Eighth Grade Learning Expectations
This course takes an in-depth look at our nation’s government, its political system, and the foundations of American democracy. Students study the branches of government, the Constitution, state and local governments, the American political system, the legal system, and the election process. By the end of the year, students have a firm understanding of how the U.S. operates and an awareness of the important role we, as informed citizens, play in protecting the fundamental values and principles of American democracy. Throughout the year, the students work on an Active Citizenship project in which they research Constitutional issues and investigate the various ways in which a citizen can have an influence upon that issue. They also participate in debates, mock trials, and a mock congress.
By the end of Eighth Grade, students are expected to learn:
The Roots of American Government
This course takes an in-depth look at our nation’s government, its political system, and the foundations of American democracy. Students study the branches of government, the Constitution, state and local governments, the American political system, the legal system, and the election process. By the end of the year, students have a firm understanding of how the U.S. operates and an awareness of the important role we, as informed citizens, play in protecting the fundamental values and principles of American democracy. Throughout the year, the students work on an Active Citizenship project in which they research Constitutional issues and investigate the various ways in which a citizen can have an influence upon that issue. They also participate in debates, mock trials, and a mock congress.
By the end of Eighth Grade, students are expected to learn:
The Roots of American Government
- Self-government developed in the American colonies.
- The ideas expressed in the pre-Independence documents, such as the Mayflower Compact and the early colonial charters, influenced our system of government.
- Values such as freedom of speech and freedom of religion have their roots in the colonial period.
- Ideas from ancient Greece and Rome influenced the development of democratic thought in the colonies.
- Various factors and events led to American independence.
- The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation eventually led to the establishment of the U.S. Constitution.
- The concept of compromise played an important role at the Constitutional Convention.
- Federalists and Anti-Federalists disagreed over the power of the national government.
- The Constitution organizes American government into three branches.
- Federalism, Checks and Balances, and Separation of Powers limit the power of the government.
- A list of rights was added to the Constitution to guarantee important rights.
- The Bill of Rights provides for the protection of individual freedoms, protections against government abuse of power, and protections of the accused.
- The specific meaning of the principles in the Constitution is often difficult to interpret.
- The courts have the responsibility for interpreting the Bill of Rights.
- The amendment process enables the Constitution to adapt to a changing society.
- Various amendments have extended citizenship and voting rights to more Americans.
- The Supreme Court plays an important role in ensuring that the Constitution is a flexible document.
- Members of Congress have specific requirements for office and a variety of responsibilities.
- Congress is given the power to make laws.
- The Constitution places specific limits on the power of Congress.
- Citizens can influence the process of a bill becoming a law.
- Civil and criminal law serve important, yet different, functions in our society.
- Many laws are based on morals.
- The courts have the responsibility of interpreting our laws.
- Political parties play an important role in the American democratic system.
- Political parties encompass a spectrum of political thought.
- Informed citizens are necessary for the operation of the American political system.
- Interest groups are created by people who share a common interest and they play an influential role in our political system.
- The Electoral College is the system used to elect the President.
- The President relies on an extensive Executive Branch to assist in the execution of our laws.
- The power of the President has expanded over time, but is limited by the other two branches of government.