NAEP Civics 5-8 Content
WV CSO Match
Civics 5-8
NAEP Strand Knowledge Component
Alignment
NAEP to
CSO
NAEP Alignment with WV CSOs
Social Studies, Civics 5-8
1. What are civic life, politics, and government?
Citizens need to understand civic life, politics, government, and civic
society so that they can make informed judgments about what
government should and should not do, how they are to live their lives
together, and how they can support the proper use of authority or
combat the abuse of political power.
Civic Life is the public life of citizens concerns with affairs of the
SS.O.07.01.02 model the actions citizens take to influence public
community and nation as contrasted with private or personal life, which policy decisions.
SS.O.06.01.05 analyze citizen actions (e.g., petitions, lobbying,
is devoted to the pursuit of private and personal satisfactions.
demonstrations, civil disobedience) and public opinion (expressed
through various media and meetings) and evaluate these influences
on public policy and decision-making
SS.O.07.01.01 compare and contrast individual rights of citizens in a
variety of world regions
SS.O.08.01.06 examine the strategies designed to strengthen the
common good, which include a range of options for citizen action.
Politics is a process by which people reach collective decisions that
SS.O.05.01.02 explain the political process and evaluate its
are generally regarded as binding and enforced as common policy.
importance in decision-making.
SS.O.05.01.03 explain the consent of the governed as a source of
government authority.
SS.O.08.01.01 evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in
government at the local, state and national levels and assume the
role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process(e.g.,
voting, community service, letter writing, town meeting, school
elections).
Government may be described as the formal institutions and
SS.O.06.02.04 debate the purposes of political parties and special
processes of a politically organized society with authority to make,
interest groups and their influence on the political process.
SS.O.06.01.02 evaluate, take and defend positions on the purposes
enforce, and interpret laws and other binding rules about matters of
common interest and concern, such as society’s order, security, and
that government should serve
SS.O.07.02.01 examine the different forms of government in various
prosperity. The term government also refers to the group of people,
acting in formal political institutions at national, state, and local levels, world regions.
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who exercise decision-making power or enforce laws and state
legislatures, and city councils make laws; other parts including federal,
state, and local agencies such as taxation authorities and policy,
enforce laws; and still others, such as federal and state courts, interpret
laws and rules.
Civic society refers to the complex network of freely formed, voluntary
political, social, and economic associations.
Among the many nongovernmental factors making up civil society are
groups such as parent-teacher, professional, and business
associations; labor unions; religious, charitable, and youth
organizations; and social and fraternal clubs.
A vital city society is an essential component of a constitutional
democracy, because it prevents the abuse or excessive concentration
of power by government. The organizations of civil society also “are
public laboratories in which citizens learn democracy by doing it.”
SS.O.07.02.03 analyze the different ways nations provide order and
protect justice.
SS.O.07.02.04 debate the importance of limited government and the
rule of law.
SS.O.06.02.01 evaluate competing ideas about the purposes
government should serve (e.g., promoting the common good,
protecting individual rights, providing economic security).
SS.O.06.01.04 compare and contrast the role of American citizens
with citizens of selected nations and states:
 responsibilities
 rights
 privileges
 duties
SS.O.05.02.01 judge whether local, state and national governments
do or do not provide for the needs and wants of people, establish
order and manage conflict.
SS.O.07.01.06 recognize and differentiate between power and
authority.
SS.O.08.02.08 explain major principles of American constitutional
government (e.g., federalism, separation of powers, the elastic
clause, checks and
balances, government by consent of the governed, individual rights)
and locate these principles in the West Virginia Constitution.
SS.O.08.02.05 analyze the functions and jurisdictions of the federal,
state, local and special courts (e.g., United States Supreme Court,
State Supreme Court, circuit courts, magistrate courts, family courts)
and explain why a selected case would be heard in a designated
court.
SS.O.08.02.07 research and describe how special interest groups
and the media influence government and the law-making process in
West Virginia (e.g., West Virginia Education Association, United
Mine Workers, Division of Tourism).
SS.O.08.01.02 debate and practice forms of civic discussion
SS.O.05.01.01 analyze how government and non-government
groups and institutions work to meet the individual needs and
promote the common good (e.g., Red Cross, FEMA, Bills, laws,
foundations) and evaluate their actions.
SS.O.06.02.06 describe, provide examples and classify different
forms of government as either limited (having established and
respected restraints of their power) or unlimited (having no effective
means of restraining their power) governments.
SS.O.07.02.04 debate the importance of limited government and the
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rule of law.
SS.O.08.02.09 analyze conditions under which constitutional
government flourishes.
SS.O.08.02.10 list and explain the laws passed in a current
legislative session and evaluate their impact (e.g., tourism,
economy, education, health).
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II. What are the foundations of the American political system?
Declaration of Independence; the U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of SS.O.05.01.04 evaluate the importance of citizens having and
Rights; the Virginia Statue for Religious Freedom; the Federalist
supporting common democratic values and principles expressed in
Papers; and Antifederalist writings.
the nation’s core documents.
SS.O.05.02.03 examine, analyze and compare these three founding
documents of the United States:
 Articles of Confederation
 Bill of Rights
 First three articles of the Constitution
SS.O.08.02.09 analyze conditions under which constitutional
government flourishes.
Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions, Martin Luther SS.O.05.05.13 research significant leaders in the Civil Rights
King’s Letter from Birmingham City Jail, and landmark U.S. Supreme
Movement (e.g., John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Court decisions.
Rosa Parks, Lyndon Johnson, Susan B. Anthony).
SS.O.08.05.11 research and critique the role of ethnic and racial
minorities, men, women and children in West Virginia who have
made significant contributions to our history in the public and/or
private sectors, choose the person you believe contributed mad the
most significant contribution and explain your choice. (e.g.,
statehood, abolition, education, industry, literature, government).
First, Americans are a people bound together by the ideals, values, and SS.O.05.01.04 evaluate the importance of citizens having and
principles they share rather than by kinship ethnicity, or religion, which supporting common democratic values and principles expressed in
are ties that bind some other nations of the world.
the nation’s core documents.
SS.O.05.05.05 research important figures and their reactions to
events and judge their significance to the history of our democracy
(e.g., George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln,
Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, Eleanor Roosevelt and Martin
Luther King, Jr.).
SS.O.05.02.02 assume a role in a mock proceeding to demonstrate
Second, Americans’ ideals, values, and principles have shaped their
political institutions and affected their political processes.
the trial by jury process.
SS.O.05.01.04 evaluate the importance of citizens having and
supporting common democratic values and principles expressed in
the nation’s core documents.
SS.O.05.02.01 judge whether local, state and national governments
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do or do not provide for the needs and wants of people, establish
order and manage conflict.
SS.O.08.01.01 evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in
government at the local, state and national levels and assume the
role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process(e.g.,
voting, community service, letter writing, town meeting, school
elections).
SS.O.08.02.03 examine the amendment process of the West
Virginia Constitution, give examples of amendments and explain
why they occurred.
SS.O.08.02.05 analyze the functions and jurisdictions of the federal,
state, local and special courts (e.g., United States Supreme Court,
State Supreme Court, circuit courts, magistrate courts, family courts)
and explain why a selected case would be heard in a designated
court.
