08/28/2026
🏛️ The Reset: Building Government From the Ground Up
Mr. Fussell’s Civics students recently presented their PBL projects to an authentic audience after taking on the challenge of creating their own governments from the ground up!
Guided by the essential question, “Why should anyone agree to be governed?”, students developed a form of government, system of government, and economic system. They then pitched and defended their decisions using their understanding of power, authority, legitimacy, sovereignty, and politics.
This experience challenged students to think critically, apply their learning, communicate clearly, and defend their ideas in front of a real audience.
A special thank-you to our incredible panelists for sharing their expertise and providing our students with thoughtful questions and feedback: Ms. Kea, K–12 Social Studies Specialist and AP Coordinator for Pitt County Schools; Dr. Brown, Director of School Improvement for Pitt County Schools, former middle and high school social studies teacher, former PCS principal, and holder of a doctorate in social studies education; Dr. Huffman, Assistant Professor in the Department of Elementary Education and Middle Grades Education; and Dr. Francia, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Survey Research at East Carolina University.
This is what learning looks like when students are given the opportunity to create, defend, reflect, and revise.
