Students will:

• Be introduced to skills for historical thinking, economic decision making, and responsible citizenship.
• Examine current events to gain a greater understanding of government and economics.

Students will consider:

• What makes someone a responsible member of their community?
• What can I do to contribute to my community?
• What role do people play in the economic and political systems of the United States?

Students will:

• Apply history and social science skills to define citizenship  by:
  • Describing the processes by which an individual becomes a citizen of the United States.
  • Describing the rights and privileges guaranteed by the First Amendment, including freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition, the rights guaranteed by due process and equal protection of the law, and protection from unreasonable government search and seizure.
  • Examining ways to peacefully work for change in communities or the nation by participating in political campaigns and methods of peacefully petitioning the government for change.
  • Examining how civic participation can address community needs and serve the public good, including the importance of volunteering, staying informed about current issues, and respecting differing beliefs in a diverse society.
  • Examining the process and importance of immigration policies at different points in U.S. history.
  • Explaining the criteria and exam for naturalizing U.S. citizens.
• Exhibit effective and respectful participation in civic life, including, but not limited to civility, trustworthiness and honesty, courtesy and respect for the rights of others, personal responsibility, military service, self-reliance, hard work, respect for the law, patriotism, and service in one’s community.
• Apply history and social science skills to analyze the role of public participation in American civic life by:
  • Describing the duties of citizens, including paying taxes, serving on a jury, following the law, voting, and registering for selective service.
  • Evaluating voting dates and processes in Virginia.
  • Explaining voter eligibility and requirements for registration.

Students will consider:

• How does one become a citizen of the United States?
• What does the First Amendment protect and why are these protections important to our democratic society?
• What rights do the Fifth and Fourteenth amendments provide to citizens and why are these significant for ensuring fairness and justice?
• How does the Sixth Amendment protect the rights of the accused?
• How has the interpretation of “equal protection under the law” changed over time?
• How can an individual demonstrate responsibility?
• What is the connection between the characteristics of a responsible citizen and the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights?
• How do the amendments, particularly the Bill of Rights, help fulfill the promises of the constitution?

Students will apply history and social science skills to explain the foundations of American constitutional democracy by:

• Explaining the fundamental principles of limited government, republicanism, federalism, checks and balances, separation of powers, and popular sovereignty.
• Describing the Magna Carta, English common law, the charters of the Virginia Company of London (April 10, 1606; May 23, 1609; and March 12, 1612), the Virginia Declaration of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and their influence on the Constitution of Virginia and the Constitution of the United States, including the Bill of Rights.
• Comparing and contrasting debates, compromises, and plans surrounding the drafting and ratification of the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights.
• Describing the purpose of the Constitution of the United States, as stated in its Preamble.
• Explaining the fundamental concepts of the U.S. government including, but not limited to:
  • due process
  • equal justice under the law
  • equal protection
  • elections and a representative government
  • limited government
  • right to private property
  • rule of law
  • Supremacy Clause
  • separation of powers

Students will consider:

• How do fundamental political principles and concepts affect everyday life?
• At the time our nation was founded, who was considered a citizen and whose rights were protected?
• How did earlier documents influence the constitutions of Virginia and the United States, including the Bill of Rights?
• What fundamental principles and concepts are reflected in the founding documents?
• What is the significance of “We the People”?
• How does the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States express the purposes of the government?
• What arguments were used to advocate for or against the ratification of the Constitution?
• How do the amendments, particularly the Bill of Rights, help fulfill the promises of the Constitution?

The student will apply history and social science skills to xamine  the political process at the local, state, and national levels of government by:

• Describing the origins, history, and functions of political parties.
• Analyzing campaigns for elective office, with emphasis on the roles of candidates, volunteers,  the media, voters, and poll watchers.
• Explaining the role of campaign contributions and cost of campaigns.
• Examining the history of and requirements for voter registration.
• Describing the role of the Electoral College in the election of the president and vice president.

Students will consider:

• What are the origins of the two-party system in American constitutional government?
• What are the goals of a political party?
• How do citizens engage with political parties and participate in the political process?
• What knowledge and skills does an individual need to pursue a career in politics?
• How can the media and social media influence the political process?
• Why do citizens donate to campaigns and how can political contributions affect the outcome of an election?
• What are political action committees (PACs) and what role do they play in the political process?
  
• What is campaign finance law and how can it expand or limit a candidate’s success?
• What are the qualifications to register to vote in Virginia?
• How has access to voting changed over time?
• What factors influence voter turnout during the election process?
• What role does the popular vote play in the electoral process?
• How does the winner-take-all system of the Electoral College influence campaigning and voter turnout?