SS.O.05.01.01 analyze how government and non-government
Third, the ideals, values, and principles set forth in the nation’s core
documents are criteria that Americans use to judge the means and
groups and institutions work to meet the individual needs and
ends of government, as well as those of the myriad groups and
promote the common good (e.g., Red Cross, FEMA, Bills, laws,
organizations, which are part of civil society.
foundations) and evaluate their actions.
Finally, understanding of fundamental principles provides the basis for SS.O.05.01.04 evaluate the importance of citizens having and
a reasoned commitment of the ideals, values, and principles of
supporting common democratic values and principles expressed in
American constitutional democracy.
the nation’s core documents.
SS.O.08.01.02 debate and practice forms of civic discussion.
SS.O.08.01.06 examine the strategies designed to strengthen the
common good, which include a range of options for citizen action.
SS.O.05.01.05 categorize the responsibilities, duties, privileges and
The values and principles of American constitutional democracy are
sometimes in conflict, and their very meaning and application are often rights of American citizenship and analyze the differences.
disputed.
SS.O.06.02.01 evaluate competing ideas about the purposes
In addition, disparities have already existed between the realities of
daily life and the ideals of American constitutional democracy.
government should serve (e.g., promoting the common good,
protecting individual rights, providing economic security).
SS.O.06.02.02 analyze and explain how various types of
government meet the needs and wants of citizens, manage conflict
and establish security.
SS.O.05.02.01 judge whether local, state and national governments
do or do not provide for the needs and wants of people, establish
order and manage conflict.
SS.O.06.02.01 evaluate competing ideas about the purposes
Attempts to narrow the gap between the nation’s ideals and reality, it
has also achieved a wide degree of consensus as to what those ideals government should serve (e.g., promoting the common good,
are and what that reality ought to be.
protecting individual rights, providing economic security).
SS.O.06.02.02 analyze and explain how various types of
government meet the needs and wants of citizens, manage conflict
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It is on the basis of these ideals that Americans have united in political
movements to abolish slavery, extend the voting franchise, remove
legal support for segregation, and provide equality of opportunity.
Citizens should be familiar with historical and contemporary efforts in
which Americans have joined forces to work toward the achievement of
their shared ideals.
Americans, however, realize that the United States is not Utopia, nor is
a constitutional democracy Utopian. Rather, a constitutional
democracy is a way of allowing the competing ideas, values, goals, and
interest of people, individually or in groups, to complete with one
another in a peaceful manner.
A constitutional democracy affords its citizens means of reconciling
their differences and their competing visions of truth without resorting to
violence of truth without resorting to violence or oppression.
Students in the early grades should become acquainted with the basic
values and principles which are the foundation of the American political
system. Their knowledge and understanding should increase as they
progress through middle and high school.
and establish security.
SS.O.05.01.04 evaluate the importance of citizens having and
supporting common democratic values and principles expressed in
the nation’s core documents.
SS.O.06.01.05 analyze citizen actions (e.g., petitions, lobbying,
demonstrations, civil disobedience) and public opinion (expressed
through various media and meetings) and evaluate these influences
on public policy and decision-making
SS.O.08.01.01 evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in
government at the local, state and national levels and assume the
role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process(e.g.,
voting, community service, letter writing, town meeting, school
elections).
SS.O.08.01.05 organize and provide examples of multiple points of
view about selected public issues and evaluate the influence of
diverse forms of public opinion on the development of public policy
and decision-making.
SS.O.06.02.02 analyze and explain how various types of
government meet the needs and wants of citizens, manage conflict
and establish security.
SS.O.05.01.03 explain the consent of the governed as a source of
government authority.
SS.O.05.01.04 evaluate the importance of citizens having and
supporting common democratic values and principles expressed in
the nation’s core documents.
SS.O.05.01.01 analyze how government and non-government
groups and institutions work to meet the individual needs and
promote the common good (e.g., Red Cross, FEMA, Bills, laws,
foundations) and evaluate their actions.
SS.O.06.02.01 evaluate competing ideas about the purposes
government should serve (e.g., promoting the common good,
protecting individual rights, providing economic security).
SS.O.06.02.01 evaluate competing ideas about the purposes
government should serve (e.g., promoting the common good,
protecting individual rights, providing economic security).
SS.O.05.01.04 evaluate the importance of citizens having and
supporting common democratic values and principles expressed in
the nation’s core documents.
SS.O.05.02.03 examine, analyze and compare these three founding
documents of the United States:
 Articles of Confederation
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

Bill of Rights
First three articles of the Constitution
III. How does the government established by the constitution embody the purposes, values, and principles of American
Democracy?
The system of government established by the Constitution has resulted SS.O.05.02.04 analyze the importance of laws and explain and
in limited government and a complex dispersal of powers.
illustrate how laws are made and how they affect the home,
classroom, school, community, state, nation and world.
SS.O.06.02.06 describe, provide examples and classify different
forms of government as either limited (having established and
respected restraints of their power) or unlimited (having no effective
means of restraining their power) governments.
SS.O.08.02.08 explain major principles of American constitutional
government (e.g., federalism, separation of powers, the elastic
clause, checks and
balances, government by consent of the governed, individual rights)
and locate these principles in the West Virginia Constitution.
SS.O.08.02.10 list and explain the laws passed in a current
legislative session and evaluate their impact (e.g., tourism,
economy, education, health).
SS.O.05.02.01 judge whether local, state and national governments
Americans live under the jurisdiction of national, state, and local
governments, all of whose powers and responsibilities are separated
do or do not provide for the needs and wants of people, establish
and shared among different branches and agencies.
order and manage conflict.
SS.O.08.02.01 analyze the division of powers and responsibilities of
the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the United States
and West Virginia state government.
SS.O.08.02.02 cite the elected officials at the national, state and
local levels, their requirements, duties and responsibilities (e.g.,
President, Governors, Senators, Representatives/Delegates,
Members of Board of Public Works, County Commissioners,
Mayor/City Council).
Each of these governments – national, state, and local – affects directly SS.O.06.02.01 evaluate competing ideas about the purposes
the daily lives of all Americans: their security, there opportunities, their government should serve (e.g., promoting the common good,
standard of living, and the taxes they pay.
protecting individual rights, providing economic security).
SS.O.06.02.02 analyze and explain how various types of
government meet the needs and wants of citizens, manage conflict
and establish security.
SS.O.05.02.01 judge whether local, state and national governments
do or do not provide for the needs and wants of people, establish
order and manage conflict.
SS.O.08.01.01 evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in
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government at the local, state and national levels and assume the
role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process(e.g.,
voting, community service, letter writing, town meeting, school
elections).
SS.O.08.02.01 analyze the division of powers and responsibilities of
the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the United States
and West Virginia state government.
SS.O.08.02.02 cite the elected officials at the national, state and
local levels, their requirements, duties and responsibilities (e.g.,
President, Governors, Senators, Representatives/Delegates,
Members of Board of Public Works, County Commissioners,
Mayor/City Council).
