Social Studies - American Civics

Social Studies

·	World Cultures
·	American Civics
·	American Cultures
·	Economics
·	Problems of Democracy

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Bloomsburg Area School District

Social Studies 9-12

Social Studies - American Civics

Goals and Descriptions

How Government Works | How International Relationships Function | Principals and Documents of Government | Rights & Responsibilities of Citizenship

Principals and Documents of Government

Government: Argument/Necessity
The learner will be able to identify and explain the major arguments advanced for the necessity of government CONTENT: Identify the factors that shape a nation's government; trace the development of American indpendence from the causes of the Revolutionary War to the Declaration of Independence.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.1.9.A

Rule of Law: Historical Examples
The learner will be able to describe historical examples of the importance of the rule of law: Sources, Purposes, Functions CONTENT: Identify the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence; identify the four types of U.S. law.

Strand	Scope	Source
Law	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.1.9.B

Gov't: Principals/Ideals/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze the principles and ideals that shape government: Constitutional government, Liberal democracy, Classical republicanism, Federalism CONTENT: Compare and contrast direct democracy, representative democracy, republic and federalism; explain the procedure by which the majority of states were admitted into the Union; explain how power is shared by national and state government in a federal system; explain why the Constitution limits the power of the federal government; explain why the Constitution provides for the separation of powers; identify the main responsibility of each of the three branches of government; discuss how the system of checks and balances works; describe how and why the new Constitution was ratified by the states; explain the principles of popular sovereignty and majority rule; explain why the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments are called the "Civil War Amendments" and describe how these amendments extend civil rights; analyze the concept majority rule, minority rights.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.1.9.C

Documents: Interpret
The learner will be able to interpret significant changes in the basic documents shaping the government of Pennsylvania: The Great Law of 1682, Constitution of 1776, Constitution of 1790, Constitution of 1838, Constitution of 1874, Constitution of 1968 CONTENT: Identify the six parts of most state constitutions; discuss some of the ways the state governments cooperate with each other.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.1.9.D

US Documents: Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze the basic documents shaping the government of the United States: Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights, Mayflower Compact, Articles of Confederation, Declaration of Independence, Federalist papers, Anti-federalist writing, United States Constitution; CONTENT: explain why the Constitution often is called a "living document"; describe the amendment process, including proposal, ratification, and appeal; explain how interpretation and custom add flexibility to the Constitution; identify the ideas about government that delegates to the Constitutional Convention borrowed from Great Britian; explain how the Constitution strengthened the American government; describe how the Federalist and Anti-Federalist resolved their differences; describe how the Pilgrims influenced the nation's founders; identify the six major goals of the U.S. Constitution; describe how and why the new Constitution was ratified by the states; identify the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation; identify the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence; relate how a lack of strong national government created problems for the United States; discuss how compromise made it possible to draft the Constitution; explain the reasons why the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.1.9.E

constitution: Contrast/Rights
The learner will be able to contrast the individual rights created by the Pennsylvania Constitution and those created by the Constitution of the United States CONTENT: identify the six parts of most state constitutions; discuss some of the ways the state governments cooperate with each other; list the basic freedoms protected by the Bill of Rights.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.1.9.F

Flag: Describe/Proper Use
The learner will be able to describe the procedures for proper uses, display and respect for the United States Flag as per the National Flag Code CONTENT: describe the procedures for proper uses, display, and respect for the U.S. flag.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.1.9.G

Framers: Role/Describe
The learner will be able to explain and interpret the roles of framers of basic documents of government from a national and Pennsylvania perspective CONTENT: identify the ideas about government that delegates to the Constitutional Convention borrowed from Great Britain; describe how the Federalist and Anti-Federalist resolved their differences; assess the importance of the outsome of the Second Continental Congress; discuss how compromise made it possible to draft the Constitution.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.1.9 H

Governments: Systems/Explain
The learner will be able to explain the essential characteristics of limited and unlimited governments and explain the advantages and disadvantages of systems of government.· Confederal, Federal, Unitary CONTENT: describe the basic forms of government and who holds the power in each; compare and contrast direct democracy, representative democracy, republic, and federalism; identify the sources of money for political parties and explain why Congress regulates political contributions; describe the basic provisions of the Federal Elections Campaign Act; explain how power is shared by national and state government in a federal system; identify the weakness of the Articles of Confederation.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.1.9 I

