Political Systems-3rd Grade

Understand political systems, with an emphasis on the United States. Understand the relationship of the Church and its systems to political systems of the United States.

Understand and explain basic principles of the United States government. Understand the relationship of basic principles for the U.S. Government and the Catholic Church Government. Understand what God does for humanity. CSIS3   Understand and explain the human condition and the role and dignity of man in God’s plan. CSIS8

Understand the structures and functions of the political systems of Illinois, the United States, and other nations. Understand the relationship of Church structure and functions to the structures and functions of the political systems of the United States and other nations. Understand what God does for humanity. CSIS3    Understand and explain the human condition and the role and dignity of man in God’s plan. CSIS8        Discuss how Church structure and function can assist man in the acquisition of values and virtues. CSIS12          Identify what is positive in the world, what needs to be transformed, and what injustices must be overcome. CSDS4

Understand election processes and responsibilities of citizens. Understand the election process and special responsibilities of Catholic citizens. Describe how we can learn about what God does for humanity. CSIS3   Value and develop a love for the common good and our shared humanity, not just with those around us, but for those who have gone before and those that will come after us. CSDS2           Identify the motivating values that have informed particular societies and how they correlate with Catholic teaching. CSIS7

Understand the roles and influences of individuals and interest groups in the political systems of Illinois, the United States, and other nations. Understand the roles and influences of individual Catholics and Catholic interest groups. Identify the differences among the values of various political systems and how they correlate with Catholic teaching. CSIS7          Recognize how the central themes within the stories of important Catholic figures and saints repeat over time. CSIS6

Understand United States foreign policy as it relates to other nations and international issues. Understand United States foreign policy as it relates to other nations and Catholic Church issues. Identify the motivating values that have informed particular societies and how they correlate with Catholic teaching. CSIS7     Explain what is positive in the world, what needs to be changed, and what injustices must be overcome. CSDS4

Understand the development of the United States political ideas and traditions. Understand the development of religious/spiritual aspects of the United States political ideas and traditions. Explain the history of the Catholic Church and its impact in human events. CSIS4         Explain how one’s beliefs about God, about humanity, and about material things, affect one’s actions. CSIS7           Value the significance and impact to the Catholic Church throughout history. CSDS5

Distinguish between different kinds of rules and responsibilities as applied in the home, school, community and Church.

Identify some class or school rules that were determined through democratic decisionmaking.

Explain some reasons for having rules and laws governing the lives of people; talk about The Ten Commandments and how they can relate to our daily life.

Compare the relationship of rules and responsibilities to Church rules and responsibilities.

Identify the names of people who occupy government offices in their community, state, and federal government.

Explain why people vote and run for political offices in a democracy.

Name historical figures from diverse backgrounds who advanced rights of individuals and groups to promote the common good.

Name the current President and Vice President of the United States; name the current Church leaders (pope, bishop, pastor).

Identify the current Governor of the State of Illinois.

List the names for the levels of government found throughout the United States (city, county, state, federal, or national).

List the three branches of government found within the state and federal government.

State the names of the two houses of the U.S. Congress..

Explain the role that state governments play in the lives of people.

Explain how local government has an influence over the lives of people in their community (e.g., they create speed limits, rules about allowing pets to run free).

List some examples of government services in their communities that serve to help people and improve their lives (e.g., libraries, park programs, employment offices).

Plan and/or participate in service projects that help the community.

List examples of various ways responsible students work together (following the example of Jesus and his disciples) to help classmates.

Identify examples of rights and responsibilities students share within a school.

Predict the benefits of acting responsibly in their classroom.

Describe ways in which more than one classroom can work together to help their school.

Determine rules for choosing classroom leaders.

Explain why in a democracy people choose to vote on important issues or for offices.

Explain how to incorporate Catholic values when voting for a person running for public office. 

Explain what is meant by the idea of "the common good of the people."

Describe a situation wherein the common good supersedes the interests of individuals.

Explain why people join public interest groups (e.g., PTA, historical societies, nongovernmental organizations).

Identify some non-profit agencies, civic groups and/or Catholic agencies that serve the common good (e.g., Red Cross, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Catholic Relief Services).

Explain why Jesus calls us to a life of service and to use our talents to serve others.

Describe an example where the people of the United States and people from other countries might need to cooperate to solve a common problem.

Tell about people who have come from other countries to live in the United States.

Understand that the Church is one and therefore it is our responsibility to welcome all people.

Identify examples of people who are famous for being honest and truthful (e.g., Abraham Lincoln returning change).

Identify saints who have dedicated their lives to helping others.

Define the concept of "Patriotism."

Identify reasons why people have chosen a democracy for their plan of government.

Define the concept of "liberty."

Identify an artistic expression (e.g., song, parenting, film) that illustrates the traditions important to our political system and concept of freedom.

Recognize the state flag and motto of Illinois.

Explain the purpose of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Relate the Apostles’ Creed to our beliefs.