SS.O.06.02.01 evaluate competing ideas about the purposes
This complex system is a principal means of limiting the power of
government.
government should serve (e.g., promoting the common good,
protecting individual rights, providing economic security).
SS.O.06.02.06 describe, provide examples and classify different
forms of government as either limited (having established and
respected restraints of their power) or unlimited (having no effective
means of restraining their power) governments.
SS.O.06.01.05 analyze citizen actions (e.g., petitions, lobbying,
Multiple levels of government provide numerous opportunities for
citizens to participate in their own governance.
demonstrations, civil disobedience) and public opinion (expressed
through various media and meetings) and evaluate these influences
on public policy and decision-making
SS.O.06.02.04 debate the purposes of political parties and special
interest groups and their influence on the political process.
SS.O.08.01.01 evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in
government at the local, state and national levels and assume the
role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process(e.g.,
voting, community service, letter writing, town meeting, school
elections).
The system also reflects the principle of popular sovereignty, enables SS.O.08.02.10 list and explain the laws passed in a current
citizens to hold their governments accountable, and helps to ensure the legislative session and evaluate their impact (e.g., tourism,
protection of the rights of individuals.
economy, education, health).
SS.O.06.01.05 analyze citizen actions (e.g., petitions, lobbying,
demonstrations, civil disobedience) and public opinion (expressed
through various media and meetings) and evaluate these influences
on public policy and decision-making
SS.O.06.02.04 debate the purposes of political parties and special
interest groups and their influence on the political process.
SS.O.07.02.03 analyze the different ways nations provide order and
protect justice.
SS.O.06.01.05 analyze citizen actions (e.g., petitions, lobbying,
Citizens who understand the justification for this system of limited,
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dispersed, and shared power and its design are able to evaluate,
monitor, and influence it more effectively.
Students need to understand how local, state, and national
governments are organized, what they do, and how they interact.
demonstrations, civil disobedience) and public opinion (expressed
through various media and meetings) and evaluate these influences
on public policy and decision-making
SS.O.06.02.04 debate the purposes of political parties and special
interest groups and their influence on the political process.
SS.O.05.01.03 explain the consent of the governed as a source of
government authority.
SS.O.07.01.02 model the actions citizens take to influence public
policy decisions.
SS.O.08.01.01 evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in
government at the local, state and national levels and assume the
role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process(e.g.,
voting, community service, letter writing, town meeting, school
elections).
SS.O.05.02.01 judge whether local, state and national governments
do or do not provide for the needs and wants of people, establish
order and manage conflict.
SS.O.08.02.01 analyze the division of powers and responsibilities of
the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the United States
and West Virginia state government.
SS.O.08.02.02 cite the elected officials at the national, state and
local levels, their requirements, duties and responsibilities (e.g.,
President, Governors, Senators, Representatives/Delegates,
Members of Board of Public Works, County Commissioners,
Mayor/City Council).
SS.O.08.02.05 analyze the functions and jurisdictions of the federal,
state, local and special courts (e.g., United States Supreme Court,
State Supreme Court, circuit courts, magistrate courts, family courts)
and explain why a selected case would be heard in a designated
court.
SS.O.08.02.08 explain major principles of American constitutional
government (e.g., federalism, separation of powers, the elastic
clause, checks and balances, government by consent of the
governed, individual rights) and locate these principles in the West
Virginia Constitution.
SS.O.08.02.10 list and explain the laws passed in a current
legislative session and evaluate their impact (e.g., tourism,
economy, education, health).
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IV. What is the relationship of the United States to other nations and to world affairs?
The United States does not exist in isolation; it is part of an
interconnected world in whose development it has played and
SS.O.06.01.01 explain the ways in which nations interact with one
another and try to resolve problems.
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SS.O.06.01.04 compare and contrast the role of American citizens
with citizens of selected nations and states:
 responsibilities
 rights
 privileges
 duties
SS.O.06.02.02 analyze and explain how various types of
government meet the needs and wants of citizens, manage conflict
and establish security.
SS.O.07.02.06 recognize and evaluate the influence of the United
States on other nations and the influence of other nations on the
American political process and society.
SS.O.07.02.06 recognize and evaluate the influence of the United
The American political tradition, including the ideas expressed in the
Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of
States on other nations and the influence of other nations on the
Rights, has had a profound influence abroad.
American political process and society.
The nation’s democratic ideals and the benefits of its free society have SS.O.07.02.06 recognize and evaluate the influence of the United
drawn the attention and inspired the hopes of people worldwide.
States on other nations and the influence of other nations on the
American political process and society.
SS.O.06.01.04 compare and contrast the role of American citizens
with citizens of selected nations and states:
 responsibilities
 rights
 privileges
 duties
SS.O.07.02.06
recognize and evaluate the influence of the United
United States has exerted extensive economic, technological, and
cultural influence on other nations. At the same time, the United States States on other nations and the influence of other nations on the
and its citizens have been deeply influenced by the institutions and
American political process and society.
SS.O.06.03.05 explain how trade cartels affect the world economy
practices of other countries and the cultures of other people.
(e.g., Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries), trace the
development of treaties and organizations related to trade and
evaluate their influence on trade
SS.O.06.01.03 explain how nations benefit when they resolve
conflicts peacefully.
SS.O.06.01.04 compare and contrast the role of American citizens
with citizens of selected nations and states:
 responsibilities
 rights
 privileges
 duties
SS.O.06.03.02 summarize and give examples of the interactive
Citizens need to understand the major elements of international
relations and how world affairs affect their own lives and the security
relationship of global marketing principles:
continues to play an important role.
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 production/consumption of goods and services
 competition
 supply and demand
SS.O.06.03.05 explain how trade cartels affect the world economy
(e.g., Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries), trace the
development of treaties and organizations related to trade and
evaluate their influence on trade
SS.O.07.02.05 evaluate various methods that nations use to interact
with one another to resolve problems and conflicts.
Need to comprehend how commerce, travel, communications, and the SS.O.06.01.01 explain the ways in which nations interact with one
international economy bring them into relationships with people
another and try to resolve problems.
SS.O.06.02.03 analyze the impact of strong leadership on historic
everywhere.
world events.
SS.O.07.03.09 formulate an explanation as to how countries are
economically interdependent.
SS.O.07.02.05 evaluate various methods that nations use to interact
In elementary and middle school, students should acquire basic
knowledge of the relationship of the United States to other nations and with one another to resolve problems and conflicts.
SS.O.07.02.06 recognize and evaluate the influence of the United
to world affairs.
States on other nations and the influence of other nations on the
American political process and society.
SS.O.06.02.07 compare and contrast governmental and
nongovernmental international organizations and critique their
functions.
In senior high school, students should develop a more sophisticated
understanding of the behavior of the United States, other nations, and
international organizations in the world arena.
and well being of their communities, states, and nation.
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V. What are the roles of citizens in American Democracy?
Citizenship in American constitutional democracy differs from
membership in authoritarian or totalitarian regimes.
In the United States, each citizen is a full and equal member of a selfgoverning community and is endowed with fundamental rights and
entrusted with responsibilities.
SS.O.07.01.01 compare and contrast individual rights of citizens in a
variety of world regions
SS.O.08.01.01 evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in
government at the local, state and national levels and assume the
role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process(e.g.,
voting, community service, letter writing, town meeting, school
elections).
