U.S. Government

U.S. Government

Foundations of Democracy

Government Structure

The Political Process

Citizenship

Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental historical and philosophical principles and ideas that led to the development of the American constitutional democracy.

Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and functions of government at all levels in the United States.

Demonstrate an understanding of the political process in determining and shaping public policy and the political climate in the United States.

Demonstrate an understanding of the rights and responsibilities associated with citizenship in the United States.

Analyze the philosophical influences on core political principles in the American constitutional democracy.

Interpret founding documents and principles that led to the creation of the American constitutional democracy.

Analyze the major debates and compromises underlying the formation and ratification of the Constitution.

"Investigate and communicate the importance of constitutional principles and fundamental values and apply them in abstract and real world situations. "

Explain the authority, organization, purposes, and responsibilities of the three branches of government as enumerated in Articles I–III in the Constitution.

Analyze how power and responsibility are distributed, shared, and limited in the American constitutional government.

Explain how governments in South Carolina are organized and how they function in the American constitutional government.

Synthesize why the rule of law has a central place in American society and the impact it has on the American political system.

Describe the policy making process in the American constitutional government.

Interpret how American political beliefs are shaped by the founding principles, core values, and changing demographics of America, and how those beliefs led to the creation of ideological trends which affect public policy over time.

Investigate the role of linkage institutions (i.e. media, interest groups, political parties), and explain how they shape public agenda and opinion.

Explain how the electoral process works in federal elections and the effects those elections have on U.S. government.

Describe the criteria and process for immigration to and citizenship in the U.S., and explain how the U.S. has expanded and limited the concept of citizenship over time.

Distinguish between various economic, personal, and political rights of citizens in the U.S., and how these rights can sometimes conflict with each other.

Analyze contemporary issues and governmental responses at various levels in terms of how they have provided equal protection under the law and equal access to society’s opportunities and public facilities.

Describe and evaluate the ways citizens can participate in the political process at the local, state, national, and global levels.