Civics and Government: Grade 8

Principles and Documents of Government

Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship

How Government Works

How International Relationships Function

Rule of Law

Laws and Government

Principles and Ideals that Shape Government

Documents and Ideals that Shape Pennsylvania and US Government

Individual Rights

Symbols

Civics Rights and Responsibilities

Conflict and Resolution

Leadership and Public Service

Competent and Responsible Citizens

Branches of Government

Structure, Organization, and Operation of Governments

Government Services

Leadership and Political Elections

Elements of the Election Process

Conflict and the Court System

Interest Groups

Media Influences

Taxes

Systems of Government

Countries and Conflicts

Tools of Foreign Policy

International Organizations

Media and its Influence

Identify the sources of the rule of law.

Outline how different systems of government function.

Analyze the principles and ideas that shaped local, Pennsylvania, and national governments.<ul><li>Liberty/Freedom</li><li>Democracy</li><li>Justice</li><li>Equality</li></ul>

Summarize the basic principles and ideals within documents and the roles played by the framers as found in significant documents:<ul><li>Declaration of Independence</li><li>United States Constitution</li><li>Bill of Rights</li><li>Pennsylvania Constitution</li></ul>

Compare and contrast the individual rights guaranteed by the PA Constitution versus the U.S. Constitution.

Analyze how political symbols are used by the media and leaders to influence public opinion.

Summarize the role of citizens in terms of right and responsibilites in different government systems.

Describe how citizens resolve conflicts in society and government.

Describe the role of political leadership and public service.

Describe the citizen's role in the political process.

Compare and contrast the responsibilities and powers of the three branches of government between Pennsylvania and the Federal government.

Compare and contrast the policy-making process between Pennsylvania and the federal government.

Describe how local, state, and national governments provide services.

Identify leadership positions and the role of political party affiliation at the local, state, and national levels.

Describe the closed primary voting process in Pennsylvania.

Explain the various judicial levels of the U.S. and state.

Explain the role of interest groups in the federal government process.

Describe the influence of mass media on government.

Describe various types of projects and services provided through local, state, and national taxes.

Compare democracy to totalitarianism.

Describe how national interests lead to agreements and conflicts between and among countries.

Describe the foreign policy tools of diplomacy, economic aid, military aid, sanctions, and treaties.

Explain how common problems (e.g., natural disasters, ethnic conflict, environmental concerns) are addressed by organizations and governments.

Describe how mass media influences our view of international events.