SS.O.08.02.06 examine and explain the various types of elections in
West Virginia (e.g., primary/general, state/local, partisan/nonpartisan).
SS.O.07.01.02 model the actions citizens take to influence public
policy decisions.
SS.O.07.01.05 apply and practice selective forms of civic discussion
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and participation consistent with the ideas of citizens in a democratic
republic.
SS.O.08.02.09 analyze conditions under which constitutional
government flourishes.
SS.O.07.02.04 debate the importance of limited government and the
Among those responsible is seeing that the rights of other individuals
are respected.
rule of law.
SS.O.05.01.03 explain the consent of the governed as a source of
Fundamental responsibility of citizens to see that government serves
the purposes for which it was created and does not abuse the power
government authority.
SS.O.08.02.08 explain major principles of American constitutional
the people have delegated to it.
government (e.g., federalism, separation of powers, the elastic
clause, checks and balances, government by consent of the
governed, individual rights) and locate these principles in the West
Virginia Constitution.
SS.O.08.02.08 explain major principles of American constitutional
Citizens are responsible for holding their government accountable to
these purposes it was created to serve.
government (e.g., federalism, separation of powers, the elastic
clause, checks and balances, government by consent of the
governed, individual rights) and locate these principles in the West
Virginia Constitution.
SS.O.06.02.04 debate the purposes of political parties and special
interest groups and their influence on the political process.
SS.O.05.01.01 analyze how government and non-government
groups and institutions work to meet the individual needs and
promote the common good (e.g., Red Cross, FEMA, Bills, laws,
foundations) and evaluate their actions.
SS.O.08.01.06 examine the strategies designed to strengthen the
Involvement in civic life and in nongovernmental organizations can
improve the quality of life in neighborhoods, communities and nations. common good, which include a range of options for citizen action.
SS.O.05.01.02 explain the political process and evaluate its
They must become active participants in the political process.
importance in decision-making.
SS.O.07.01.05 apply and practice selective forms of civic discussion
and participation consistent with the ideas of citizens in a democratic
republic.
SS.O.06.02.04 debate the purposes of political parties and special
Electrons, campaigns, and voting are at the center of democratic
institutions.
interest groups and their influence on the political process.
SS.O.07.01.05 apply and practice selective forms of civic discussion
and participation consistent with the ideas of citizens in a democratic
republic.
SS.O.08.02.06 examine and explain the various types of elections in
West Virginia (e.g., primary/general, state/local, partisan/nonpartisan).
Citizens should be aware that beyond electoral politics there are many SS.O.08.01.01 evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in
other participatory opportunities available to them.
government at the local, state and national levels and assume the
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role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process(e.g.,
voting, community service, letter writing, town meeting, school
elections).
The attainment of individual and public goals and participants in political SS.O.08.01.01 evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in
life tend to go hand in hand.
government at the local, state and national levels and assume the
role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process(e.g.,
voting, community service, letter writing, town meeting, school
elections).
SS.O.07.01.05 apply and practice selective forms of civic discussion
and participation consistent with the ideas of citizens in a democratic
republic.
SS.O.07.01.05 apply and practice selective forms of civic discussion
The maintenance and improvement of American constitutional
democracy is dependent upon the informed, effective, and responsible and participation consistent with the ideas of citizens in a democratic
participation of its citizens.
republic.
SS.O.08.01.01 evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in
government at the local, state and national levels and assume the
role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process(e.g.,
voting, community service, letter writing, town meeting, school
elections).
SS.O.08.01.02 debate and practice forms of civic discussion
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
NAEP Civics 5-8 Intellectual Skills Component (Strand)
I. Identifying and Describing
In this Framework, intellectual skills essential for informed, effective,
This is a background definition and not a standard.
and responsible citizenship are categorized as identifying and
describing, explaining and analyzing, and evaluating, taking, and
defending positions on public issues.
Identifying means to give the meaning or significance of things that are This is a background definition and not a standard.
tangible (e.g., such as one’s legislative representative) or intangible
(e.g., concepts such as justice). To identify something may involve
being able to distinguish it from something else; to classify or catalog
something with similar items, or, in some cases, to determine its origin.
Describing means to give a verbal or written account of an item’s basic This is a background definition and not a standard.
attributes or characteristics; describing may refer to tangible or
intangible processes, institutions, functions, purposes, or qualities.
Defining key terms, e.g., constitution, constitutional government, nation- SS.O.05.02.03 examine, analyze and compare these three founding
state.
documents of the United States:
 Articles of Confederation
 Bill of Rights
 First three articles of the Constitution
page 12
Yes
Making distinctions, e.g., among branches of government, between
forms of government, between civil society and the state, between state
and local differences in government institutions, legal systems, and
jurisdictional forms.
Identifying individuals, symbols, and institutions, e.g., significant civil
and political leaders, flags and national monuments, federal and state
legislatures.
Identifying ideas and concepts, e.g., patriotism, majority and minority
rights, constitutionalism, civil society, nation-state.
Identifying emotional language and symbols, e.g., patriot, hawk, dove,
flag, Statute of Liberty.
Describing functions and processes, e.g., legislative checks and
balances, judicial reviews, foreign policy information.
Describing historical origins, e.g., of national holidays, sources of
democracy, political authority.
Describing attributes or characteristics, e.g., of local government,
American society, system of shared powers.
Classifying by attributes, e.g., constitutional democracy,
authoritarianism, totalitarianism.
SS.O.05.02.01 judge whether local, state and national governments
do or do not provide for the needs and wants of people, establish
order and manage conflict.
SS.O.06.02.06 describe, provide examples and classify different
forms of government as either limited (having established and
respected restraints of their power) or unlimited (having no effective
means of restraining their power) governments.
SS.O.08.01.01 evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in
government at the local, state and national levels and assume the
role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process(e.g.,
voting, community service, letter writing, town meeting, school
elections).
SS.O.08.02.01 analyze the division of powers and responsibilities of
the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the United States
and West Virginia state government.
SS.O.08.02.02 cite the elected officials at the national, state and
local levels, their requirements, duties and responsibilities (e.g.,
President, Governors, Senators, Representatives/Delegates,
Members of Board of Public Works, County Commissioners,
Mayor/City Council).
SS.O.07.02.01 examine the different forms of government in various
world regions.
Appears in K-4 programmatic level.
Yes
SS.O.05.01.02 explain the political process and evaluate its
importance in decision-making.
SS.O.05.02.04 analyze the importance of laws and explain and
illustrate how laws are made and how they affect the home,
classroom, school, community, state, nation and world.
Yes
SS.O.05.01.03 explain the consent of the governed as a source of
government authority.
SS.O.05.02.01 judge whether local, state and national governments
do or do not provide for the needs and wants of people, establish
order and manage conflict.
SS.O.06.02.03 analyze the impact of strong leadership on historic
world events.
SS.O.07.01.01 compare and contrast individual rights of citizens in a
variety of world regions
SS.O.07.01.03 compare and contrast nations’ laws that may or may
not provide order, predictability and security.
page 13
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Partial
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Describing trends, e.g., participation in politics and civil society,
immigration, international influences on American culture.
