Political Systems-5th 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        Examine how one’s own life and life-choices creates a personal history with eternal consequences. CSIS3 (7 &8)        Demonstrate the ways mankind and societies change and/or persist over time to better understand the human condition. CSIS8 (7&8)

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.  Describe how we can learn about 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           Compare the actions of peoples according to their historical and cultural norms to current Catholic moral norms and virtues. CSIS11 (7&8)

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            Value one’s own role and dignity as man in God’s plan and creation. CSGS5         Compare the actions of peoples according to their historical and cultural norms to current Catholic moral norms and virtues. CSIS11 (7&8)

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         Explore how the moral qualities of the citizenry naturally give rise to the nature of the government and influence societal outcomes and destinies. CSIS13 (7&8)        Discuss thoughts and deeds of great men and women of the past. CSIS15

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        Explore how the moral qualities of the citizenry naturally give rise to the nature of the government and influence societal outcomes and destinies. CSIS13 (7&8)         Identify the dangers of relativism present in the notion that one culture cannot critique another, that truth is culturally created; or that truth is not to be shared and celebrated wherever found. CSIS27 (7&8)

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         Internalize Catholic virtues and values from the study of human history to better evaluate one’s own behaviors, the trends of contemporary society, and prevalent social pressures and norms. CSDS4

Give examples of civic and personal responsibilities of students and adults.

Explain the characteristics of a "democracy."

Justify/define why governments need to make rules and laws for people.

Explain the importance of the Declaration of Independence and the Illinois and United States Constitutions.

Define the concept of "unalienable" as it relates to rights expressed in the Declaration of Independence.

Explain how the U.S. Constitution can be amended.

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

Defend the idea of having a Bill of Rights to outline and protect the rights of citizens.

Summarize the evolution of one of the amendments to the constitution (e.g., its origins, implementation, influence).

State the names of the two houses in the Illinois State Legislature.

Describe the purpose behind the principles of division and sharing powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Describe the system of checks and balances between the three branches of the federal government.

Recognize the importance of the separation of Church and state.

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

Describe situations in their home, school, or community where the rights of minorities have been respected.

Predict the consequences of ignoring the rights of other people in public places.

Explain how an individual or group has solved a problem, in their community.

Identify voting requirements.

Identify the issues of a candidate’s campaign/platform and compare with the teachings of the Church.

Describe a situation where minority rights may supersede the wishes of the majority.

Define the concept of "lobbying" to influence public opinion or legislative decision-making.

Explain ways that individuals and groups influence the shaping of public policy.

Compare/contrast contemporary and traditional forms of political persuasion.

Describe the impact of Catholic politicians in the United States.

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

Summarize how nations interact to avoid conflict (e.g., diplomacy, trade, treaties).

Identify a treaty the United States has signed with another country.

Identify government branches and offices at the federal level that are responsible for conducting foreign affairs.

Describe how a specific issue (e.g., trade, resources, human rights) has affected a president's foreign policy.

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

Describe examples of the developments of basic freedoms for the people of the United States.

Discuss consistencies and inconsistencies expressed in United States political traditions and actual practices (e.g., freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, slavery, voting rights).

Compare the similarities found in national symbols, legends, or stories that have emphasized the value of such principles as freedom, liberty, preservation of the union, etc.

Describe historical examples featuring the denial or extension of civil rights to various individuals or groups.

Identify significant changes in communication or technology that have had an affect on the spread of political information and influence (e.g., telegraph, television, internet).

Compare government symbols and traditions with our Catholic symbols and traditions.