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eLECTIONS State Standards - Tennessee


TENNESSEE SEA HOMEPAGE

TENNESSEE CONTENT STANDARDS ALL

TENNESSSE SOCIAL STUDIES CONTENT STANDARDS



Governance and Civics

Content Standard: 4.0

Governance establishes structures of power and authority in order to provide order and stability. Civic efficacy requires understanding rights and responsibilities, ethical behavior, and the role of citizens within their community, nation, and world.

Grade 8

Learning Expectations: 4.01 Appreciate the development of people's need to organize themselves into a system of governance.

4.02 Recognize the purposes and structure of governments.

4.03 Understand the relationship between a place's physical, political, and cultural characteristics and the type of government that emerges from that relationship.

4.04 Discuss how cooperation and conflict among people influence the division and control resources, rights, and privileges.

4.05 Understand the rights, responsibilities, and privileges of citizens living in a democratic society.

4.06 Understand the role the Constitution of the United States plays in the lives of Americans.

4.07 Understand the role that Tennessee's government plays in Tennesseeans' lives.

Accomplishments

8.4.01 Appreciate the development of people's need to organize themselves into a system of governance.
  1. Analyze the necessity of establishing and enforcing the rule of law.
  2. Analyze and explain ideas and governmental mechanisms to meet needs and wants of citizens, regulate territory, manage conflict, and establish order and security.
  3. Explain and apply concepts such as power, role, status, justice, and influence to the examination of persistent issues and social problems.
8.4.02 Recognize the purposes and structure of governments.
  1. Describe the purpose of government and how its powers are acquired, used, and justified.
  2. Distinguish basic differences between democracy and other forms of government in other regions of the world.
  3. Identify and explain the roles of formal and informal political actors in influencing and shaping public policy and decision-making.
  4. Analyze the influence of diverse forms of public opinion on the development of public policy and decision-making.
8.4.03 Understand the relationship between a place's physical, political, and cultural characteristics and the type of government that emerges from that relationship.
  1. Relate a people's location, population, production and consumption to the function of their government.
  2. Identify models of lower to higher forms of political order.
  3. Describe the ways nations and organizations respond to forces of unity and diversity affecting order and security.
8.4.04 Discuss how cooperation and conflict among people influence the division and control of resources, rights, and privileges.
  1. Differentiate between rights and privileges of the individual.
  2. Consider how cooperation and conflict affect the dissemination of resources, rights, and privileges.
  3. Explain conditions, actions, and motivations that contribute to conflict and cooperation within and among states, regions and nations.
  4. Describe and analyze the role advancements in technology have played in conflict resolution.
8.4.05 Understand the rights, responsibilities, and privileges of citizens living in a democratic society.
  1. Define the differences between the individual and the state.
  2. Identify and interpret sources and examples of the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
  3. Describe the importance of individual rights, such as free speech and press, in a democratic society.
  4. Evaluate the role of government in balancing the rights of individuals versus the common good.
  5. Identify and describe the basic features of the political system in the early United States, and identify representative leaders from various levels and branches of government.
  6. Analyze the effectiveness of selected public policies and citizen behaviors in realizing the stated ideals of a democratic republican form of government.
8.4.06 Understand the role the Constitution of the United States plays in the lives of Americans.
  1. Recognize how the Constitution defines citizen rights.
  2. Explain how the Constitution is applied in every day life.
  3. Apply the Constitution to individual court cases.
  4. Analyze the United States Constitution in principle and practice.
  5. Compare and contrast the ways the Constitution balances the "individual" versus the "state."
8.4.07 Understand the role that Tennessee's government plays in Tennesseeans' lives.
  1. Identify how the Tennessee Constitution reflects the principles represented in the Constitution.
  2. Identify the influences of ideas from the United States Constitution on the Tennessee Constitution.
  3. Identify civic responsibilities of Tennessee and United States citizens.
  4. Describe the structure and functions of government at municipal, county, and state levels.
  5. Identify how the different points of view of political parties and interest groups have affected important Tennessee and national issues.
  6. Identify the leadership qualities of elected and appointed leaders of Tennessee, past and present.
  7. Analyze the contributions of Tennessee political leaders within the national scene.
Performance Indicators State:

As documented through state assessment -

at Level 1, the student is able to
8.4.spi.1. identify the rights, responsibilities, and privileges of a member of the United States of America (i.e., Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, Constitution, Bill of Rights).
at Level 2, the student is able to
8.4.spi.2. identify the purposes and structures of various systems of governance (i.e., Federalism, Confederation, Republic, Democracy, Executive, Legislative, Judicial);

8.4.spi.3. recognize the purpose of government and how its powers are acquired, used, and justified

8.4.spi.4. recognize the rights and responsibilities of individuals throughout the development of the United States.

