Social Studies Curriculum

Civics

Approximate Unit Length: 7 weeks

Text:
We The People
(Center for Civic
Education) © 2003

Foundations of
Democracy (Center for
Civic Education) © 2003

National Standards for
History:

Era 3
Revolution and the New Nation (1754-1820)
Standard 3 A – D

National Standards for
Civics and Government
(Grades 5-8)
Standard 1 A – C;
Standard 2 A – D;
Standard 3 A – F;
Standard 4 A – B;
Standard 5 A - G

Alaska Content Standards:
Government and
Citizenship A-D

The students will understand that:

1. The structures of the American government create a unique system, which protect the rights of the individual.
2. The United States is a democratic republic, a government in which representatives are chosen by the people to serve the interests of those represented and to promote the common welfare.
3. In a democratic republic, the individual’s participation in civic and political life contributes to the attainment of individual and public goals.

1. To what extent do the foundations of American constitutional government create a model for current democratic nations?
2. How does the American structure of government ensure a balanced system?
3. To what extent do citizens have a responsibility to work for the common good in a democratic republic?