Students will apply history and social science skills to:

• Explain the foundations of American constitutional democracy by:
• explaining the fundamental principles of limited government, republicanism, federalism, checks and balances, separation of powers, and popular sovereignty. Understand the American constitutional government at the national level by:
• Analyze how the American constitutional government functions at the national level by:
  • Describing the structure and powers of the government (the three branches of government).
  • Explaining the principle of separation of powers and the operation of check and balances.
• Analyze how constitutional government functions at the state level by Explaining the relationship between state governments and the national government in the federal system, referencing Federalist No. 10 and Federalist No. 51.
• Analyze American constitutional government at the local level by describing the structure and powers of the local government and explain the local lawmaking process.

Students will consider:

• How do fundamental political principles and concepts affect everyday life?
• How are the fundamental principles and concepts reflected in the organization of the national government?
• Why was the Virginia Constitution necessary?
• How does the Virginia Constitution organize the government at the state level?
• What are the similarities and differences between the structures of the state and national levels of government?
• What are Federalist No.10 and Federalist No.51 and how do they relate to the relationship between the national and state governments?

Students will apply history and social science skills to:

• Analyze how the American constitutional government functions at the national level by:
  • Describing the structure and powers of the national government (the three branches of government).
  • Explaining the role and powers of the executive branch as explained in Article II of the U.S. Constitution.
  • Explaining the principle of separation of powers and the operation of check and balances.
• Analyze how constitutional government functions at the state level by:
  • Describing the structure and powers of the government (three branches of government).
  • Describing the roles and powers of the executive branch and regulatory boards as they affect states.
  • Explaining the principle of separation of powers and the operation of check and balances at the state level.
• Analyze American constitutional government at the local level by describing the structure and powers of the local government and explaining the local lawmaking process.

Students will consider:

• What are the roles of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government at the national level?
• How are the fundamental principles and concepts reflected in the organization of the national government?
• Why was the Virginia Constitution necessary?
• How does the Virginia Constitution organize the government at the state level?
• Why should people vote in state elections?
• How has the power of the president of the United States changed over time?
• What is the role of the cabinet and how does it support the government?
• What are the primary roles of the members of the executive branch at the state level?
• How does the executive branch influence policymaking?
• How does the governor exercise executive powers granted by the Virginia Constitution?
• How do cabinet secretaries and departments, agencies, commissions, and regulatory boards support the governor?
• How do the actions of cabinet secretaries and departments, agencies, commissions, and regulatory boards affect Virginians?
• What are the units of local government in Virginia?
• How do local governments exercise their power as defined by the Constitution of Virginia and acts of the Virginia General Assembly?

Students will apply history and social science skills to:

• Analyze how the American constitutional government functions at the national level by:
  • Describing the structure and powers of the national government (three branches of government).
  • Explaining the legislative branch and the lawmaking process as explained in Article I of the U.S. Constitution.
  • Explaining the principle of separation of powers and the operation of checks and balances.
• Analyze how constitutional government functions at the state level by:
  • Describing the structure and powers of the government (the three branches of government).
    Explaining the state lawmaking process.
  • Explaining the principle of separation of powers and the operation of checks and balances at the state level.
• Analyze American constitutional government at the local level by describing the structure and powers of the local government and explaining the local lawmaking process.

Students will consider:

• What are the roles of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government at the national level?
• How are the fundamental principles and concepts reflected in the organization of the national government?
• How do the expressed and implied powers influence the lawmaking process at the national level?
• What are the similarities and differences between the structures of the state and national levels of government?
• What factors influence the success or failure of a bill?
• How is the lawmaking process influenced by the other branches of government at the national level?
• What is the structure of the Virginia General Assembly and how does an individual become a member?
• How might individuals and interest groups influence public policy at the state level?
• How do the actions of the General Assembly affect Virginians?
• How do concurrent and reserved powers influence the lawmaking process at the state level?
• How can Virginia influence the lawmaking process at the national level?
• What are Federalist No.10 and Federalist No.51 and how do they relate to the relationship between the national and state governments?
• What issues cause tensions between the state and national governments, and how do they affect the daily life of citizens?
• What are the units of local government in Virginia?
• How do local governments exercise their power as defined by the Constitution of Virginia and acts of the Virginia General Assembly?