Rights: Protects/Explain
The learner will be able to explain how law protects individual rights and the common good CONTENT: explain why communities need laws and regulations; define the term "crime"; suggest reasons for the high divorce rate in the United States; discuss the main purposes of education; explain how our system of education developed; identify the various levels of education in the United States; define the term "community"; give a definition of the terms "family" and "socialization"; list the requirements for marriage in most states; explain suspects' rights to due process of law from arrest to sentencing; identify various ways of punishing lawbreakers; identify possible causes of juvenile delinquency; describe the special courts set up to try juvenile offenders and explain why juveniles are tried in special courts; identify the various ways of punishing juvenile delinquents.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.1.9 J

Symbols/Holidays: Explain/Ideals
The learner will be able to explain why symbols and holidays were created and the ideals they commemorate CONTENT: explain why symbols and holidays were created and the ideals they commemorate.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.1.9 K

Courts: Impact/Principals/Ideals
The learner will be able to interpret Pennsylvania and United States court decisions that have impacted the principles and ideals of government CONTENT: identify arguments on both sides of the capital punishment debate; discuss court decisions about various school prayer issues; summarize major supreme court rulings dealing with the Fourth Amendment.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.1.9 L

Speeches/Writings: Impact/Interpret
The learner will be able to interpret the impact of famous speeches and writings on civic life (e.g., The Gospel of Wealth, Declaration of Sentiments) CONTENT: discuss court decisions about various school prayer issues.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.1.9 M

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Rights & Responsibilities of Citizenship

Citizenship: Rights/Responsibilities
The learner will be able to contrast the essential rights and responsibilities of citizens in systems of government: Autocracy, Democracy, Oligarchy, Republic CONTENT: compare the rights of the U.S. citizens and legal aliens and identify the problems of illegal aliens; explain the differences between a citizen's duties and a citizen's responsibilities; identify and describe some of the important duties and responsibilities of citizenship; identify the ways by which a person can become an American citizen by birth; contrast the use of propaganda in totalitarian societies with its use in democratic societies; explain why the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments are called the "Civil War Amendments" and describe how these amendments extend civil rights.

Strand	Scope	Source
Rights and Responsibilities	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.2.9.A

Rights/Responsibilities: Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze citizens' rights and responsibilities in local, state and national government CONTENT: list the procedures that ensure the right to a fair trial; identify the ways in which amendments to the constitution have extended voting rights to various groups of Americans; explain the differences between a citizen's duties and a citizen's responsibilities; identify and describe some of the important duties and responsibilities of citizenship; identify the basic functions of the family; list the traditional values of education in the United States; discuss the goals of American schools; explain the need to take notes in class and go to class prepared; explain the best way to prepare for tests; identify the effects of transportation, resources, and climate on the location of a community; describe the various kinds of communities found in the United States; identify how learning and experience are related; explain the obligations of a U.S. citizen; identify the basic freedoms traditionally enjoyed by American citizens; name the ideals that form the basis of U.S. government and the American way of life; list the qualities of a good citizen; define public opinion; identify the sources that influence opinions and explain why a person can have information but not be a well informed citizen; explain the importance of using representative samples in polls; give a definition of the term "civil rights"; identify the possible disadvantages of polls; describe changes that have taken place in the family since colonial times and give some reasons for these changes; discuss some of the current trends occurring in marriage and the family, and offer explanations for these trends; compare past and present treatment of juvenile offenders in the U.S.

Strand	Scope	Source
Rights and Responsibilities	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.2.9.B

Conflicts: Resolve/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze skills used to resolve conflicts in society and government CONTENT: identify ways people communicate with each other; identify challenges facing U.S. communities; state examples of how family life can provide training for good citizenship; explain how having a budget helps a family; identify challenges facing U.S. school and how those challenges are being met; describe what students can learn from extracurricular activities; explain the role of insight in the thinking process; explain the difference between fact and opinion; explain why people should learn to think for themselves; identify the sources that influence opinions and explain why a person can have information but not be a well informed citizen; explain how public opinion is measured; interpret information presented in a poll; explain the arguments in favor of and against capital punishment.

Strand	Scope	Source
Rights and Responsibilities	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.2.9.C

Political Leadership: Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze political leadership and public service in a republican form of government CONTENT: describe how volunteer groups help improve the communities in which we live.

