Student “I Can Statements” for
United States Government
GRADE 12
I can statement
1. I can define democracy.
2. I can differentiate between a direct democracy and a representative
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
democracy.
I can define dictatorship.
I can provide a cost benefit analysis of democratic systems and
dictatorships.
I can define republic and constitution and explain why these terms are
associated with the United States system of government.
I can identify aspects of our government system that are democratic, and
aspects that are meant to place limits on majority influence.
I can list the 5 characteristics of democratic government.
I can provide examples of how each of these characteristics is featured
within the United States system of government.
I can analyze each foundation and explain why it is important to our
society (If we did not have this feature, what might go wrong?).
1. I can list the 6 basic principles of the constitution.
2. I can explain (using examples) how each of the basic principles is featured
within our constitutional framework.
3. I can explain how power is both separated and shared (how does each
branch check the power of the other branches?) among the three
branches.
4. I can outline the process of amending the United States constitution.
5. I can explain how this process reinforces the constitutional principle of
federal governance.
6. I can explain how the constitution can change without a formal
amendment.
Standard # met
The United
States is based
on democratic
values and
principles that
include liberty,
individual rights,
justice, equality,
the rule of law,
limited
government,
common good,
popular
sovereignty,
majority rule and
minority rights.
The United
States
government has
specific functions
that are
determined by
the way that
power is
delegated and
controlled among
various bodies:
the three levels
(federal, state,
local) and the
three branches
(legislative,
executive,
judicial) of
government.
1. I can identify what makes a government unitary, confederate or federal.
2. I can describe the arguments of both the Federalists and Anti-Federalists
regarding the ratification of the constitution.
3. I can identify the source of the national government’s powers.
4. I can define enumerated power, and show you the source of the national
governments enumerated powers in the constitution.
5. I can define implied power, and show you the source of the national
governments implied powers in the constitution.
6. I can identify the source of state power.
7. I can define reserved power, and show you the source of the state’s
reserved powers in the constitution.
8. I can provide examples of exclusive, concurrent and reserved powers.
9. I can outline the provisions of the supremacy clause. I can explain the
impact of the supremacy clause regarding the balance of power between
the states and the national government.
10. I can outline the provisions of the Full Faith and Credit Clause. I can
explain the impact of the Full Faith and Credit Clause on the legal
relationship between the states.
1. I can draw and correctly label the political chart. I am able to place myself,
others, politicians, public figures and political parties on the political chart
based on their stated views regarding social and economic issues.
2. I can describe the basic functions (tasks) of political parties.
3. I can explain why we have only two major parties.
4. I can explain how federalism has led to the decentralization of our major
political parties.
5. I can identify the major demographic features of each major party (Who
supports them?).
6. I can identify differences between political parties and interest groups.
7. I can describe various methods that interest groups can use to lobby
government.
8. I can describe the role of money in politics. I am able to identify ways in
which money impacts the political process.
9. I can explain the Madisonian Dilemma regarding interest groups and our
political process.
I can explain how interest groups connect people to government and make
our political system more representative of the various interests of the
people.
The United
States
government has
specific functions
that are
determined by
the way that
power is
delegated and
controlled among
various bodies:
the three levels
(federal, state,
local) and the
three branches
(legislative,
executive,
judicial) of
government.
Public policy is
shaped by
governmental
and nongovernmental
institutions and
political
processes.
I can explain why some interest groups can have an oversized role/say in
shaping, passing or defeating legislative proposals, leading to a less
majoritarian government.
1. I can provide the constitutional basis for free speech. I can explain, using
Supreme Court cases as a reference, the degree to which free speech is
protected
2. I can provide the constitutional basis for freedom of the press. I can
explain, using Supreme Court cases as a reference, the degree to which
freedom of the press is protected under the 1st amendment.
3. I can outline the constitutional basis for “freedom of religion”. I can
explain, using Supreme Court cases as a reference, what the establishment
clause prevents government from doing. I can explain, using Supreme
Court cases as a reference, what the free exercise clause prevents
government from doing.
4. I can provide the constitutional basis for freedom of association. I can
explain, using Supreme Court cases as a reference, to what degree
freedom of association is protected by the 1st amendment.
5. I can describe the rights of citizens at all phases of the legal process.
6. I can identify the basis of the constitutional requirement for equality under
the law. I can explain, using Supreme Court cases as a reference, to what
degree we are guaranteed equal protection under the law.
Individuals in a
republic have
rights, duties and
responsibilities.