Students will apply history and social science skills to:

• Analyze how American constitutional government functions at the national level by:
  • Describing the structure powers of the national government (the three branches of government)
  • Explaining the particular role and powers of the judicial branch as explained in Article III of the Constitution of the United States.
  • Explaining the principle of separation of powers and the operation of checks and balances.
• Analyze how constitutional government functions at the state level by:
  • Describing the structure and powers of the state government (the three branches of government).
  • Explaining the principle of separation of powers and the operation of checks and balances at the state level.
• Analyze American constitutional government at the local level by describing the structure and powers of the local government and explaining the local lawmaking process.
• Explaining the judicial systems established by the Constitution of Virginia and the Constitution of the United States by:
  • Describing the system of state and federal courts including, but not limited to jurisdiction and judicial review.
  • Describing how due-process protections seek to ensure justice.
  • Comparing and contrasting civil and criminal cases.
  • Explaining the effects of Supreme Court cases affecting the judiciary including but not limited to Marbury v. Madison (1803).

Students will consider:

• What are the roles of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government at the national level?
• How are the fundamental principles and concepts reflected in the organization of the national government?
• What is judicial review and how does it support checks and balances?
• How does the constitution establish and work to protect due process of the law?
• How has the power of the judicial branch changed over time?
• Why was the Virginia Constitution necessary?
• How does the Virginia Constitution organize the government at the state level?
• Why should people vote in state elections?
• What are the units of local government in Virginia?
• How do local governments exercise their power as defined by the Constitution of Virginia and acts of the Virginia General Assembly?
• How did the landmark case Marbury v. Madison (1803) help define judicial review for American constitutional government?
• How did Marbury v. Madison (1803) establish the power and role of the Supreme Court?
• What are the differences between original and appellate jurisdictions?
• What is due process of the law and why is it important?
• What determines if a case is a criminal or civil case?
• Who are the different individuals involved in criminal and civil cases?
• What is the sequence for a criminal case and how do the procedures protect the rights of the accused?
• What knowledge and skills does an individual need to pursue a career related to the judiciary?

Students will apply history and social science skills to:

• Explain the foundations of American constitutional democracy by describing the procedures for amending the Constitution of Virginia and the Constitution of the United States.
• Analyze American constitutional government at the local level by:
  • Describing the structure and powers of the local government and explaining the local lawmaking process.
  • Describing how state, national, and international issues and events impact local decision making.
  • Comparing and contrasting powers and responsibilities of local, state, federal, and tribal governments, including, but not limited to citizen engagement, how each is financed, and how they work together and independently.

Students will consider:

• What are the units of local government in Virginia?
• What is the relationship between local and state governments?
• How are local governments financed?
• What global or national issues could require local governments to enact policy?
• What are examples of tribal governments in Virginia?

Students will apply history and social science skills to:

• Explain the role of the media and social media and the influence on local, state, and national levels of government by:
  • Explaining the role and rights of the press in reporting events.
  • Describing the effect biased reporting can have on public opinion.
  • Explaining the role that individuals play in the political policy-making process by expressing their opinions formally or informally via print media, electronic media, or in-person.
  • Evaluating the effect of social media on political campaigns, politics, and civic discourse.
  • Identifying the source of information and considering possible motivations or biases of its creator.
  • Evaluating multiple sources describing the same event or idea and reflecting on the reasons for any discrepancies.

Students will consider:

• What protections does the Constitution of the United States provide to the press and media?
• How can the media influence public opinion and policy?
• How does the media play a role in focusing public attention on selected issues?
• How may media bias influence public opinion and policymakers?
• How does one know if an article, source, or media outlet is biased in its reporting?
• How can claims made on social media be verified?
• How can government officials, interest groups, and individuals use the media, including social media, to influence public policy?
• What should individuals do to be informed consumers of digital and print media?
• How have the advancements in social media impacted public opinion, civic participation, and public policy?
• What knowledge and skills do individuals need to pursue a career in media or public relations?

Students will apply history and social science skills to:

• Analyze how economic decisions are made in the marketplace and in daily life by:
  • Explaining that because of scarcity, consumers, producers, and governments must make economic choices and understanding that all choices have an opportunity cost.
  • Explaining the importance of innovation and productivity, including the freedom to choose occupations, the role of technology, and the development of human capital.
  • Comparing and contrasting free-market, command, and mixed economies to determine how each affects the allocation of limited resources and the subsequent effects on individuals’ lives.
  • Describe the United States economy by explaining the concept of inflation and the effect of supply and demand on consumer prices in a market economy.