Strand	Scope	Source
Rights and Responsibilities	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.2.9.D

Citizenship: Political Process
The learner will be able to explain the importance of the political process to competent and responsible participation in civic life CONTENT: summarize the steps in the naturalization process; describe the use of a national census and the ways in which a nation's population may grow.; describe migration patterns of Americans from early times to the present; discuss several important trends in American life today; explain why communities need laws and regulations; explain how good citizenship is related to developing good communities; give a working definition of the word "civics"; discuss propaganda and identify propaganda techniques.

Strand	Scope	Source
Rights and Responsibilities	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.2.9.E

Violating Rules: Analyze/Consequences
The learner will be able to analyze the consequences of violating laws of Pennsylvania compared to those of the United States CONTENT: identify various ways of punishing lawbreakers; explain the arguments in favor of and against capital punishment.

Strand	Scope	Source
Rights and Responsibilities	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.2.9.F

Government: Participation/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze political and civic participation in government and society CONTENT: explain how communities influence the ways people live and things people learn; describe how communities help people enjoy their lives, and identify various purposes of community recreational facilities; describe how volunteer groups help improve the communities in which we live; give a working defintion of the word "civics"; explain the obligations of a U.S. citizen; explain the duties of police officers and how people become police officers.

Strand	Scope	Source
Rights and Responsibilities	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.2.9.G

US Economy
The learner will be able to interpret how media reports can influence perceptions of the costs and benefits of decisions CONTENT: identify the sources that influence opinions and explain why a person can have information but not be a well informed citizen.

Strand	Scope	Source
Rights and Responsibilities	Master	PA Academic Standards for Economics 6.2.9 K

Immigration
The learner will be able to analyze how continunity and change has influenced United States History from 1787 to 1914 identify and analyze conflict and cooperation among social groups and organizations in United States History from 1787 to 1914 CONTENT: describe America's earliest immigrants; describe how America's immigration policy has changed over time.

Strand	Scope	Source
Rights and Responsibilities	Master	PA Academic Standards for History 8.3.9 C & D

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How Government Works

Government: Explain Structure
The learner will be able to explain the structure, organization and operation of the local, state, and national governments including domestic and national policy-making CONTENT: for LOCAL GOVERNMENT - explain how the county system of government began in the U.S.; explain how local governments are established and why they are needed: describe how local and state governments work together: cite two main purposes of county government and list the officials found in most governments; Descrive the main features of town, township, and village governments; identify the purpose and forms of special districts; discuss the organization of the major types of city government; identify the services citties provide for their residents; identify the ways in which local, state, and federal governments cooperate and the ways in which they compete; CONTENT for STATE GOVERNMENT dentify the other officials of state executive branches; describe how most state government employees get their jobs; describe the area of responsibility of each of the four types of state courts; explain how small-claims courts differ from other courts; identify what citizens can do if they are not satisfied with an appeals court decision; identify initiative, referendum, and recall; dentify the state's reserved powers; identify the six parts of most state constitutions; discuss some of the ways the federal and state governments cooperate with each other; explain why state election districts must have nearly equal populations; identify and explain the qualifications and terms of office of state legislators; identify the qualifications, terms of office, duties, and powers of most governors; CONTENT FOR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT (Judicial, Executive and Legislative Branches) identify and explain how appointments to the Supreme Court are made; explain how John Marshall influenced and strengthened the development of the Supreme Court through the use of the judicial review and how Congress limits the court's power; explain how the Supreme Court decides to hear a case and what happens if it refuses; analyse how the Supreme Court is able to change its opinion over time; summarize the ways in which the Supreme Court has acted to protect our basic rights and freedoms; explain how majority rule affects the making of laws and why obeying laws is important; describe the role of the courts; identify the kinds of cases over which federal courts have jurisdiction; describe the basic organization and principle types of federal courts that exist in the U.S; cite the salaries of the president and vice president; identify the order of presidential succession; explain what happens if a president becomes too ill to fulfill the duties of office; identify the powers, role, and responsibilities of the President; identify and explain the purpose of the Executive Office of the President; identify the executive departments headed by members of the Cabinet; describe the basic organization of our nation's Congress; describe the basic organization of our nation's Congress; describe congressional committees, including their power to affect bills; identify both the delegated and the implied powers of Congress; describe the impeachment process; identify the special powers of the House and Senate; explain the ways in which the powers of Congress are limited; list the qualifications for the presidency and rules regarding the term of office; give two reasons the framers of the constitution created a bicameral legislature; identify the number of members in the House and Senate and the length of term for members of each house; compare the qualifications and salaries of members of the House and Senate; explain the ways Congress deals with misconduct by its members.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.3.9.A

