Students understand how economic, political, cultural, and social processes interact to shape patterns of human populations, interdependence, cooperation and conflict on the Earth's surface . Students know what government is, why it exists, and how it is shaped by civic life and politics at the national, state, and community levels. Students understand the basic constitutional principles and democratic foundations of our national, state and local political systems. Students know how democratic principles are used in making public policy, and that citizen involvement is critical. Students know the political relationship of the United States and its citizens to other nations and to world affairs.
Students understand how to exercise the rights and responsibilities of participating in civic life.
Students understand that individuals, households, businesses, governments and societies make decisions, influenced by incentives, about the use of scarce resources and that their choices involve costs. Students understand how different economic systems impact the way individuals, households, businesses, governments and societies make decisions about the use of economic resources and the production and distribution of goods and services. Students understand the patterns and results of trade, exchange and interdependence between individuals, households, businesses, governments and societies. The purpose of this course is to encourage responsible and productive citizenship. Units to be covered include Constitutional foundations, separation of powers, politics and elections, and due process of law.