Students will consider:

• What choices do we make with our money?
• What is scarcity and how does the concept of scarcity apply to resources, goods, production, and price?
• What are examples of innovation in the economy or marketplace?
• How does technology support innovation and productivity?
• What are the basic economic questions individuals and countries must ask and why are they important?
• How does the role of the government help to determine its economic system?
• What is the role of the individual in a free-market economy vs. in a command economy?
• What role does consumer choice have in the different economic systems?
• What is equilibrium price?
• How do the laws of supply and demand determine price?
• How do higher and lower prices influence the laws of supply and demand?

Students will apply history and social science skills to describe the United States economy by: 

• Evaluating the shared fundamental principles and connection of free enterprise and democracy.
• Describing the critical components of the United States economy, such as limited government, private property, markets, consumer sovereignty, and competition.
• Describing the types of business organizations and the role of entrepreneurship.
• Explaining the role of consumers, producers, and government interactions on the economy.
• Explaining how financial institutions are critical to creating capital to fuel economic growth for individuals and the larger economy by channeling funds from savers to borrowers through lending.
• Analyzing the role of Virginia in the United States and global economies, with an emphasis on the effect of technological innovation.

Students will consider:

• Why are competition and consumer sovereignty important to the U.S. economy?
• Why do governments intervene in a market economy?
• Why is limited government a significant aspect of a market economy?
• How do entrepreneurs foster innovation, progress, and competition?
• What can interfere with an entrepreneur’s ability to foster innovation and competition?
• How have new technologies, the influence of social media, and the market economy supported or challenged entrepreneurship?
• How do resources, goods and services, and money flow among individuals, businesses, and markets in the U.S. economy?
• How do private financial institutions make a profit?
• How does the concept of consumer sovereignty connect to the use of private financial institutions?
• What is the role of private financial institutions in the U.S. economy?
• How can an individual use the services of a financial institution to plan?
• What is trade and how does the trading between states or nations support a global economy?
• What are the costs, benefits, or challenges of a state or a nation participating in a global economy?
• How does the phrase, “think globally, act locally” impact decisions made by consumers and producers?

Students will apply history and social science skills to analyze the role of government in the United States economy by:

• Examining the effect of competition in the marketplace.
• Explaining how and why government provides certain public goods and services.
• Describing how local, state, and federal governments allocate their budgets and collect taxes to pay for goods and services.
• Explaining the structure and main function of the Federal Reserve System and how it acts as the nation’s central bank.
• Explaining the role of government currency and analyzing the purpose of a money economy.
• Describing how governments regulate commerce to protect consumers, the environment, competition in the marketplace, and property rights.
• Evaluating how and why governments regulate industry, labor, competition, and monopolies in the marketplace.

Students will consider:

• How does the government promote marketplace competition and discourage the formation of monopolies?
• Which government agencies regulate and promote competition in the marketplace, and what do they do?
• How is the government provision of goods and services connected to the Constitution of the United States?
• What goods and services are provided by the national, state, and local governments and why are they provided?
• What are the main types of revenue collected by federal, state, and local governments and what is it used for?
• What is the role and function of the Federal Reserve System?
• What is money and how is it used in the U.S. economy?
• What are the types of money and banking generally used in the United States?
• How does the use of money reflect the confidence that citizens have in the U.S. government?
• How does the governmental regulation of commerce protect individuals and the environment?
• Why is it necessary to regulate labor, competition, industries, and monopolies in the U.S. economy?

Students will apply history and social science skills to Explain career opportunities and understand the fundamentals of personal finance by:

• Identifying the talents, interests, and aspirations that can influence career choice.
• Identifying the attitudes and behaviors that strengthen individual work ethic and promote career success.
• Identifying human capital, abilities, intellectual and physical skills, work habits, and education, and the changing supply and demand in the economy.
• Examining the effect of technological change and globalization on career opportunities.
• Describing the importance of education to one’s intellectual life, lifelong learning, and personal goals.
• Analyzing the role of financial responsibility in good citizenship including, but not limited to evaluating common forms of credit, savings, and investments.
• Describing the importance of equal opportunities for access to education and training.
• Researching jobs and careers in the public and private sectors and understanding the pathways to various careers.

Students will consider:

• How do individual choices influence future decisions?
• What are personal talents, interests, and aspirations that may be helpful in a future job market?
• How can attitudes and behaviors support one’s future?
• What can be done to be fiscally thoughtful about paying for post high school success?
• What is the correlation between skills, education, and future income?
• How do changes in technology impact opportunities in the future?
• What is equal access to educational opportunities?
• What are the different types of career paths?
• How can researching the supply of workers and demand for those workers in a career influence career decisions?