Political Systems-4th 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.  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

List reasons for forming a government; list reasons for establishing a Church.

Recognize the purpose of the Declaration of Independence, and the Illinois and United States Constitutions.

Identify basic rights of citizens and restrictions upon government afforded to Americans through the Bill of Rights.

Differentiate between citizenship by birth or naturalization.

Discuss some of the responsibilities adults share in maintaining our local governments, communities and religious organizations (e.g., voting at election time, serving on community boards, joining community committees, paying taxes, serving on juries, helping others).

Discuss the position that people in a democracy have such rights as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, and freedom of assembly.

Tell how a just government needs to follow the law of God by treating individuals with dignity and fairness.

Summarize the function of the three branches of government found within the state and federal government.

Compare and contrast how local and state governments provide services to people.

Distinguish between the powers and responsibilities of local, state, and federal government.

Compare and contrast the levels of government to the organization of the Church.

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

Explain the significance of the rights and responsibilities students share within a school.

Predict the consequences of people not acting responsibly in their communities.

Explain why a person might choose to vote for one candidate for President of the United States over another candidate.

Evaluate the issues of a candidate and his/her platform in accordance with the teachings of the Church.

Identify historical events during which various groups have won their right to participate within the electoral process (e.g., 15th and 19th Amendments).

Explain why someone would join a non-profit, civic or Church group that serves the common good (e.g., Red Cross).

Identify a current or controversial issue in the community; compare with Catholic viewpoint.

Identify the names of the major political parties.

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

Name an international organization of which the United States is a member (e.g., United Nations).

Identify the role of the president in making foreign policy decisions.

Discuss the ways the Pope influences foreign policy throughout the world.

Describe values that have formed the foundation of our American democratic system (e.g., the love of liberty, respect for individual rights).

Summarize the meaning of the words, sounds, or images in an artistic expression that illustrates the traditions important to our political system and concept of freedom (e.g., music and lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner, painting of George Washington crossing the Delaware River).

Explain the significance of political symbols and mottoes of the United States (e.g., E Pluribus Unum, the Flag, the Statue of Liberty, the bald eagle, the Great Seal, oaths of office).

Recognize the presence of religious symbols within political symbols and mottos of the United States.