Government: Three Branches/Compare
The learner will be able to compare the responsibilities and powers of the three branches within the national government CONTENT: identify initiative, referendum, and recall Content: Discuss some of the ways the federal and state governments cooperate with each other; explain how powers are divided between federal and state governments; explain how John Marshall influenced and strengthened the development of the Supreme Court throught the use of judicial review and how Congress limits the court's power; explain how majority rule affects the making of laws and why obeying laws is important; describe the role of the courts; identify the kinds of caswes over which federal courts have jurisdiction; identify the Supreme Court's role in the judicial system; identify the powers, role, and responsibilities of the President; discuss the major responsibilities of each of the executive departments; identify both the delegated and the implied powers of Congress; identify the special powers of the House and Senate; give two reasons the framers of the constitution created a bicameral legislature; identify the number of members in the House and Senate and the length of term for members of each house; compare the qualifications and salaries of members of the House and Senate; explain why the Constitution provides for the separation of powers; identify the main responsibility of each of the three branches of government; discuss how the system of checks and balances works.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.3.9.B

Bill: Explain/Law
The learner will be able to explain how a bill becomes a law on a federal, state, and local level CONTENT: describe how a state bill becomes a law; identify where ideas for bills originate; trace the steps by which a bill becomes law.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.3.9.C

Government: Policies/Explain
The learner will be able to explain how independent government agencies create, amend and enforce regulatory policies: Local (e.g., Zoning Board), State (e.g., Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission), National (e.g., Federal Communications Commission) CONTENT: identify the other officials of state executive branches; compare and contrast independent agencies and regulatory commissions; explain why the independent agencies are separate from the executive departments.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.3.9.D

Leaders: Campaigns/Choosing
The learner will be able to explain how citizens participate in choosing their leaders through political parties, campaigns and elections CONTENT: describe how third parties have influenced U.S. politics; explain why the U.S. generally opposes one-party systems; describe the founding of the Democratic and Republican parties and explain the advantages of the two-party system; identify the committees that do the planning for each of the major parties; identiry the purposes of political parties; explain why and how citizens register to vote; describe primary and general elections; explain how an independent candidate can become listed on a ballot; explain the purpose of national nominating conventions and how convention delegates are chosen; explain how voters learn the views of U.S. presidential candidates; identify some ways in which all citizens can participate in government; explain the importance of voting, and determine why so few U.S. citizens vote; explain how volunteers and interest groups help political campaigns.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.3.9.E

Election Process: Explain
The learner will be able to explain the election process: Voter registration, Primary Elections, Caucuses, Political party conventions, General Elections, Electoral College CONTENT: explain how the Voting Rights Act protects voters, and identify who is disqualified from voting; explain what happens when none of the presidential or vice presidential nominees wins an electoral majority; explain why and how citizens register to vote; describe primary and general elections; compare voting today with voting in the past; explain the purpose of national nominating conventions and how convention delegates are chosen; state the main purpose of the Electoral College and the number of electors; explain how voters learn the views of U.S. presidential candidates; explain the importance of voting and determine why so few U.S. citizens vote.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.3.9.F

Individual Rights: Gov't Protects
The learner will be able to explain how the government protects individual rights, Equal protection, Habeas Corpus, Right Against Self Incrimination, Double Jeopardy, Right of Appeal, Due Process CONTENT: list the procedures that ensure the right to a fair trial; compare the arguments supporting and opposing drug testing in schools; examine the provisions protecting the rights of a person accused of a crime and due process of law; identify the guarantees that a person has who is accused of a crime; identify arguments on both sides of the capital punishment debate; explain suspects' rights to due process of law from arrest to sentencing; describe the special courts set up to try juvenile offenders and explain why juveniles are tried in special courts; list the basic freedoms protected by the Bill of Rights; evaluate the importance of freedom of speech; compare and contrast views on gun control and the Second Amendment; compare and contrast different views on drug testing of student athletes.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.3.9.G

Interests Groups: Citizens/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze how interest groups provide opportunities for citizens to participate in the political process CONTENT: explain how interest groups differ from political parties; describe the different types of interest groups and determine why such groups have been criticized; explain how lobbyists try to influence government and public opinion; explain how volunteers and interest groups help political campaigns.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.3.9.H

