eLECTIONS Your Adventure in Politics brought to you by Cable in the Classroom   
A Broadband Learning Experience from
Cable in the Classroom


eLECTIONS State Standards - Georgia


GEORGIA SEA HOMEPAGE

GEORGIA CURRICULUM STANDARDS

GEORGIA SOCIAL STUDIES STANDARDS ALL GRADES

GEORGIA CIVICS STANDARDS 9-12 (PDF)


American Government/Civics

Grades 9-12

The government course provides students with a background in the philosophy, functions, and structure of the United States government. Students examine the philosophical foundations of the United States government and how that philosophy developed. Students also examine the structure and function of the United States government and its relationship to states and citizens.

SSCG3 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the United States Constitution.
  1. Explain the main ideas in debate over ratification; include those in The Federalist.
  2. Analyze the purpose of government stated in the Preamble of the United States Constitution.
  3. Explain the fundamental principles upon which the United States Constitution is based; include the rule of law, popular sovereignty, separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism.
SSCG4 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the organization and powers of the national government.
  1. Describe the structure and powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
  2. Analyze the relationship between the three branches in a system of checks and balances and separation of powers.
SSCG5 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the federal system of government described in the United States Constitution.
  1. Explain the relationship of state governments to the national government.
    • Define the difference between enumerated and implied powers.
    • Describe the extent to which power is shared.
    • Identify powers denied to state and national governments.
  2. Analyze the ongoing debate that focuses on the balance of power between state and national governments.
  3. Analyze the supremacy clause found in Article VI and the role of the U.S. Constitution as the "supreme law of the land."
SSCG6 The student will demonstrate knowledge of civil liberties and civil rights.
  1. Examine the Bill of Rights with emphasis on First Amendment freedoms.
  2. Analyze due process law expressed in the 5th and 14th Amendments.
  3. Explain selective incorporation of the Bill of Rights.
  4. Explain how government seeks to maintain the balance between individual liberties and the public interest.
  5. Explain every citizen's right to be treated equally under the law.
SSCG7 The student will describe how thoughtful and effective participation in civic life is characterized by obeying the law, paying taxes, serving on a jury, participating in the political process, performing public service, registering for military duty, being informed about current issues, and respecting differing opinions. SSCG8 The student will demonstrate knowledge of local, state, and national elections.
  1. Describe the organization, role, and constituencies of political parties.
  2. Describe the nomination and election process.
  3. Examine campaign funding and spending.
  4. Analyze the influence of media coverage, campaign advertising, and public opinion polls.
  5. Identify how amendments extend the right to vote.
SSCG11 The student will describe the influence of lobbyists (business, labor, professional organizations) and special interest groups on the legislative process.
  1. Explain the function of lobbyists.
  2. Describe the laws and rules that govern lobbyists.
  3. Explain the function of special interest groups.
SSCG12 The student will analyze the various roles played by the President of the United States; include Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, chief executive, chief agenda setter, representative of the nation, chief of state, foreign policy leader, and party leader.

SSCG13 The student will describe the qualifications for becoming President of the United States.
  1. Explain the written qualifications for President of the United States.
  2. Describe unwritten qualifications common to past presidents.