8.4.spi.5. identify how conditions, actions, and motivations contributed to conflict and cooperation between states, regions and nations.

8.4.spi.6. recognize the rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.

8.4.spi.7. recognize the impact of major court decisions have had on American life, (i.e., Marbury v Madison, McCulloch v. Maryland, Dred Scott v. Sandford).


at Level 3, the student is able to
8.4.spi.8. recognize how a right must be interpreted to balance individual rights with the need for order (i.e., freedom of speech, freedom of religion, trial by jury);

8.4.spi.9. analyze the contributions of Tennessee political leaders on the national scene (e.g. Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, James K Polk, Sequoyah, Sam Houston).


Performance Indicators Teacher:

As documented through teacher observation -

at Level 1, the student is able to
8.4.tpi.1. describe the components of various system of governance.

8.4.tpi.2. orally give reasons for the need for a system of governance.

8.4.tpi.3. use primary and secondary sources to list the rights, responsibilities, and privileges of a citizen living in a democratic society.

8.4.tpi.4. list reasons for the need for a system of governance.

8.4.tpi.5. compare and contrast the basic features of the political system in early Americas.

8.4.tpi.6. recognize the basic features of the political system in the early Americas.

8.4.tpi.7. explain the role of government in early America.


at Level 2, the student is able to
8.4.tpi.8. give examples of rights and privileges of individuals in the early Americas.

8.4.tpi.9. write observations on the purpose of government and how it's powers are acquired, used and justified.

8.4.tpi.10. compare and contrast state governments with federal governments using Tennessee as a model (e.g., federal powers, state powers, structures).

8.4.tpi.11. distinguish between rights and privileges of the individual.

8.4.tpi.12. evaluate the role of government in balancing the rights of individuals versus the common good.

8.4.tpi.13. diagram the major structures of the United States government as outlined in the US Constitution.

8.4.tpi.14. construct models of the role of government in the early Americas.

8.4.tpi.15. Examine the role of government in balancing the rights of individuals versus the common good

8.4.tpi.16. organize sources and examples of the rights and responsibilities of individuals.

8.4.tpi.17. research conditions, actions, and motivations that contributed to conflict and cooperation between states, regions, and nations.

8.4.tpi.18. use the outline of the United States Constitution to describe its major structures.

8.4.tpi.19. diagram the rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.

8.4.tpi.20. show how rights can come in conflict.

8.4.tpi.21. analyze how major court decisions have affected American life.

8.4.tpi.22. create a chart to list the differences between state and federal governments.


at Level 3, the student is able to
8.4.tpi.23. develop a policy statement that shows the relationship between citizen behaviors and the stated American ideals of a democratic form of government.

8.4.tpi.24. research the role of physical, political, and cultural characteristics of America on the governance of America.

8.4.tpi.25. differentiate the contributions and political views of Tennessee's national leaders.

8.4.tpi.26. demonstrate orally how an individual's rights must be tempered with the need for order.

8.4.tpi.27. analyze the effectiveness of public policies and citizen behaviors for realizing the stated American ideals of a democratic republican form of government.

8.4.tpi.28. analyze the role of physical, political, and cultural characteristics of America on the governance of America.


United States Government: 9-12

Course Description:

The Government High School course focuses on the United States' founding principles and beliefs. Students will study the structure, functions, and powers of government at the national, state, and local levels. Integrate the six social studies standards of essential content knowledge and four process skills will be integrated for instructional purposes.

Standard Number: 1.0 Culture

Standard: Culture encompasses similarities and differences among people, including their beliefs, knowledge, changes, values, and tradition. Students will explore these elements of society to develop an appreciation of and respect for the variety of human cultures.

Learning Expectations: The student will
1.1 understand the influence of natural rights on American culture.

1.2 understand the impact of the political system on American culture.
Performance Indicators:

1.1 understand the influence of natural rights on American culture.

1.2 understand the impact of the political system on American culture.