SS.O.07.02.01 examine the different forms of government in various
world regions.
SS.O.07.03.06 describe the impact of technology on agriculture and
industry throughout the world.
SS.O.07.03.08 assess the impact of natural and human events on
industry worldwide (e.g., strikes, environmental disasters, war,
terrorism).
SS.O.07.04.06 analyze the patterns of immigration and examine its
effects on the distribution of cultural patterns in a region (e.g.,
disease, language, religion, customs, diversity).
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
II. Explaining and analyzing
Explaining means to identify, describe, clarify or interpret something.
One may explain, for example, the causes of events, the meaning or
significance of events and ideas, or the reasons for various acts or
positions.
Analyzing means to break something down into its constituent parts in
order to clarify its meaning or significance. One may analyze, for
example, the causes of events, the components and consequences of
ideas, or social, political, or economic processes and institutions.
Explaining how something works, e.g., electoral system, system of
checks and balances, American federal system.
Analyzing reasons for acts, occurrences, and trends, e.g., passage of
the 19th amendment, urban riots, voter interest or apathy.
This is background information and not a standard.
This is background information and not a standard.
SS.O.05.01.02 explain the political process and evaluate its
importance in decision-making.
SS.O.05.01.03 explain the consent of the governed as a source of
government authority.
SS.O.05.01.04 evaluate the importance of citizens having and
supporting common democratic values and principles expressed in
the nation’s core documents.
SS.O.07.01.02 model the actions citizens take to influence public
policy decisions.
SS.O.05.02.04 analyze the importance of laws and explain and
illustrate how laws are made and how they affect the home,
classroom, school, community, state, nation and world.
Explaining the causes and effects of events and phenomena, e.g.,
creation of the Bill of Rights, election of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932,
high or low voter turnout.
Analyzing the reasons or motivations for the use of emotional language,
e.g., pique public interest spur action, gain support or sympathy.
Comparing and contrasting, e.g., limited and unlimited governments,
SS.O.06.02.06 describe, provide examples and classify different
legislative and judicial functions, shared powers and parliamentary
forms of government as either limited (having established and
systems.
respected restraints of their power) or unlimited (having no effective
means of restraining their power) governments.
SS.O.07.02.02 compare and contrast the lawmaking processes of
world governments.
Distinguishing between opinion and fact, e.g., belief that citizens cannot SS.O.06.01.05 analyze citizen actions (e.g., petitions, lobbying,
page 14
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
influence public policy vs. available avenues through which citizens can demonstrations, civil disobedience) and public opinion (expressed
monitor and influence public policy.
through various media and meetings) and evaluate these influences
on public policy and decision-making.
SS.O.07.01.02 model the actions citizens take to influence public
policy decisions.
SS.O.08.01.01 evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in
government at the local, state and national levels and assume the
role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process(e.g.,
voting, community service, letter writing, town meeting, school
elections).
SS.O.08.02.07 research and describe how special interest groups
and the media influence government and the law-making process in
West Virginia (e.g., West Virginia Education Association, United
Mine Workers, Division of Tourism).
Distinguishing between means and ends, e.g., between trial by jury and SS.O.05.02.02 assume a role in a mock proceeding to demonstrate
justice, taxation and public safety, foreign aid and national security
the trial by jury process.
SS.O.07.02.03 analyze the different ways nations provide order and
interests.
protect justice.
SS.O.07.02.05 evaluate various methods that nations use to interact
with one another to resolve problems and conflicts.
SS.O.08.01.09 outline and utilize a process to express opinion,
resolve problems and/or seek assistance.
SS.O.08.02.04 outline, illustrate and develop a mock bill and
assume the roles of lawmakers to accomplish passage of the bill into
law (e.g., to promote tourism in West Virginia).
SS.O.08.02.05 analyze the functions and jurisdictions of the federal,
state, local and special courts (e.g., United States Supreme Court,
State Supreme Court, circuit courts, magistrate courts, family courts)
and explain why a selected case would be heard in a designated
court.
Clarifying responsibilities, e.g., between personal and public
SS.O.08.02.02 cite the elected officials at the national, state and
responsibilities, between elected officials and citizens.
local levels, their requirements, duties and responsibilities (e.g.,
President, Governors, Senators, Representatives/Delegates,
Members of Board of Public Works, County Commissioners,
Mayor/City Council).
SS.O.06.01.04 compare and contrast the role of American citizens
with citizens of selected nations and states:
 responsibilities
 rights
 privileges
 duties
SS.O.05.01.05 categorize the responsibilities, duties, privileges and
page 15
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Interpreting the meaning or significance of events, ideas, and
phenomena, e.g., ratification of the Constitution, rule of law, impact of
immigration.
rights of American citizenship and analyze the differences.
SS.O.08.02.09 analyze conditions under which constitutional
government flourishes.
SS.O.08.01.08 justify changes in the legal voting age and correlate
voting as a responsibility and right of citizens.
Yes
Yes
III. Evaluating, Taking, and Defending Positions.
Evaluating position means to use criteria or standards to make
judgment about the strength and weaknesses of positions on issues,
goals promoted by the position, or means advocated to attain those
goals.
SS.O.05.01.01 analyze how government and non-government
groups and institutions work to meet the individual needs and
promote the common good (e.g., Red Cross, FEMA, Bills, laws,
foundations) and evaluate their actions.
SS.O.05.01.04 evaluate the importance of citizens having and
supporting common democratic values and principles expressed in
the nation’s core documents.
SS.O.05.02.01 judge whether local, state and national governments
do or do not provide for the needs and wants of people, establish
order and manage conflict.
SS.O.06.02.01 evaluate competing ideas about the purposes
government should serve (e.g., promoting the common good,
protecting individual rights, providing economic security).
SS.O.06.02.04 debate the purposes of political parties and special
interest groups and their influence on the political process.
SS.O.08.01.05 organize and provide examples of multiple points of
view about selected public issues and evaluate the influence of
diverse forms of public opinion on the development of public policy
and decision-making.
Taking a position refers to using criteria or standards to arrive at a
SS.O.06.01.02 evaluate, take and defend positions on the purposes
position one can support by selecting from existing positions or creating that government should serve
SS.O.06.02.04 debate the purposes of political parties and special
a novel one.
interest groups and their influence on the political process.
Defending a position refers to advancing arguments and offering
SS.O.07.02.04 debate the importance of limited government and the
evidence in favor of one’s position and responding to or taking into
rule of law.
account arguments opposed to one’s position.
Identifying strengths and weaknesses, e.g., of proposed rules,
SS.O.05.02.04 analyze the importance of laws and explain and
regulations, or legislation.
illustrate how laws are made and how they affect the home,
classroom, school, community, state, nation and world.
SS.O.08.02.10 list and explain the laws passed in a current
legislative session and evaluate their impact (e.g., tourism,
economy, education, health).
Challenging ad hominem and other illogical arguments, e.g., name
calling, personal attacks, insinuation and innuendo, circular arguments.
page 16
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Evaluating the validity of arguments, analogies, and data, e.g., source
of data, omission of data, logical cohesion, circularity of argument,
appropriate correspondence of analogies.
