Learning Targets:

1. Identify the primary purposes and functions of government (e.g., establishing order, providing security, accomplishing goals).

2. Differentiate between direct and representative democracies, including the concept of a republic.

3. Describe the characteristics of authoritarian governments, including absolute monarchies and dictatorships.

4. Analyze the principles of American democracy, such as rule of law, limited government, and majority rule with minority rights.

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Learning Targets:

1. Discuss the challenges and reasons for illegal immigration to the United States.

2. Explain the significance of voting and political participation in a democratic society.

3. Analyze the impact of different levels of government (national, state, local) on citizens' daily lives.

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Learning Targets:

1. Identify key English documents such as the Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights and their contributions to limited government and individual rights.

2. Explain the development and significance of Parliament and common law in the English heritage.

3. Discuss the impact of Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke on the concept of natural rights and social contract theory in the colonies.

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Learning Targets:

1. Categorize the thirteen colonies into New England, Middle, and Southern regions and identify their primary reasons for settlement.

2. Compare and contrast the economic activities and social structures of the different colonial regions.

3. Explain the origins and evolution of slavery and the triangular trade within the colonial economy.

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Learning Targets:

1. Trace the development of early colonial legislatures and written constitutions (e.g., Mayflower Compact, Fundamental Orders of Connecticut).

2. Explain how British policies, such as mercantilism and new taxes (e.g., Stamp Act, Townshend Acts), generated colonial resistance.

3. Identify key events and protests (e.g., Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party) that escalated tensions between Britain and the colonies.

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Learning Targets:

1. Summarize the arguments presented in Thomas Paine's Common Sense advocating for colonial independence.

2. Identify the main parts of the Declaration of Independence (Preamble, Natural Rights, List of Grievances, Resolution of Independence).

3. Analyze specific grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence and connect them to British actions and policies.

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Learning Targets:

1. Describe the key features and structure of the Articles of Confederation.

2. Identify at least three major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

3. Explain how specific events, such as Shays's Rebellion, highlighted the need for a stronger national government.

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Learning Targets:

1. Compare and contrast the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan.

2. Explain the Great Compromise and its resolution of state representation.

3. Discuss the Three-Fifths Compromise and other compromises related to trade and the Electoral College.

4. Identify key delegates and their roles in shaping the Constitution.

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Learning Targets:

1. Identify the three main parts of the Constitution: Preamble, Articles, and Amendments.

2. Summarize the six purposes of government outlined in the Preamble.

3. Outline the primary focus of Articles I, II, and III regarding the three branches of government.

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Learning Targets:

1. Define popular sovereignty and provide an example of its application.

2. Explain the rule of law and its significance for limited government.

3. Illustrate separation of powers by identifying the distinct functions of each government branch.

4. Describe how checks and balances prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

5. Distinguish between enumerated, reserved, and concurrent powers within the federal system.

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Learning Targets:

1. Outline the two main steps for proposing and ratifying constitutional amendments.

2. Discuss why the Framers made the amendment process deliberately difficult.

3. Provide examples of how amendments have adapted the Constitution to changing societal needs.

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Learning Targets:

1. Explain the concept of 'implied powers' derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause.

2. Differentiate between strict and loose interpretations of the Constitution.

3. Analyze the implications of the Supremacy Clause for conflicts between federal and state laws.

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Learning Targets:

1. Identify the five basic freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment.

2. Explain the limitations placed on First Amendment freedoms, such as slander and libel.

3. Describe the historical significance of the Zenger case for freedom of the press.

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Learning Targets:

1. Summarize the purpose of search warrants and probable cause under the Fourth Amendment.

2. Differentiate between double jeopardy and self-incrimination as protected by the Fifth Amendment.

3. Explain the rights to a speedy trial, impartial jury, and legal counsel guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment.

4. Discuss the prohibitions against excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment in the Eighth Amendment.

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Learning Targets:

1. Articulate the principle of unenumerated rights as stated in the Ninth Amendment.

2. Describe how the Tenth Amendment ensures federalism by reserving powers to states and the people.

3. Provide examples of how these amendments prevent the national government from becoming too strong.

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Learning Targets:

1. Identify the groups whose voting rights were historically restricted.

2. Explain how the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments addressed the rights of African Americans.

3. Describe the impact of the Nineteenth, Twenty-third, Twenty-fourth, and Twenty-sixth Amendments on voting access.

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Learning Targets:

1. Define discrimination, segregation, and civil rights in the context of American history.

2. Discuss the significance of key Supreme Court decisions like Brown v. Board of Education.

3. Analyze the purpose and effects of affirmative action programs and their controversies.

4. Identify landmark civil rights acts and their protections for various groups.

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Learning Targets:

1. List at least five legal duties required of U.S. citizens.

2. Differentiate between civic duties (required) and responsibilities (voluntary).

3. Describe the purpose and importance of fulfilling civic duties like obeying laws and paying taxes.

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Learning Targets:

1. Articulate why being informed and speaking up (e.g., voting, contacting representatives) are crucial civic responsibilities.

2. Discuss how individual actions contribute to the common good of a community.

3. Summarize the concept of 'consent of the governed' in relation to citizen participation.

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Learning Targets:

1. Identify different forms of volunteerism, including individual efforts, charitable organizations, and national service programs.

2. Provide examples of how young people can make a difference through community involvement.

3. Evaluate the benefits of volunteerism for both the individual and the community.

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Learning Targets:

1. Define 'tolerance' in the context of a diverse democratic society.

2. Explain the importance of respecting the civil liberties and property of others.

3. Provide examples of how respecting others' rights contributes to a functional community.

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Learning Targets:

1. Describe how taxes fund various government services at federal, state, and local levels.

2. Discuss the impact of individual charitable donations on community needs and causes.

3. Analyze diagrams illustrating federal revenues and expenditures to understand the flow of tax dollars.

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Learning Targets:

1. Explain the reasons for a bicameral legislature as established by the Great Compromise.

2. Differentiate between the House of Representatives and the Senate regarding membership, terms, and representation.

3. Identify the roles and responsibilities of key leaders in both the House (e.g., Speaker) and the Senate (e.g., President Pro Tempore, floor leaders).

4. Describe the function and types of congressional committees (standing, select, joint) in the legislative process.

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Learning Targets:

1. Distinguish between expressed and implied powers of Congress, providing examples of each.

2. Explain the significance of the 'elastic clause' in expanding congressional power.

3. Identify and describe at least three nonlegislative powers of Congress, such as impeachment and approving appointments.

4. Summarize the constitutional limitations on Congress's powers, including the Bill of Rights and checks and balances.

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Learning Targets:

1. Outline the sequential steps a bill undergoes in both the House and Senate, including committee action, debate, and voting.

2. Explain the role of the President in the lawmaking process, including signing, vetoing, and pocket vetoing bills.

3. Describe tactics used in congressional debate, such as filibustering and cloture, and their impact on legislation.

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Learning Targets:

1. Identify the constitutional qualifications for serving in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

2. Describe the various privileges and benefits afforded to members of Congress.

3. Explain the importance of personal staff, committee staff, and support agencies (e.g., GAO, CBO) in assisting congressional work.

4. Analyze the functions of casework and pork-barrel projects in a representative's duties to constituents and their district/state.

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