Lesson Plan | Traditional Methodology | State Building

Objectives

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to provide a clear and detailed overview of the objectives that students should achieve by the end of the lesson. Establishing a solid understanding of the construction of the modern State, its characteristics, and its relationship with issues of power and democracy is essential for students to contextualize and understand the importance of this historical and social process.

Main Objectives

1. Identify the main characteristics and ideas associated with the construction of the modern State.

2. Understand the power relations and the formation of democracy in the context of the construction of the State.

3. Recognize the historical and social importance of the construction of the modern State in contemporary society.

Introduction

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to provide a historical and social background for students, allowing them to understand the context in which the modern State was constructed. This will help establish a solid foundation for subsequent discussions on power and democracy, as well as engage students by showing the relevance of the topic to current reality.

Context

Start the lesson by contextualizing the construction of the modern State from the transition from feudalism to capitalism, highlighting how the Great Navigations and the Renaissance contributed to the formation of national States. Explain that during the Middle Ages, Europe was composed of fiefs, where power was decentralized. With the crisis of feudalism, there arose a need to centralize power to manage larger and more complex territories, resulting in the formation of modern States. Mention the English, French, and American Revolutions as important milestones in this process.

Curiosities

Did you know that the construction of the modern State was fundamental to the development of current democracies? Without the centralization of power and the creation of strong institutions, it would be impossible to guarantee equal rights and duties for all citizens. Moreover, many of the concepts of citizenship and rights we have today were developed during this period.

Development

Duration: 40 - 50 minutes

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to deepen students' knowledge about the construction of the modern State, providing a detailed understanding of the concepts and historical events involved. By addressing specific topics and proposing questions for discussion, this section aims to consolidate students' understanding of the relationship between the centralization of power, the formation of democracies, and the historical importance of the modern State.

Covered Topics

1. Concept of Modern State: Explain what the modern State is, highlighting its main characteristics, such as the centralization of power, the existence of an organized bureaucracy, and the definition of clear territorial borders. 2. Formation of National States: Detail the process of forming national States, mentioning the transition from feudalism to capitalism and the impact of the Great Navigations and the Renaissance. Address how these events contributed to the centralization of power and the creation of stronger and more organized States. 3. Theories on the Origin of the State: Present the main theories about the origin of the State, such as Contractualism (Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau), which advocates the idea of a social contract between rulers and the ruled, and Marxist theory, which sees the State as an instrument of domination of one class over another. 4. Power and Legitimacy: Explain the relationship between power and legitimacy in the context of the modern State. Discuss how legitimacy is essential for the stability and functioning of the State, and how it can be obtained through democratic processes and respect for citizens' rights. 5. Democracy and the Modern State: Address the evolution of democracy within the modern State. Explain how historical processes, such as the English, French, and American Revolutions, contributed to the development of democratic institutions and the expansion of citizens' rights.

Classroom Questions

1. What are the main characteristics of the modern State and how do they differ from the feudal system? 2. How did historical events, such as the Great Navigations and the Renaissance, contribute to the formation of modern States? 3. Explain the contractualist theories about the origin of the State and compare them with Marxist theory.

Questions Discussion

Duration: 20 - 25 minutes

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to review and consolidate the knowledge acquired by students, promoting an in-depth discussion about the topics addressed. This moment allows students to clarify doubts, reflect on the proposed questions, and engage in an exchange of ideas, strengthening their understanding of the construction of the modern State and its implications for contemporary society.

Discussion

• Explain that the Modern State is characterized by the centralization of power, the presence of an organized bureaucracy, and defined territorial borders. In the feudal system, power was decentralized, with authority divided among feudal lords.

• Detail that historical events such as the Great Navigations and the Renaissance were fundamental for the formation of modern States. The Great Navigations expanded economic and territorial horizons, while the Renaissance brought new ideas about governance and power.

• Present the contractualist theories of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, which suggest that the State arose from a social contract between rulers and the ruled, each with different views on the state of nature and natural rights. Compare with the Marxist theory, which sees the State as an instrument of domination of one class over another.

Student Engagement

1. How did the centralization of power in the Modern State contribute to political and social stability? 2. In what ways did the Great Navigations and the Renaissance influence the formation of European nations? 3. Among the contractualist theories and the Marxist theory, which do you think better explains the origin of the State? Justify your answer. 4. How is the legitimacy of power established and maintained in a modern democracy? 5. What aspects of the English, French, and American Revolutions were most significant for the development of democracy?

Conclusion

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to consolidate the knowledge acquired, reinforcing the main points discussed and highlighting the relevance of the topic for understanding contemporary society. This section also aims to ensure that students have a clear and integrated view of the contents discussed, facilitating the retention and application of knowledge.

Summary

• The modern State is characterized by the centralization of power, the existence of an organized bureaucracy, and defined territorial borders.
• The transition from feudalism to capitalism and events such as the Great Navigations and the Renaissance were fundamental for the formation of national States.
• The contractualist theories of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, which explain the origin of the State through a social contract, contrast with the Marxist theory, which sees the State as an instrument of class domination.
• Legitimacy is essential for the stability and functioning of the State, being obtained through democratic processes and respect for citizens' rights.
• The English, French, and American Revolutions were important milestones for the development of democratic institutions and the expansion of citizens' rights.

The lesson connected theory with practice by demonstrating how historical and philosophical concepts about the formation of the modern State directly influence current power structures and governance, illustrating with examples of historical events and their practical consequences in contemporary society.

Understanding the construction of the modern State is crucial for comprehending the current political and social organization, as well as the importance of democratic institutions. Concepts such as centralization of power, bureaucracy, and legitimacy are fundamental for the functioning of modern societies, directly impacting citizens' daily lives and the guarantee of their rights.