Citing evidence in support of rejection, e.g., reliability of predictions,
degrees of probability, comparability to past instances.
Predicting probable consequences, e.g., reliability of predictions,
degrees of probability, comparability to past instances.
Evaluating means and ends, e.g., means not conductive to ends,
unethical means and ends, ends that conflict with other desirable ends.
Assessing the costs and benefits of alternative, e.g., numbers of people
positively or negatively affected, monetary costs vs. social value.
Choosing a position from existing alternatives, e.g., analyzing existing
positions, judging positions using appropriate criteria.
Creating a novel position, e.g., extracting the best ideas from
alternatives, combining elements in unique ways.
Defending a position, e.g., consistency with fundamental values and
principles, costs outweighed by benefits, best and least objectionable
among alternatives.
Responding to opposing arguments, e.g., citing appropriate evidence,
countering misstatements or emotive language, pointing out
inconsistencies in opposing arguments, accommodating the strengths
of different positions, taking into account the best case against one’s
own position.
SS.O.08.01.02 debate and practice forms of civic discussion
SS.O.08.01.03 argue the effectiveness of selected public policies
and citizen behaviors.
SS.O.08.01.03 argue the effectiveness of selected public policies
and citizen behaviors.
Yes
No
No
SS.O.05.01.01 analyze how government and non-government
groups and institutions work to meet the individual needs and
promote the common good (e.g., Red Cross, FEMA, Bills, laws,
foundations) and evaluate their actions.
SS.O.06.01.02 evaluate, take and defend positions on the purposes
that government should serve.
SS.O.05.01.01 analyze how government and non-government
groups and institutions work to meet the individual needs and
promote the common good (e.g., Red Cross, FEMA, Bills, laws,
foundations) and evaluate their actions.
SS.O.06.01.02 evaluate, take and defend positions on the purposes
that government should serve.
SS.O.05.01.04 evaluate the importance of citizens having and
supporting common democratic values and principles expressed in
the nation’s core documents.
SS.O.06.02.01 evaluate competing ideas about the purposes
government should serve (e.g., promoting the common good,
protecting individual rights, providing economic security).
SS.O.07.02.04 debate the importance of limited government and the
rule of law.
SS.O.08.01.06 examine the strategies designed to strengthen the
common good, which include a range of options for citizen action.
SS.O.06.01.02 evaluate, take and defend positions on the purposes
that government should serve.
NAEP Civics 5-8 Participatory Skills Component (Strand)
I. Interacting
Interacting permits to the skills citizens need to communicate and to
Yes
Yes
This is a background definition for the Interacting Section.
page 17
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
work cooperatively with others. To interact is to be responsive to one’s
fellow citizens. To interact is to question, to answer, and to deliberate
with civility, as well as to build coalitions and to manage conflict in a
fair, peaceful manner.
Working in small groups and committees, pooling information,
SS.O.05.01.01 analyze how government and non-government
exchanging opinions, formulating, plans of action.
groups and institutions work to meet the individual needs and
promote the common good (e.g., Red Cross, FEMA, Bills, laws,
foundations) and evaluate their actions.
SS.O.07.01.05 apply and practice selective forms of civic discussion
and participation consistent with the ideas of citizens in a democratic
republic.
Listening, gaining information, ideas, different perspectives.
Questioning, clarifying information or points of view, eliciting facts and SS.O.06.01.05 analyze citizen actions (e.g., petitions, lobbying,
opinions.
demonstrations, civil disobedience) and public opinion (expressed
through various media and meetings) and evaluate these influences
on public policy and decision-making.
SS.O.06.01.01 explain the ways in which nations interact with one
another and try to resolve problems.
Discussing public affairs in a knowledgeable, responsible, and civil
SS.O.06.01.05 analyze citizen actions (e.g., petitions, lobbying,
manner in school, with neighbors and friends, in community groups and demonstrations, civil disobedience) and public opinion (expressed
public forums.
through various media and meetings) and evaluate these influences
on public policy and decision-making.
SS.O.08.01.07 identify, analyze, evaluate and interpret sources and
examples of the responsibilities, privileges and rights of citizens.
Participating in voluntary associations and interest groups, promoting SS.O.08.01.01 evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in
ideas, policies, interests.
government at the local, state and national levels and assume the
role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process(e.g.,
voting, community service, letter writing, town meeting, school
elections).
SS.O.08.01.07 identify, analyze, evaluate and interpret sources and
examples of the responsibilities, privileges and rights of citizens.
Building coalitions, enlisting the support of like-minded, individuals and SS.O.08.01.05 organize and provide examples of multiple points of
groups to promote candidates, policies.
view about selected public issues and evaluate the influence of
diverse forms of public opinion on the development of public policy
and decision-making.
SS.O.08.01.07 identify, analyze, evaluate and interpret sources and
examples of the responsibilities, privileges and rights of citizens.
Managing conflicts through , negotiation, compromise, consensus
SS.O.08.01.07 identify, analyze, evaluate and interpret sources and
building, adjudication.
examples of the responsibilities, privileges and rights of citizens.
Performing school and community service, serving as a representative SS.O.06.02.04 debate the purposes of political parties and special
or elected leader, organizing a public issues forum, working for one’s
interest groups and their influence on the political process.
page 18
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
SS.O.07.01.02 model the actions citizens take to influence public
policy decisions.
SS.O.07.01.05 apply and practice selective forms of civic discussion
and participation consistent with the ideas of citizens in a democratic
republic.
Using media resources, obtaining information, exchanging ideas,
SS.O.06.01.05 analyze citizen actions (e.g., petitions, lobbying,
advocating public policies.
demonstrations, civil disobedience) and public opinion (expressed
through various media and meetings) and evaluate these influences
on public policy and decision-making.
Deliberating on public issues, e.g., health care, employment,
SS.O.06.01.02 evaluate, take and defend positions on the purposes
environmental concerns.
that government should serve
SS.O.06.02.01 evaluate competing ideas about the purposes
government should serve (e.g., promoting the common good,
protecting individual rights, providing economic security).
Assessing others’ arguments and positions for their validity rather than SS.O.06.01.02 evaluate, take and defend positions on the purposes
because of who it is that utters them, remaining calm in the face of
that government should serve
SS.O.06.01.03 explain how nations benefit when they resolve
opposition.
conflicts peacefully.
religious, civic, or charitable organizations.
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
II. Monitoring
Monitoring politics and government refers to the skills citizens need to
track the handling of issues by the political process and by government.
Monitoring the performance of government and the course of public
affairs is essential, if citizens are to participate intelligently.
Listening attentively to fellow citizens, proceeding of public bodies,
media reports.
SS.O.05.02.01 judge whether local, state and national governments
do or do not provide for the needs and wants of people, establish
order and manage conflict.
SS.O.06.02.04 debate the purposes of political parties and special
interest groups and their influence on the political process.
SS.O.08.01.03 argue the effectiveness of selected public policies
and citizen behaviors.
SS.O.08.01.06 examine the strategies designed to strengthen the
common good, which include a range of options for citizen action.