At Level 1, the student is able to
list elements of American culture throughout American history.
At Level 2, the student is able to
analyze the origins of American culture inherent in the American political system.
At Level 3, the student is able to
weigh the relative importance of political systems on culture.


Sample Tasks:

Students will study historical documents concerning individual and natural rights such as the Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence to write a "Student Bill of Rights" or "Student Manifesto "for their school and/or community. Students will work in small groups to compile a list of 5 to 10 essential rights that are necessary for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Standard Number: 2.0 Economics

Standard: Globalization of the economy, the explosion of population growth, technological changes and international competition compel students to understand, both personally and globally, production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Students will examine and analyze economic concepts such as basic needs versus wants, using versus saving money, and policy-making versus decision-making.

Learning Expectations: The student will

2.1 understand economic systems and political structures.

2.2 understand the rise of capitalism in the United States.

2.3 understand how all nations use "tools of foreign policy" such as alliances, economic aid, economic sanctions, trade agreements, propaganda, military aid, treaties, troop movements, and wars to promote national interests.

2.4 understand the connection among resources and institutions that govern the management and distributions of those resources.


Performance Indicators:

2.1 understand economic systems and political structures.

At Level 1, the student is able to
know various economic systems and political structures.
At Level 2, the student is able to
differentiate between the features of various economic systems and political structures.
At Level 3, the student is able to
recommend an economic system that is most effective in today's global society.


2.2 understand the rise of capitalism in the United States.

At Level 1, the student is able to
define the tools of economic foreign policy.
At Level 2, the student is able to
illustrate the growth of capitalism in the United States.
At Level 3, the student is able to
measure the relative effectiveness of capitalism on individuals and groups in America.


2.3 understand how all nations use "tools of foreign policy" such as alliances, economic aid, economic sanctions, trade agreements, propaganda, military aid, treaties, troop movements, and wars to promote national interests.

At Level 1, the student is able to
define the tools of economic foreign policy.
At Level 2, the student is able to
compare the consequences of choosing and implementing each of these tools.
At Level 3, the student is able to
select and defend which tools are most effective in promoting a country's national interest.


2.4 understand the connection among resources and institutions that govern the management and distributions of those resources.

At Level 1, the student is able to
identify institutions that manage resources.
At Level 2, the student is able to
calculate which institutions are most important in the management of resources.
At Level 3, the student is able to
evaluate the effectiveness of institutions which are responsible for the management, and distribution of resources.


Sample Tasks:

Students will do a case study of two countries: one industrialized, developed nation and one agricultural, developing country and compare the following: GNP, type of government, major resources and industry, education and literacy rate, and foreign policy to create an economic forecast for the next five years for each country.

Standard Number: 3.0 Geography

Standard: Geography enables the students to see, understand and appreciate the web of relationships between people, places, and environments. Students will use the knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts within the six essential elements of geography: world in spatial terms, places and regions, physical systems, human systems, environment and society, and the use of geography.

Learning Expectations: The student will
3.1 Understand and analyze how the forces of cooperation and conflict among people influence the division and control of the earth's surface

3.2 understand and analyze the impact of physical and human geography on given political systems.

3.3 understand the use of geography in determining policies such as zoning, redistricting, and the census.


Performance Indicators:

3.1 Understand and analyze how the forces of cooperation and conflict among people influence the division and control of the earth's surface

At Level 1, the student is able to
list examples of regional cooperation and conflicts based on geographic interests.
At Level 2, the student is able to
distinguish between geographic causes and economic, social, and political causes of conflict and cooperation.
At Level 3, the student is able to
predict possible conflicts and alliances based on geographic needs and select possible solutions.


3.2 Understand and analyze the impact of physical and human geography on given political systems.

At Level 1, the student is able to
trace patterns of demographic change and the growth of the American political system.
At Level 2, the student is able to
review examples of successes and failures of political systems to meet the needs of individuals and groups based on physical and human geography.
At Level 3, the student is able to
determine and create the ideal society using physical and human geography.


3.3 understand the use of geography in determining policies such as zoning, redistricting, and the census.

At Level 1, the student is able to
recognize geographic factors that influence governmental policies.
At Level 2, the student is able to
illustrate the geographic factors, which influence governmental policies.
At Level 3, the student is able to
assess how each individual geographic factor influences governmental policies.


Sample Tasks: Students will study the concepts of gerrymandering and redistricting to analyze congressional districts using census data and make predictions about future decisions impacting these districts.

