Choctaw-Nicoma Park School District

Social Studies Curriculum

9th Grade Government/Civics

WEEK / CONCEPT/CONTENT / SKILLS/STANDARDS / RESOURCES
On Going / The student will demonstrate process skills in social studies / Identify, analyze, and interpret primary and secondary sources, such as artifacts, letters, photographs, art, documents, newspapers, and contemporary media (e.g. television, motion pictures, and computer based technologies) that reflect events in United States government and policies.
Interpret economic and political issues as expressed in maps, tables, diagrams, charts, political cartoons, and economic graphs.
Make distinctions among propaganda, fact and opinion; evaluate cause and effect relationships; and draw conclusions in examining documentary sources.
Develop discussion, debate, and persuasive writing and speaking skills focusing on enduring issues (e.g. individual rights versus the common good, and problems of intolerance toward cultural, ethnic, and religious groups).
Standard 1
2 weeks / The student will understand the principles and origins of government. / Identify the essential features and describe the theories about the origin of government.
Identify and analyze the philosophical and historical development of government as an institution.
Compare major types of government with emphasis on democracy.
Standards 2, 3, 4
2 weeks / The student will describe the purpose of government and analyze how its powers are acquired, used, and justified. / Analyze the influence of English political heritage in the formation of Colonial government and American Independence.
Access the achievements and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and their influence on the creation of the constitution.
Overview of the Articles of Confederation, Declaration of Independence, Federalism, Constitution.
Standards 5, 6, 7, 8
1 week / Describe the structure and principles used in the constitution. The student will analyze the U.S. Constitution the purpose expressed in the preamble; branches of government, and powers of limitations. / The student will identify and explain fundamental concepts of the structures and principles used to develop the fundamental concepts of the government of the United States.
Standards 7,8
1 week / Understanding the three branches of the Federal Government. / The students will analyze the powers, duties, and roles of the three branches of the federal government.
Standards 8, 9
1 week / Understand the Amendments to the Constitution. / The student will analyze/discuss the amendments to the constitution and understand the amendment process to the constitution.
The student will distinguish between the powers of the federal government and the state government under the federal system.
Standards 8.1, 9.1, 10.1
1 week / Congressional Requirements / Describe the structure and list qualifications and terms of congressional membership.
Describe the rules and procedures used in the House and explain its role in the law making process.
Contrast the Senate’s leadership and role with that of the House.
Illustrate the bill making process.
Standards 9.1, 12.1, 11.1, 7
1 week / Political Parties
Electoral Process / Compare the different political parties.
Summarize the role of the political parties.
Identify the purposes and functions of political parties.
Discuss the methods of candidate selection
Assess the importance of the citizen the political process.
Standards 9.1, 11.1, 12.1
2 weeks / Presidency – requirements, selection, power, and media / Student will understand the qualifications, terms of office, privileges, and laws regarding succession of the presidency.
Examining the scope and growth of presidential authority under Article II of the constitution throughout American history.
Analyzing the sources of executive power in domestic and foreign policy.
Standards 8.2, 9.1, 8.3
1 week / Judicial Branch / The student will understand the qualifications, terms of office, selection process, and privileges of the Supreme Court and lower federal and state courts.
The student will describe the structure of the national court system.
Evaluate the changing role of the Supreme Court as it selects, hears, and decides cases.
1-2 weeks / Separation of Powers and Checks and balances / Students will analyze, discuss and understand the fundamental purposes of separation of powers and checks and balances.
Students will analyze and discuss events throughout the history of the United States that have impacted the citizens in the 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.
Standards 9, 10, 16
Assess the importance of the citizen in the political process / Student will compare and discuss political party systems.
Identify the purposes and functions of American political parties.
Students will understand the role of the citizen in the political process.
Students will analyze and discuss how they can make a difference.
Standards 8, 9, 11, 12
2 weeks / Student’s Civic Responsibility / The student will be able to explain the responsibilities of American citizenship.
Describe the meaning of citizenship, naturalization, and civic virtue.
Students will discuss and identify the responsibilities and benefits of citizenship (i.e. voting, jury duty, obedience to lawful authority, and private ownership of property).
The student will explain and understand the United States flag, including it’s symbolism, antecedents, proper conduct, treatment, and equate toward the flag.
Standards 7, 13, 14
2 weeks / Now and the Future / Students will analyze and discuss current events and issues and apply them to the Preamble, the constitution, the three branches of government, checks and balances, and civil liberties.
Standards 1-16