SS.O.08.01.07 identify, analyze, evaluate and interpret sources and
examples of the responsibilities, privileges and rights of citizens.
SS.O.06.01.05 analyze citizen actions (e.g., petitions, lobbying,
demonstrations, civil disobedience) and public opinion (expressed
through various media and meetings) and evaluate these influences
on public policy and decision-making.
SS.O.08.01.01 evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in
government at the local, state and national levels and assume the
role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process(e.g.,
voting, community service, letter writing, town meeting, school
elections).
page 19
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
SS.O.08.01.03 argue the effectiveness of selected public policies
and citizen behaviors.
Questioning public officials, experts, and others to elicit
SS.O.06.01.05 analyze citizen actions (e.g., petitions, lobbying,
demonstrations, civil disobedience) and public opinion (expressed
through various media and meetings) and evaluate these influences
on public policy and decision-making.
SS.O.06.02.01 evaluate competing ideas about the purposes
government should serve (e.g., promoting the common good,
protecting individual rights, providing economic security).
SS.O.08.02.10 list and explain the laws passed in a current
legislative session and evaluate their impact (e.g., tourism,
economy, education, health).
Holding public officials accountable for using their authority consistently SS.O.05.01.03 explain the consent of the governed as a source of
with basic constitutional principles.
government authority.
SS.O.08.02.10 list and explain the laws passed in a current
legislative session and evaluate their impact (e.g., tourism,
economy, education, health).
Following public issues in the media, using a variety of sources, such SS.O.05.02.01 judge whether local, state and national governments
as television, radio, newspapers, journals, and magazines.
do or do not provide for the needs and wants of people, establish
order and manage conflict.
SS.O.06.02.04 debate the purposes of political parties and special
interest groups and their influence on the political process.
SS.O.08.01.05 organize and provide examples of multiple points of
view about selected public issues and evaluate the influence of
diverse forms of public opinion on the development of public policy
and decision-making.
Researching public issues, using computer resources, libraries, the
SS.O.05.02.01 judge whether local, state and national governments
telephone, personal contacts, the media.
do or do not provide for the needs and wants of people, establish
order and manage conflict.
SS.O.08.02.10 list and explain the laws passed in a current
legislative session and evaluate their impact (e.g., tourism,
economy, education, health).
Gathering and analyzing information from government officials and
SS.O.08.02.10 list and explain the laws passed in a current
agencies, interest groups, civic organizations.
legislative session and evaluate their impact (e.g., tourism,
economy, education, health).
SS.O.05.02.01 judge whether local, state and national governments
do or do not provide for the needs and wants of people, establish
order and manage conflict.
SS.O.06.02.04 debate the purposes of political parties and special
interest groups and their influence on the political process.
Attending public meetings and hearings, e.g., student council, city
SS.O.05.02.01 judge whether local, state and national governments
page 20
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
council and school board meetings, briefings by members of county
boards of supervisors, state legislatures, and Congress.
Interviewing people knowledgeable about civic issues, such as local
officials, civic servants, experts in public and private associations,
members of college and university faculties.
Using electronic resources for acquiring and exchanging information,
e.g., the Internet, online university services, electronic bulletin boards.
do or do not provide for the needs and wants of people, establish
order and manage conflict.
SS.O.06.02.04 debate the purposes of political parties and special
interest groups and their influence on the political process.
SS.O.05.02.01 judge whether local, state and national governments
do or do not provide for the needs and wants of people, establish
order and manage conflict.
SS.O.06.02.04 debate the purposes of political parties and special
interest groups and their influence on the political process.
SS.O.08.01.06 examine the strategies designed to strengthen the
common good, which include a range of options for citizen action.
SS.O.08.02.10 list and explain the laws passed in a current
legislative session and evaluate their impact (e.g., tourism,
economy, education, health).
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
III. Influencing
Influencing refers to the skills required to affect the processes of politics SS.O.06.01.05 analyze citizen actions (e.g., petitions, lobbying,
and governance, both formal and informal processes of governance in demonstrations, civil disobedience) and public opinion (expressed
the community.
through various media and meetings) and evaluate these influences
on public policy and decision-making
Voting, e.g., in class, student body, local, state, national, and special
SS.O.05.01.02 explain the political process and evaluate its
elections
importance in decision-making.
SS.O.06.01.04 compare and contrast the role of American citizens
with citizens of selected nations and states:
 responsibilities
 rights
 privileges
 duties
SS.O.07.01.02 model the actions citizens take to influence public
policy decisions.
SS.O.07.01.05 apply and practice selective forms of civic discussion
and participation consistent with the ideas of citizens in a democratic
republic.
SS.O.08.01.01 evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in
government at the local, state and national levels and assume the
role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process(e.g.,
voting, community service, letter writing, town meeting, school
elections).
Informing, e.g., furnishing factual data to legislators and policymakers. SS.O.06.01.02 evaluate, take and defend positions on the purposes
that government should serve
SS.O.06.01.05 analyze citizen actions (e.g., petitions, lobbying,
page 21
Yes
Yes
Partial
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
demonstrations, civil disobedience) and public opinion (expressed
through various media and meetings) and evaluate these influences
on public policy and decision-making.
SS.O.08.01.01 evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in
government at the local, state and national levels and assume the
role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process(e.g.,
voting, community service, letter writing, town meeting, school
elections).
SS.O.08.01.06 examine the strategies designed to strengthen the
common good, which include a range of options for citizen action.
SS.O.07.01.02 model the actions citizens take to influence public
policy decisions.
SS.O.07.01.04 research and organize information about an issue of
public concern from multiple points of view.
Petitioning, e.g., calling attention to representative bodies and public
officials to grievances and desired changes in public policy, gathering
signatures for initiatives or recall.
Writing, e.g., letters and “op ed” pieces, broadsides, pamphlets.
SS.O.06.01.05 analyze citizen actions (e.g., petitions, lobbying,
demonstrations, civil disobedience) and public opinion (expressed
through various media and meetings) and evaluate these influences
on public policy and decision-making.
SS.O.07.01.02 model the actions citizens take to influence public
policy decisions.
SS.O.05.01.03 explain the consent of the governed as a source of
government authority.
SS.O.08.01.01 evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in
government at the local, state and national levels and assume the
role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process(e.g.,
voting, community service, letter writing, town meeting, school
elections).
SS.O.08.01.02 debate and practice forms of civic discussion
SS.O.08.01.04 compare and contrast the relationship between
policy statements and action plans used to address issues of public
concern.
SS.O.08.01.09 outline and utilize a process to express opinion,
resolve problems and/or seek assistance.
SS.O.06.01.05 analyze citizen actions (e.g., petitions, lobbying,
demonstrations, civil disobedience) and public opinion (expressed
through various media and meetings) and evaluate these influences
on public policy and decision-making.
SS.O.06.02.04 debate the purposes of political parties and special
interest groups and their influence on the political process.
SS.O.08.01.01 evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in
government at the local, state and national levels and assume the
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role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process(e.g.,
voting, community service, letter writing, town meeting, school
elections).
SS.O.08.01.02 debate and practice forms of civic discussion
Speaking and testifying before public bodies, e.g., student body
SS.O.06.02.04 debate the purposes of political parties and special
councils, school boards, specific districts, state legislatures, Congress. interest groups and their influence on the political process.