Standard Number: 4.0 Governance and Civics

Standard: Governance establishes structures of power and authority in order to provide order and stability. Civic efficacy requires understanding rights and responsibilities, ethical behavior, and the role of citizens within their community, nation, and world.

Learning Expectations: The student will
4.1 understand the role of politics and government in society.

4.2 understand the role of constitutions in preventing abuses of government power.

4.3 understand the basic features of major forms of governments in the world.

4.4 understand the basic features of major forms of governance in the world.

4.5 understand the role of the United States legal system.

4.6 understand the concept of federalism.
Performance Indicators

4.1 understand the role of politics and government in society.

At Level 1, the student is able to
define terms used in politics and government.
At Level 2, the student is able to
describe the purpose of governance and its characteristics and why it is necessary.
At Level 3, the student is able to
critique the necessity of governmenance.


4.2 understand the role of constitutions in preventing abuses of government power.

At Level 1, the student is able to
notice the role constitutions have played in various governments.
At Level 2, the student is able to
explain how constitutions prevent abuses of government power.
At Level 3, the student is able to
create a constitution for a society, which prevents abuses of power.


4.3 understand the basic features of major forms of governments in the world.

At Level 1, the student is able to
identify major forms of government.
At Level 2, the student is able to
compare the basic features of major governments in the world.
At Level 3, the student is able to
rank the effectiveness of forms of governments using the criteria of protection of individual rights or promoting the good of the whole as the basis for judgment.


4.4 understand the basic features of major forms of governance in the world.

At Level 1, the student is able to
identify the six founding principles of the Constitution: Federalism checks and balances, popular sovereignty, separation of powers, judicial review, and limited government.


4.5 understand the role of the United States legal system.

At Level 1, the student is able to
trace the process of civil and criminal court systems.
At Level 2, the student is able to
review the principles of equal justice under the law.
At Level 3, the student is able to
determine the extent to which our justice system promotes the principle of justice.


4.6 understand the concept of federalism.

At Level 1, the student is able to
describe how states and local governments are organized;

define federalism.
At Level 2, the student is able to
explain how state and local governments are interrelated with the federal government.
At Level 3, the student is able to
classify responsibilities of federal, state, and local governments and their relatedness;

resolve the conflicts that are inherent in the concept of federalism, using constitutional principles.
Sample Tasks:

Students will study the major types of government in the world to create a "new, ideal society" of their peers (25 to 30). This society needs a mission statement stating the purpose of their new government, a flow chart describing the type of government and how it will work with roles clearly spelled out for all of its members, and a list of 5 laws that have to last for 10 to 15 years. Students will work in groups to create this "ideal society" and make a short presentation to the class explaining and defending their society.

Standard Number: 5.0 History

Standard: History involves people, events, and issues. Students will evaluate evidence to develop comparative and causal analyses and to interpret primary sources. They will construct sound historical arguments and perspectives on which informed decision in contemporary life can be based.

Learning Expectations:

The student will
5.1 understand historical and modern examples of the concepts of limited and unlimited governance.

5.2 understand specific historical documents and institutions which shaped the principles of the United States Constitution.

5.3 understand the importance of the rule of laws and the sources, purposes, and function of law.

5.4 understand the United States Constitution as a "living document" in both principle and practice.

5.5 understand how the United States foreign policy is determined by the concept of national interest in both historical and modern settings.

5.6 understand the balance between the protection of individual rights and the general welfare of all citizens.
Performance Indicators:

5.1 understand historical and modern examples of the concepts of limited and unlimited governance.

At Level 1, the student is able to
define limited and unlimited governments and list examples of each.
At Level 2, the student is able to
distinguish the characteristics of limited and unlimited government.
At Level 3, the student is able to
assess the reason for developing limited and unlimited government at any given time.


5.2 understand specific historical documents and institutions which shaped the principles of the United States Constitution.

At Level 1, the student is able to
identify documents and institutions which shaped the principles of the United States Constitution.
At Level 2, the student is able to
illustrate the application of these principles throughout the United States Constitution.
At Level 3, the student is able to
debate the effectiveness of the principles of the United States Constitution.


5.3 understand the importance of the rule of laws and the sources, purposes, and function of law.

