For each of the sections that follow, students may be required to analyze, recall, explain, interpret, apply or evaluate the particular concepts being taught.
People and Government
 Identify and describe the principles of government.
 Distinguish the types of government.
Origins of American Government
 Describe the historical influences on the Framers of the Constitution.
 Explain the structure and purpose of the Declaration of Independence.
 Describe the structure and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
 Identify the major issues and compromises at the Constitutional Convention.
The US Constitution
 Describe the structure and principles found in the Constitution.
 Identify the powers and limits of the three branches of government.
 Explain the formal and informal ways the Constitution can be amended.
 Describe the rights and protections found in the Bill of Rights and the 14 th amendment.
The Executive Branch
 Identify the term, qualifications and common characteristics of the President.
 Explain the procedures for registering and voting in an election.
 List the first four steps in the order of succession.
 Describe the steps to electing the president.
 Explain and evaluate the role of the Electoral College.
 Investigate and describe the powers and roles of the President.
 Analyze the different leadership styles of the President.
Describe the structure and function of the Federal bureaucracy.
The US Congress
 Explain the organization of the US House of Representatives and the Senate.
 Describe and evaluate the legislative and non-legislative powers of Congress.
 Explain the importance of the powers of investigation and oversight.
 Analyze the process by which a bill becomes a law.
 Describe the various ways a member of Congress serves constituents.
The Federal Judiciary
 Describe the powers and jurisdiction of the federal courts.
 Explain the role of the federal district courts and circuit courts of appeal.
 Explain the role, function and procedures of the US Supreme Court.
 Analyze how the Supreme Court shapes public policy.

Constitutional Freedoms
 Describe and evaluate the rights and protections found within the Bill of Rights and the 14 th Amendment.
 Explain how decisions of the Supreme Court have expanded and limited these rights and protections.
Participating in Government
 Explain the basis of citizenship in the United States.
 Examine the purpose role and development of political parties in American politics.
 Examine the purpose, role and development of interest groups in American politics.
 Describe the impact of mass media on government and citizen participation in our democracy.
State and Local Government
 Describe the relationship between national and state government powers.
 Explain how federalism has developed throughout American history.
 Examine the structure and function of state governments.
 Examine the types, structure and function of local governments.
**Projects that may be identified for use in completing graduation requirements:
 Mock Constitutional Convention
 Thesis-based essays
 Document-based questions
 Mock Congress Simulation