1. A Portrait of Americans

2. GPS Standard
SSCG7 - The student will describe how thoughtful and effective participation in civic life is characterized by obeying the law, paying taxes, serving on a jury, participating in the political process, performing public service, registering for military duty, being informed about current issues, and respecting differing opinions.

3. Basic Understanding
To know and understand our governmental system, we must know how we have grown as a nation
The cultural diversity of the U.S. is perhaps unmatched in modern day and throughout history
People from all walks of life have made their home in the U.S.

4. Development of cultural centers
As immigrants moved to the U.S., they began to group themselves by language, culture, etc.
Chinatown, Sicilian Mafia
Over time, people settled due to location and lifestyle, rather than cultural similarities
Growth of cities and suburbs
Sunbelt

6. Graphic Organizer
Assignment: Take out a sheet of paper and draw 2 circles
In the inner circle, write down at least 5 details about where Americans live
In the outer circle, write down at least 5 details about what Americans do for work

7. How technology has advanced
Early on, many Americans worked as farmers and manufacturers.
As technology advanced and people were needed less, the workforce shifted to the service industry.
This advance in technology also caused people to live longer
Baby Boom

8. “Melting Pot” vs. “Mosaic”
For many years, U.S. was referred to as a “melting pot”
Many different ingredients mixed into a large pot
Recently, the term “mosaic” has begun to be used
Many different “tiles” assembled together to form one whole picture

9. What do you think?
Would you say that the U.S. is more like a melting pot or a mosaic?
Explain in at least 4-6 sentences.

10. Diversity’s Issues
Having so many different types of people has caused many problems throughout our history
Slavery
Racism/discrimination
Questions about equality
Has led to many changes in government, policy, and execution
Civil War Amendments
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Today’s immigration laws in Arizona/Georgia

11. Today’s numbers
In the U.S. today, the traditional minority groups are quickly becoming the majority in some states