2: Historical Foundations—The foundations of American government were shaped by western ideas which culminated in the 17th and 18th century. Steps taken in creating new governments were based on Enlightenment values of liberty, equality, and justice. The foundations of American government reveal that the experiment of self-rule was not a sudden change brought about by the Declaration of Independence, but a gradual shift in attitude based on social and political experiences. Strand 1. History: Continuity and Change 2. Government Systems and Principles 3. Geographical Study 4. Economic Concepts 5. People, Groups, and Cultures Key Concepts and Understandings A. Trace the evolution of government in the English colonies to explain colonists’ expectations for B. Analyze the Declaration of Independence to determine the influence of classical and Enlightenment thought on revolutionary ideals. C. Evaluate the extent to which decisions made in the Constitutional Convention were influenced by previous models of government and experiences under British rule. A. Analyze how the codification of law impacted early civilizations and shaped enduring concepts government, law, and social order. B. Apply the concepts of natural law, social contract, due process of law, and popular sovereignty to explain the purpose and legacy of the Declaration of Independence. C. Describe the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation to explain its failure as a national government. A. Analyze how geography of North America influenced the governmental systems which developed there. A. Analyze the impact of economics and economic theories on the formation of United States governmental ideals, principles and structures. A. Analyze the varying perspectives of individuals and groups to explain emerging divisions and political philosophies as the United States was founded.
Theme 2: Historical Foundations—The foundations of American government were shaped by western ideas which culminated in the 17th and 18th century. Steps taken in creating new governments were based on Enlightenment values of liberty, equality, and justice. The foundations of American government reveal that the experiment of self-rule was not a sudden change brought about by the Declaration of Independence, but a gradual shift in attitude based on social and political experiences. Strand 1. History: Continuity and Change 2. Government Systems and Principles 3. Geographical Study 4. Economic Concepts 5. People, Groups, and Cultures Key Concepts and Understandings D. Compare and contrast the structure and function of democratic governments and authoritarian governments, noting their impact on people, groups and societies. Possible Sources of Study Primary Sources: Marcus Tullius Cicero,On The Laws, On The Republic (55 B.C.) Magna Carta (1215) Mayflower Compact (1620) Hugo Grotius, The Law of War and Peace (1625) Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (1639) Joseph Addison, Cato: A Tragedy (1712) Trenchard and Gordon, Cato’s Letters (1720 – 1723) Albany Plan (1754) Thomas Common Sense (1776) Massachusetts State Constitution (1780) The Articles of Confederation (1781) The Annapolis Convention Resolution (1786) The Northwest Ordinance (1787) John Adams, A Defense of the Constitution of Government of the United States of America (1787) Secondary Sources: Roger William, On Religious Liberty (2008) Carl J. Richard, The Founders and the Classics (1994)
Theme 4: Government in Action - The ability to be civically engaged relies upon an understanding of the historical foundations, structure and functions of American government. Students should recognize the ways in which decisions are made and how they might, in turn, influence the government. In achieving this, the student will be equipped with the rationale, knowledge, and skills necessary to realize the promise of American ideals. Strand 1. History: Continuity and Change 2. Government Systems and Principles 3. Geographical Study 4. Economic Concepts 5. People, Groups, and Cultures Key Concepts and Understandings A. Evaluate the role and influence of contemporary political parties on government. B. Explain a citizen’s legal obligations, as well as opportunities for, engaging with and using local, state, and federal governments to shape decision-making. C. Compare the various processes pertaining to the selection of political leaders at the federal, state, and local level. A. Analyze state and federal electoral results to determine the influence of social, regional and demographic characteristics. A. Analyze the role that people, businesses, and government play in taxation and spending required to maintain the public good. A. Explain how political parties and interest groups reflect diverse perspectives and are influenced by individuals. B. Evaluate factors that shape public opinion on elections and policy issues. C. Predict the consequences that occur when institutions fail to meet the needs of individuals and groups, and when individuals fail to carry out their personal responsibilities. Possible Sources of Study Primary Sources Election Maps and exit polling Party Platforms US Census Data Political Advertisements Presidential Debates Public Opinion Polls Secondary Sources: Political Identity Quizzes