SS.O.08.01.01 evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in
government at the local, state and national levels and assume the
role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process(e.g.,
voting, community service, letter writing, town meeting, school
elections).
SS.O.08.01.02 debate and practice forms of civic discussion
Supporting or opposing candidates or positions on public issues, e.g.,
contributing time, talent, or money.
Participating in civic and political groups, e.g., student government,
youth groups, local state, and national political parties, and ad-hoc
advocacy groups.
SS.O.06.02.01 evaluate competing ideas about the purposes
government should serve (e.g., promoting the common good,
protecting individual rights, providing economic security).
SS.O.06.01.05 analyze citizen actions (e.g., petitions, lobbying,
demonstrations, civil disobedience) and public opinion (expressed
through various media and meetings) and evaluate these influences
on public policy and decision-making.
SS.O.08.01.01 evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in
government at the local, state and national levels and assume the
role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process(e.g.,
voting, community service, letter writing, town meeting, school
elections).
SS.O.08.01.02 debate and practice forms of civic discussion
SS.O.06.01.05 analyze citizen actions (e.g., petitions, lobbying,
demonstrations, civil disobedience) and public opinion (expressed
through various media and meetings) and evaluate these influences
on public policy and decision-making.
SS.O.06.02.04 debate the purposes of political parties and special
interest groups and their influence on the political process.
SS.O.08.01.01 evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in
government at the local, state and national levels and assume the
role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process(e.g.,
voting, community service, letter writing, town meeting, school
elections).
SS.O.08.01.02 debate and practice forms of civic discussion
SS.O.08.02.07 research and describe how special interest groups
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Partial
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Employing the various media to advance points of view on public
affairs, e.g., participating in online discussions of public issues, writing
newspaper and magazine articles, voicing one’s opinion on radio and
television talk shows.
and the media influence government and the law-making process in
West Virginia (e.g., West Virginia Education Association, United
Mine Workers, Division of Tourism).
SS.O.08.01.01 evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in
government at the local, state and national levels and assume the
role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process(e.g.,
voting, community service, letter writing, town meeting, school
elections).
SS.O.08.01.02 debate and practice forms of civic discussion
SS.O.08.02.07 research and describe how special interest groups
and the media influence government and the law-making process in
West Virginia (e.g., West Virginia Education Association, United
Mine Workers, Division of Tourism).
Yes
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NAEP Civics 5-8 Civic Dispositions Component (Strand)
I. Traits of private and public character essential to the preservation and improvement of American Constitutional Democracy.
Becoming an independent member of society, e.g., adhering voluntarily
to self-imposed standards of behavior rather than requiring the
imposition of external controls, accepting responsibility for the
consequences of one’s actions, fulfilling the moral and legal obligations
of membership in society.
Assuming the personal, political, and economic responsibilities of a
citizen, e.g., taking care of one’s self; supporting one’s family and
caring for, nurturing, and educating one’s children; being informed
about public issues; serving on juries; voting; paying taxes; performing
public services.
Respecting individual worth and human dignity, e.g., treating everyone
with respect, listening to the opinions of others, behaving in a civil
manner, considering the rights and interests of others, adhering to the
principle of majority rule, respecting the right of the minority to dissent.
Participating in civil affairs in an informal, thoughtful, and effective
manner, e.g., becoming informed prior to voting or participating in
public debate, engaging in civic discourse, assuming leadership when
appropriate, evaluating whether and when one’s obligation as a citizen
requires that one’s personal desires and interests be subordinated to
the public good, and evaluating whether and when moral obligations or
constitutional principles require one to reject certain civic expectations
SS.O.06.01.05 analyze citizen actions (e.g., petitions, lobbying,
demonstrations, civil disobedience) and public opinion (expressed
through various media and meetings) and evaluate these influences
on public policy and decision-making
SS.O.05.01.05 categorize the responsibilities, duties, privileges and
rights of American citizenship and analyze the differences.
SS.O.05.01.05 categorize the responsibilities, duties, privileges and
rights of American citizenship and analyze the differences.
Partial
SS.O.05.01.04 evaluate the importance of citizens having and
supporting common democratic values and principles expressed in
the nation’s core documents.
Yes
SS.O.05.01.04 evaluate the importance of citizens having and
supporting common democratic values and principles expressed in
the nation’s core documents.
SS.O.07.01.05 apply and practice selective forms of civic discussion
and participation consistent with the ideas of citizens in a democratic
republic.
SS.O.08.01.02 debate and practice forms of civic discussion
SS.O.08.01.06 examine the strategies designed to strengthen the
common good, which include a range of options for citizen action.
Yes
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SS.O.08.01.07 identify, analyze, evaluate and interpret sources and
examples of the responsibilities, privileges and rights of citizens.
Promoting the healthy functioning of American constitutional
SS.O.05.01.02 explain the political process and evaluate its
democracy, e.g., being informed and attentive to public issues, learning importance in decision-making.
SS.O.05.02.01 judge whether local, state and national governments
about and deliberating on the meaning of constitutional principles,
monitoring the adherence of political leaders and governmental
do or do not provide for the needs and wants of people, establish
agencies to constitutional principles and taking appropriate action if that order and manage conflict.
adherence is lacking, working through peaceful, legal means to change SS.O.05.02.04 analyze the importance of laws and explain and
laws that are thought to be unwise or unjust.
illustrate how laws are made and how they affect the home,
classroom, school, community, state, nation and world.
SS.O.06.01.02 evaluate, take and defend positions on the purposes
that government should serve
SS.O.06.02.02 analyze and explain how various types of
government meet the needs and wants of citizens, manage conflict
and establish security.
SS.O.06.02.03 analyze the impact of strong leadership on historic
world events.
SS.O.07.02.04 debate the importance of limited government and the
rule of law.
SS.O.08.01.03 argue the effectiveness of selected public policies
and citizen behaviors.
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NAEP Strand Context Component
Although the home, school, community, and state may receive greater
emphasis, national and international contexts should be included.
Political socialization studies have confirmed repeatedly that young
children are more likely to know a national leader than leaders in their
state or community. In the United States, most young children are
aware that a president is the nation’s elected leader and that symbols
such as the flag represent their nation. Young children also are aware
of major national and international events, thanks to the ubiquitousness
of television. In grades 8 and 12, the content should include a broader
understanding of the state and nation, as well as of international affairs.
At all levels, a balance should be sought between instances involving
formal governmental structure and functions and the less formal
manifestations of the organizations and relationships, such as voluntary
organizations and the family, which constitute civil society.
SS.O.06.02.03 analyze the impact of strong leadership on historic
world events.
SS.O.05.02.01 judge whether local, state and national governments
do or do not provide for the needs and wants of people, establish
order and manage conflict.
SS.O.06.02.05 identify, explain and give examples of the political
divisions of nations.
SS.O.08.02.02 cite the elected officials at the national, state and
local levels, their requirements, duties and responsibilities (e.g.,
President, Governors, Senators, Representatives/Delegates,
Members of Board of Public Works, County Commissioners,
Mayor/City Council).
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