It Can’t Happen Here

Worksheet Description

This worksheet, titled “It Can’t Happen Here,” encourages students to contemplate a hypothetical situation where the U.S. government no longer operates under its foundational system of checks and balances. The title itself suggests a protective sentiment about the importance of maintaining this system, emphasizing that any deviation from it could be catastrophic. Students are prompted to craft a detailed scenario envisioning the potential consequences of such a lapse, helping them to reflect on the implications of a government devoid of this safeguarding principle.

The primary objective of this worksheet is to foster critical thinking by prompting students to consider the severe repercussions that could arise from a lack of checks and balances. By imagining a world without this intrinsic mechanism, students can more deeply appreciate its vital role in preserving democratic governance. The exercise also serves to heighten awareness about the importance of preventing concentrations of power and the potential pitfalls of unchecked governance. Through this introspective exercise, learners are guided towards a profound understanding of why checks and balances are indispensable to a functioning democracy.