Grade 5, Unit 3, Lesson 7 Costa Rica Government Investigations Resource 7B

Costa Rica Government Investigation 1

View the YouTube clip Costa Rica: Road to Equality People of African descent in Costa Rica face discrimination.  Epsy Campbell is seeking her political party’s nomination to run for president.  She wants more representation in government from minorities who often face discrimination.  Go to www.democracyaroundtheworld.wikispaces.com and click on the Costa Rica link.  Then select Government Investigation 1.  Click on the video clip to learn more about Epsy. 

.

Grade 5, Unit 3, Lesson 7 Costa Rica Government Investigations Resource 7B

Costa Rica Government Investigation 2

Chinchilla Adelante is the first woman to be elected president of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is a republic with three powers.  Executive responsibilities are held by a president, legislative power is held bythe Legislative Assembly, and judicial power is held by the Supreme Court.   There are two vice presidents as well as a cabinet designated by the president. The president, vice presidents, and 57 Legislative Assembly delegates are elected for four‐year terms.   A constitutional amendment approved in 1969 limited presidents and delegates to one term, although delegates are allowed to run again for an Assembly seat after sitting out a term.  (Information retrieved from wikipedia)

Grade 5, Unit 3, Lesson 7 Costa Rica Government Investigations Resource 7B

Costa Rica Government Investigation 3

The Basilica Los Angeles Cartago, Costa Rica 

 

The Costa Rican Constitution states that the Catholic, Apostolic, and Romanic Religion is the official religion of the Republic.   The constitution also provides for freedom of religion.  The Government generally respects this right. There were no reports of abuse or discrimination based on religious belief or practice in 2007.  However, the Catholic Church is one of the most powerful, and wealthy, organizations in the country.  The views of the Catholic Church heavily influence policy‐making. 

Mormon Temple, San José, Costa Rica 

Grade 5, Unit 3, Lesson 7 Costa Rica Government Investigations Resource 7B

Costa Rica Government Investigation 4

 

  The literacy rate in Costa Rica is 94.9%.  This means most of the people can read.  This is one of the highest rates in the world.  Both elementary and high schools are found throughout the country in practically every community. The constitution says that every citizen has the right to public education.     All students must receive a primary education.  Both preschool and high school are free.  

            

Above are two schools in Costa Rica.  Even though school is free, many Costa Ricans cannot afford the required uniforms. Some rural schools have no books for students.  Students spend about 3.5 hours a day in school.  The school class schedule is divided into two sessions in order to accommodate the students.  How does this compare to the amount of time you spend in school?    The Costa Rican Constitution says the state should help those who can’t afford college. The Ministry of Public Education, established by the constitution, is in charge of awarding scholarships. 

Grade 5, Unit 3, Lesson 7 Resource 7B

GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATION: COSTA RICA ASSIGNMENT: What kind of government does Costa Rica use to promote democratic principles? Examine Costa Rica Government Investigations 1-4. Use this graphic organizer to record the evidence that shows how Costa Rica promotes justice, equality, responsibility and freedom.

RESOURCE: IDENTIFICATION:

(What kind of resource is this?) EVIDENCE: (What clues can you find that show how the country promotes democratic principles – justice, equality, responsibility, freedom?)

1

TYPE OF RESOURCE:

WHEN IT WAS CREATED:

CREATED BY:

2

TYPE OF RESOURCE:

WHEN IT WAS CREATED:

CREATED BY:

Grade 5, Unit 3, Lesson 7 Resource 7B  

RESOURCE: IDENTIFICATION: (What kind of resource is this?)

EVIDENCE: (What clues are provided about how the country promotes democratic principles – justice, equality, responsibility, freedom?)

3

TYPE OF RESOURCE:

WHEN IT WAS CREATED:

CREATED BY:

4

TYPE OF RESOURCE:

WHEN IT WAS CREATED:

CREATED BY:

EVIDENCE SUGGESTS COSTA RICA IS: ____PARLIAMENTARY REPUBLIC ____PRESIDENTIAL REPUBLIC ____CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY