NNPS Curriculum Pacing Guide –Civics and Economics

NNPS Curriculum Pacing Guide

Civics and Economics

Grade 8

Course Description

The focus of this course is the study of the roles citizens play in the political, governmental, and economic systems of the United States. Students examine the constitutions of Virginia and the United States; identify the rights, duties, and responsibilities of citizens; and describe the structure and operation of government at the local, state, and national levels. Students investigate the process by which decisions are made in the American market economy and explain the government’s role in our economy. They also will also identify personal character traits such as patriotism, respect for the law, and a sense of civic duty that facilitate thoughtful and effective participation in the civic life of an increasingly diverse democratic society.

Studying civics will help students understand politics and government in order to be informed citizens and to participate in the public life of our community, state, and nation. Studying economics will help them understand the function of the economy in our society and the world; their role as an employer, worker, producer, or consumer; and their role in the global marketplace. Finally, students will practice the intellectual skills required for responsible citizenship as they extend their understanding of the essential knowledge defined by the VA standards of learning for this course.

(Adapted from the VDOE document History and Social Sciences Standards of Learning: Civics and Economics)

Revised by: Renita S. Williams Revised on: 8/30/2011 Course Pacing - Page 1

NNPS Curriculum Pacing Guide – Civics and Economics

1st Marking Period

Estimated Time / Enduring Understandings / Essential Questions / Topics / Standards
Unit 01: Citizenship—Duties, Rights, and Liberties
6 Days /
  • U. S. citizens have rights, privileges, and responsibilities.
  • The principles and ideals of American democracy are designed to promote the freedom of the American people.
  • Our society is based on the idea of individual liberty, but citizens must carry out civic responsibilities that support a free society.
/
  • How does the U.S. Constitution protect the rights of citizens?
  • To what extent are the rights of American citizens limited?
  • Why should people be free?
  • Why should citizens fulfill certain duties and responsibilities?
/
  • Citizenship
  • First Amendment Freedoms
  • Fourteenth Amendment
  • Duties & Responsibilities of Citizenship
  • Community Service
  • Effective participation in civic life
/ CE
1a-g
3a-e
4a-g
Unit 02: Foundations of American Government
8 Days /
  • Fundamental principles shape governments.
  • Governments are created to address the basic needs of the people of a society.
/
  • How do fundamental principles shape American government?
  • Why do governments exist?
/
  • Fundamental political principles
  • Influence of early documents
  • Purposes of U.S. government
/ CE
1a, c-e
2a-c
Unit 03: Our National Government
15 Days
7 days in Quarter 1
8 days in Quarter 2 /
  • Governments have a variety of structures and functions.
  • Written constitutions establish the powers and responsibilities of government.
  • Governments may abuse power.
  • In order to survive, governments must adapt to changes in society.
/
  • How is the government of the United States organized under the federal system?
  • How are power and responsibility distributed, shared, and limited in the government established by the U.S. Constitution?
  • How does the U. S. Constitution protect against abuse of power by any one branch of government?
  • How has the U. S. government adapted to the changing needs and desires of citizens?
/
  • Structure and powers of the national government
  • Separation of powers/checks and balances
  • Explaining and/or simulating the lawmaking process
  • Describing the roles and powers of the executive branch
  • Amending the U.S. Constitution
/ CE
1a-d, f, g
2d
6a-d

2nd Marking Period

Estimated Time / Enduring Understandings / Essential Questions / Topics / Standards
Unit 03: Our National Government
15 Days
7 days in Quarter 1
8 days in Quarter 2 /
  • Governments have a variety of structures and functions.
  • Written constitutions establish the powers and responsibilities of government.
  • Governments may abuse power.
  • In order to survive, governments must adapt to changes in society.
/
  • How is the government of the United States organized under the federal system?
  • How are power and responsibility distributed, shared, and limited in the government established by the U.S. Constitution?
  • How does the U. S. Constitution protect against abuse of power by any one branch of government?
  • How has the U. S. government adapted to the changing needs and desires of citizens?
/
  • Structure and powers of the national government
  • Separation of powers/checks and balances
  • Explaining and/or simulating the lawmaking process
  • Describing the roles and powers of the executive branch
  • Amending the U.S. Constitution
/ CE
1a-d, f, g
2d
6a-d
Unit 04: State and Local Government
10 days /
  • The federal, state, and local governments in the United States are divided into branches with specific responsibilities and powers.
  • Governments are structured to meet the basic needs of people in a society.
/
  • Why are the powers and responsibilities of government divided in the United States?
  • How do the branches and levels of government in the United States meet the needs of the people?
/
  • Structure and powers of state government
  • Relationship of state and national government in the federal system
  • Lawmaking process in Virginia
  • Primary issues in the legislative process at state level
  • Roles and powers of the executive branch and regulatory boards
  • Structures and powers of local government
  • Relationship of local government to state government
  • explaining and/or simulating the lawmaking process
  • impact of international issues and events on local decision makingamending state constitution
/ CE
1a-g
7a-d
8a-c
9c
3 day window / Review and Administer Midterm Assessment
(covers Units 1–4; CE.2, 6–9)

3rd Marking Period

Estimated Time / Enduring Understandings / Essential Questions / Topics / Standards
Unit 05: Elections & Political Parties
6 days /
  • Political parties help organize the competition for power in the United States.
  • Individuals may engage in the political process and influence public policy.
/
  • Why do political parties exist?
  • How do citizens participate in the political process and influence public policy?
/
  • Political Parties
  • Political Campaigns
  • Voting
  • Electoral College
  • Impact of media on public opinion and public policy
  • How individuals and interest groups influence public policy
/ CE
1a-g
5a-f
9a-b
Unit 06: Our Court System
10 days /
  • The federal, state, and local governments in the United States are divided into branches with specific responsibilities and powers.
  • Governments are structured to meet the basic needs of people in a society.
  • Governments may abuse power.
/
  • Why are the powers and responsibilities of government divided in the United States?
  • How do the branches and levels of government in the United States meet the needs of the people?
  • How does the U. S. Constitution protect citizens against unfair governmental actions and laws?
/
  • Organization of courts
  • Judicial Review
  • Civil and Criminal Cases
  • Due Process Protection
/ CE
1a-g
10a-d
Unit 07: The American Free Market System
17 Days
5 days taught in Quarter 3
12 days taught in Quarter 4 /
  • People and nations must decide how to use and distribute limited resources.
  • The type of economy that a nation has is determined by the extent of government involvement in economic decision-making.
  • In the United States, individuals, businesses, and governments share economic decision-making.
  • Countries pursue international trade in order to increase wealth.
  • Technological innovations affect international trade.
  • The economy of a nation is influenced by the actions of its government.
/
  • How do people and nations deal with scarcity of resources?
  • Why don’t all societies have the same type of economic system?
  • How does the U. S. government influence the nation’s economy?
  • How does business meet the needs and wants of Americans?
  • Why do nations trade?
  • How has technology affected world trade?
  • How does the U. S. government influence the nation’s economy?
  • Why does the U. S. tax its citizens and spend and borrow money?
  • How does the U. S. government protect consumer and property rights?
/
  • Economic Concepts
  • Economic Systems
  • United States Economy
  • Businesses & Entrepreneurs
  • Economic Flow
  • Private Financial Institutions
  • Global Economy and Technology
  • Competition in the Marketplace
  • Public Goods and Services
  • Government Taxation, Spending, and Borrowing
  • Federal Reserve
  • Consumer and Property Rights
  • Currency
/ CE
11a-c
12a-d
13a-f

4th Marking Period

Estimated Time / Enduring Understandings / Essential Questions / Topics / Standards
Unit 07: The American Free Market System
17 Days
5 days taught in Quarter 3
12 days taught in Quarter 4 /
  • People and nations must decide how to use and distribute limited resources.
  • The type of economy that a nation has is determined by the extent of government involvement in economic decision-making.
  • In the United States, individuals, businesses, and governments share economic decision-making.
  • Countries pursue international trade in order to increase wealth.
  • Technological innovations affect international trade.
  • The economy of a nation is influenced by the actions of its government.
/
  • How do people and nations deal with scarcity of resources?
  • Why don’t all societies have the same type of economic system?
  • How does the U. S. government influence the nation’s economy?
  • How does business meet the needs and wants of Americans?
  • Why do nations trade?
  • How has technology affected world trade?
  • How does the U. S. government influence the nation’s economy?
  • Why does the U. S. tax its citizens and spend and borrow money?
  • How does the U. S. government protect consumer and property rights?
/
  • Economic Concepts
  • Economic Systems
  • United States Economy
  • Businesses & Entrepreneurs
  • Economic Flow
  • Private Financial Institutions
  • Global Economy and Technology
  • Competition in the Marketplace
  • Public Goods and Services
  • Government Taxation, Spending, and Borrowing
  • Federal Reserve
  • Consumer and Property Rights
  • Currency
/ CE
11a-c
12a-d
13a-f
Unit 08: The Workforce and Careers
2 days
Note: Adjust time based on scheduled date for SOL test and need for review /
  • Career choices and opportunities are influenced by an individual’s interests, attitudes, behavior, skills, and work ethic.
/
  • How do people exert control over their careers and economic future?
/
  • Career Planning & Self-Assessment
  • Work Ethic, Skills, & Education
  • Technology & Career Opportunities
/ CE
1e,f
14a-f
Review andAdminister SOL Test
(4 to 12 day window based on scheduled date for SOL test)
Unit 09: Extending the Learning
Varies based on scheduled date for SOL test. Use class periods after SOL test. / Selected Enduring Understandings / Selected Essential Questions / Enrichment Activities
Problem Solving Tasks
and/or Performance Tasks related to civic and economic issues and topics / Selected SOLs

Revised on: 8/26/2012