American Government

Students will create their own government to show their understanding of the foundational basics of government. 

Students will design a visual representation of the Constitution that outlines the structure of our federal government. 

Students will recommend a specific branch of government when shown examples of the functions or duties of the United States Constitutional government. 

Students will propose a solution to a current issue in their community that includes some form of local or state government. 

Students will determine what their rights and responsibilities as a citizen are. 

Students will determine the economy’s role in the United States government and international organizations. 

Students will justify the position of an influential American figure for a presentation.

differentiate between types of government. 

describe sovereignty.

determine how “rule of law” is defined and enforced by government. (SS.HS.2.7.a)

explain how different philosophers envisioned the ideal government. (SS.HS.1.1.a)

compare the four theories of how government began. 

explain how the Revolutionary Era led to the creation of the Constitution and its significance to America (e.g., songs, patriotic symbols, activities, etc.). (SS.HS.1.1.a, SS.HS.1.2.b) 

determine the reason that the separation of powers are included in the American constitutional government. (SS.HS 1.1.b) 

justify the use of federalism in our government. (SS.HS 1.1.b)

determine how each of the branches of the government help maintain America’s constitutional government. (SS.HS 1.1.b) 

categorize each branch’s functions as part of the United States government. (SS.HS 1.1.c)

decide how policy in the branches affect the market. (SS.HS 2.9.b) 

examine the relationship that local and state governments have. (SS.HS.1.1.d, SS.HS 1.1.e)

analyze the types of services that counties and states provide. (SS.HS 1.1.d, SS.HS 1.1.e)

explain how citizens use the structure of county and state government to shape policy. (SS.HS 1.2.a)

distinguish tribal governments from state and local governments. (SS.HS.1.1.f)

decide whether the federal, state, or local government should be used to combat any number of issues. (SS.HS 1.2.d) 

compare and contrast political parties in the United States. (SS.HS.1.1.g)

explain how interest groups use the structure and functions of government to shape policy. (SS.HS 1.2.a)

discuss current events and compare media sources for accuracy and perspective. (SS.HS 1.2.c) 

describe how a person becomes a citizen of the U.S. and their civic duties. 

identify how citizens use the media to check government practices. (SS.HS 1.2.e)

compare media sources for bias and accuracy. (SS.HS 1.2.f)

examine international organizations and understand how they affect the global economy. (SS.HS 1.1.f) 

explain how U.S. foreign policy issues can affect the market. (SS.HS.1.1.h) 

use supply and demand to determine changes in quantity demanded and quantity supplied. (SS.HS.2.5.b)

explain how the government utilizes taxes to subsidize citizen’s needs. (SS.HS.2.8.a)

decide the effects of government policies on the free market. (SS.HS.2.8.b)

distinguish between various forms of taxation and how they can alter behavior. (SS.HS.2.9.a)

name important historical figures from the U.S. 

explain the significance and impacts of various patriotic symbols, flags, holidays, and activities in many contexts (SS.HS.1.2.a)