Government

Government Priority Standards

Continuity and Change

Government Systems and Principles

Geographical Study

Economic Concepts

People, Groups, and Cultures

Tools of Social Science Inquiry

Historical Foundations

Structure of Government

Historical Foundations

Structure of Government

Government in Action

Historical Foundations

Government in Action

Historical Foundations

Structure of Government

Government in Action

Historical Foundations

Structure of Government

Government in Action

Create and use tools to analyze a chronological sequence of events related to a study of government.

Explain connections between historical context and peoples’ perspectives at the time.

Develop a research plan, identify appropriate resources for investigating social studies topics, and create and present a research product which applies an aspect of government to a contemporary issue.

Using an inquiry lens, develop compelling questions about government, determine helpful resources and consider multiple points of views represented in the resources.

Analyzethe causes and consequences of a specific issue tied to government as well as the challenges and opportunities faced by those trying to address the problem.

Analyze laws, policies, and processes to determine how governmental systems affect individuals and groups in society

Distinguish the powers and responsibilities of citizens and institutions to address and solve problems.

Create and use maps and other graphic representations in order to explain relationships and reveal patterns or trends about government.

Analyze the relationship between of the geography of the original 13 colonies on the formation of United States government.

Examine the opportunity costs and benefits of economic decisions on society as a whole as well as on individuals and government.

Using a government lens, describe how peoples’ perspectives shaped the sources/artifacts they created.

Examine the origins and impact of social structures and stratification on societies and relationships between peoples and governments.

Trace the evolution of government in the English colonies to explain American colonists’ expectations for self-rule

Analyze the Declaration of Independence to determine the influence of classical and Enlightenment thought on revolutionary ideals.

Evaluate the extent to which decisions made in the Constitutional Convention were influenced by previous models of government and experiences under British rule.

Compare and contrast the structure and function of democratic governments and authoritarian governments, noting their impact on people, groups and societies.

Explain how the central debates of the Constitutional Convention were resolved.

Explain how concerns over a strong central government were addressed to provide for ratification of the Constitution.

Trace the significant changes in the role, powers and size of the three branches of government over time

Analyze the changing relationship between state and federal governmental power.

Trace the changing power relationships between branches of the United State’s government over time.

Analyze changing ideals regarding an “active judiciary,” an ” active legislature” and an “active executive branch” in United States’ government over time.

Explain the powers and responsibilities of citizens and institutions to address and solve problems.

Analyze how the codification of law impacted early civilizations and shaped enduring concepts government, law, and social order.

Apply the concepts of natural law, social contract, due process of law, and popular sovereignty to explain the purposes and legacy of the Declaration of Independence.

Describe the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation to explain its failure as a national government.

Apply the concepts of due process of law, popular sovereignty, rule of law, representation, and federalism to explain the purpose and legacy of the Constitution.

Analyze the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution to determine their success in implementing the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.

Analyze the unique roles and responsibilities of the three branches of government to determine how they function and interact.

Describe and give examples of how the constitutional principle of checks and balances limits the power of government and leaders.

Explain how the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments limit the power of government, protect individual liberty, and provide for equality under the law.

Compare the structure and functions of local, state and federal governments.

Evaluate the role and influence of contemporary political parties on government.

Explain a citizen’s legal obligations, as well as opportunities for, engaging with and using local, state, and federal governments to shape decision-making.

Compare the various processes pertaining to the selection of political leaders at the federal, state, and local level

Analyze how geography of North America influenced the governmental systems which developed there.

Analyze state and federal electoral results to determine the influence of social, regional and demographic characteristics

Analyze the impact of economics and economic theories on the formation of United States governmental ideals, principles and structures.

Compare trade, monetary policy, and taxation under the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.

Analyze the changing roles of government in the economy throughout United States history.

Analyze the role that people, businesses, and government play in taxation and spending required to maintain the public good.

Analyze the varying perspectives of individuals and groups to explain emerging divisions and political philosophies as the United States was founded.

Analyze the perspectives of individuals and groups regarding the development of the American governmental system to explain emerging divisions and political philosophies.

Evaluate the intended and unintended impact of government decision-making on individuals, groups, and society.

Explain how political parties and interest groups reflect diverse perspectives and are influenced by individuals.

Evaluate factors that shape public opinion on elections and policy issues.

Predict the consequences that occur when institutions fail to meet the needs of individuals and groups, and when individuals fail to carry out their personal responsibilities.