Government: Raise Money/Analyze
The learner will be able to analyze how and why government raises money to pay for its operation and services CONTENT: identify reasons for this high cost of government; explain how government priorities affect government spending; identify the purposes fo taxes and list the principals of fair taxation; explain how governments raise money and why they borrow money; explain what the individual income tax is based on and how citizens pay it; contrast sales and exercise taxes and contrast estate and inheritance taxes; compare corporate and individual income taxes; describe how real property is taxed; explain how tariffs can protect U.S. industry; explain how the three levels of government collect public money; explain how the federal budget is prepared; identify the safeguards against mismanagement of public funds; identify the size of the national debt, and explain why it is so large and why such a large debt might be a problem.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.3.9.I

Media: Freedom of the Press
The learner will be able to analyze the importance of freedom of the press CONTENT: explain the importance of freedom of press.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.3.9.J

Government Systems: Identify
The learner will be able to identify and explain systems of government: Autocracy, Democracy, Oligarchy, Republic CONTENT: describe the basic forms of government and who holds the power in each.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.3.9.K

US Economy
The learner will be able to explain why governments sometimes restrict or subsidize trade CONTENT: explain how Tariffs can protect U.S. industry.

Strand	Scope	Source
How Government Works	Master	PA Academic Standards for Economics 6.4.9.C

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How International Relationships Function

Policies: Affect/US/Explain
The learner will be able to explain how the United States is affected by policies of nation-states, governmental and non-governmental organizations CONTENT: explain how the Cold War began and how Soviet influence spread; describe important events of the Cold War, including the U.S. response to the Berlin blockade, the Cuban Missle Crisis, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War; explain events relating to the Persian Gulf War and recent moves toward peace in Southwest Asia; describe the purposes of NAFTA, GATT, and APEC; describe NATO and Partnership for Peace; explain the challenges poses by Pacific Rim countries and the goals of the European Union.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.4.9.A

US: Role/World Affairs
The learner will be able to explain the role of the United States in world affairs CONTENT: explain how the Cold War began and how Soviet influence spread; describe important events of the Cold War including the U.S. response to the Berlin blockade, the Cuban Missle Crisis, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War; explain how the Cold War ended; explain U.S. concern about Russian nationalism; explain events relating to the Persian Gulf War and recent moves toward peace in Southwest Asia; describe U.S. relations with China and Japan; describe the purposes of NAFTA, GATT, and, APEC; explain the isolationism of the early U.S. and why this policy was difficult to maintain; explain how the War of 1812 led to a shift in U.S. foreign policy; Identify the origins of the Monroe Doctrine and the Good neighbor Policy; explain why the U.S. did not remain neutral during the two world wars; identify the purpose of foreign policy; explain the president's role as chief diplomat, explain the purposes of security alliances; describe NATO and Partnership for Peace; describe the history and purpose of U.S. foreign aid; explain the challenges posed by Pacific Rim countries and the goals of the European Union.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.4.9.B

Other Nations: US/Effects/Explain
The learner will be able to explain the effects United States political ideas have had on other nations CONTENT: describe important events of the Cold War including the U.S. response to the Berlin blockade, the Cuban Missle Crisis, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War; explain events relating to the Persian Gulf War and recent moves toward peace in Southwest Asia; describe U.S. relations with China and Japan; explain the isolationism of the early U.S. and why this policy was difficult to maintain; identify the origins of the Monroe Doctrine and the Good Neighbor Policy; describe the history and purpose of U.S. foreign aid; explain the challenges posed by Pacific Rim countries and the goals of the European Union; describe NATO and Partnership for Peace.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.4.9.C

foreign Policy: Contract/Gov't
The learner will be able to contrast how the three branches of federal government function in foreign policy CONTENT: name the president's military and diplolmatic powers; explain how Congress can limit the president's activities in international conflicts; identify the foreign policy roles of the Department of State and the Department of Defense; explain the president's role as chief diplomat.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.4.9.D

United Nations: Role/Explain
The learner will be able to explain the development and the role of the United Nations and other international organizations, both governmental and non-governmental CONTENT: explain why the United Nations was formed; outline how the United Nations is organized; describe the makeup of the six main divisions of the United Nations; describe how the secretary-general is choses; describe the role of the UN peacekeeping forces; describe the purposes of NAFTA, GATT, and APEC.

Strand	Scope	Source
Government	Master	PA Academic Standards for Civics and Government, 5.4.9.E

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