. The judicial system is independent from other branches. Elected officials must answer to the people.

Equal Application of Law Nobody is above the law, not even elected officials. The judicial system treats everyone the same.

Procedural Fairness The government has rules for legal proceedings. The government follows those rules. Those rules are fair!

Access to Justice Citizens have a way to enforce their rights. Citizens have the knowledge they need to get justice. The justice system is available for people to use.

Worksheet You have 10 minutes to complete the back of your worksheet independently

Skits! Each group has been given one portion of Rule of Law Write a skit that shows how your portion of Rule of Law protects individual rights and preserves the common good. Day 1 – write your skit Day 2 – Finish writing and rehearse your performance Day 3 – Perform your skit for the class

Performance Expectations You MUST be completely respectful while other groups are performing, anything less WILL result in a timeout for the remainder of the period and a zero on the assignment. Pay close attention to each skit.

Writing Prompt Which portion of Rule of Law do you think is the most important? Why? (Write 6-8 sentence, use examples from performance to support your answer)