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.

1.1.d

Depth 2

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

1.1.e

Depth 2

Analyze the 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.

1.2.a

Depth 2

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

1.2.b

Depth 2

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

1.3.a

Depth 2

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

1.3.b

Depth 2

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

1.4.a

Depth 2

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

1.5.a

Depth 2

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

1.5.b

Depth 2

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

2.1.a

Depth 2

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

2.1.b

Depth 2

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

2.1.c

Depth 2

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

2.1.d

Depth 2

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

2.2.a

Depth 2

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

2.2.b

Depth 2

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.

2.2.c

Depth 2

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

2.3.a

Depth 2

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

2.4.a

Depth 2

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

2.5.a

Depth 2

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

3.1.a

Depth 2

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

3.1.b

Depth 2

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

3.1.c

Depth 2

Trace the significant changes in roles, powers and size of the three branches of government.

3.1.d

Depth 2

Analyze the changing relationship between state and federal governmental powers.

3.2.a

Depth 2

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.

3.2.b

Depth 2

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

3.2.c

Depth 2

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

3.2.d

Depth 2

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

3.2.e

Depth 2

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

3.2.f

Depth 2

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

3.4.a

Depth 2

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

3.4.b

Depth 2

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

3.5.a

Depth 2

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

3.5.b

Depth 2

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

4.1.a

Depth 2

Trace the changing power relationships between branches of the United States government over time.

4.1.b

Depth 2

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

4.1.c

Depth 2

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

4.2.a

Depth 2

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

4.2.b

Depth 2

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

4.2.c

Depth 2

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

4.3.a

Depth 2

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

4.4.a

Depth 2

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

4.5.a

Depth 2

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

4.5.b

Depth 2

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

Depth 2

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4.5.d

Depth 2

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.

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Source document: 6-12 Social Studies Grade Level Expectations
License: CC BY 4.0 US