At Level 1, the student is able to
identify the rule of law, its sources, purposes, and the function of law.
At Level 2, the student is able to
examine the effect of rule of law upon groups and individuals in the United States.
At Level 3, the student is able to
evaluate, adopt, and defend positions on the importance of the rule of law.


5.4 understand the United States Constitution as a "living document" in both principle and practice.

At Level 1, the student is able to
read and know the United States Constitution and its amendments.
At Level 2, the student is able to
calculate the impact of the Constitution upon our lives today.
At Level 3, the student is able to
analyze the characteristics that make the Constitution a living document.


5.5 understand how the United States foreign policy is determined by the concept of national interest in both historical and modern settings.

At Level 1, the student is able to
define the concepts of foreign policy and national interest.
At Level 2, the student is able to
illustrate how the concept of national interest affects United States foreign policy.
At Level 3, the student is able to
determine how foreign policy is based on the national interests of the United States in relation to various countries.


5.6 understand the balance between the protection of individual rights and the general welfare of all citizens.

At Level 1, the student is able to
recognize examples of individual rights and the general welfare of all citizens.
At Level 2, the student is able to
detect the tensions between protecting individual rights and the general welfare of all citizens.
At Level 3, the student is able to
determine the constitutional basis for balancing the protection of individual rights and promoting the good of the whole.


Sample Tasks: Students will study the major events, ideas, and individuals of the Suffragist and Civil Rights movement to create, in small groups, a 2 to 4 minute public service announcement that targets 18 to 24 year olds (the lowest voting age group in the U.S.) and emphasizes the importance of voting and political participation in our society.

Standard Number: 6.0 Individuals, Groups, and Interactions

Standard: Personal development and identity are shaped by factors including culture, groups, and institutions. Central to this development are exploration, identification, and analysis of how individuals and groups work independently and cooperatively.

Learning Expectations:

The student will
6.1 understand the impact of individual and group decisions on citizens and communities.

6.2 understand how groups can effect change at the local, state national and world levels.

6.3 understand the evolution of political parties and their role as a mechanism for creating and sustaining political participation.

6.4 understand how the philosophies of liberalism and conservatism correlate to the two major American political parties.

6.5 understand the impact and influence of participatory citizenship on government at all levels.

6.6 understand the role of individual leaders who have affected policies, case laws, and legislation.

6.7 understand the role of political action committees, non-profit organizations, and other groups that influenced policy and institutions.
Performance Indicators:

6.1 understand the impact of individual and group decisions on citizens and communities.

At Level 1, the student is able to
work independently and cooperatively to accomplish goals.
At Level 2, the student is able to
relate such factors as physical endowment and capabilities, learning, motivation, personality, perception, and behavior to individual development.
At Level 3, the student is able to
identify and interpret examples of stereotyping, conformity, and altruism.


6.2 understand how groups can effect change at the local, state national and world levels.

At Level 1, the student is able to
identify and analyze examples of tension between expressions of individuality and group or institutional efforts to promote social conformity.
At Level 2, the student is able to
describe the role of institutions in furthering both continuity and change.
At Level 3, the student is able to
apply knowledge of how groups and institutions work to meet individual needs and promote the common good.


6.3 understand the evolution of political parties and their role as a mechanism for creating and sustaining political participation.

At Level 1, the student is able to
trace the evolution of political parties.
At Level 2, the student is able to
associate political participation with the evolution of political parties.
At Level 3, the student is able to
consider the creation of a new political party, which will sustain political participation.


6.4 understand how the philosophies of liberalism and conservatism correlate to the two major American political parties.

At Level 1, the student is able to
define the terms "liberal" and "conservative" as they relate to political parties today and in the past.
At Level 2, the student is able to
practice role-playing liberal and conservative decision-making with political party affiliation.
At Level 3, the student is able to
critique the effectiveness and consistency of political labeling related to political parties.


6.5 understand the impact and influence of participatory citizenship on government at all levels.

At Level 1, the student is able to
list examples of citizen participation.
At Level 2, the student is able to
classify types of citizen participation.
At Level 3, the student is able to
select a student-designed project that requires citizen participation.


6.6 understand the role of individual leaders who have affected policies, case laws, and legislation.

At Level 1, the student is able to
recall individuals who have affected policies, case law, and legislation.
At Level 2, the student is able to
associate individuals with policies, case and legislation.
At Level 3, the student is able to
rank individuals based on the impact they have had on policies, case law, and legislation.


6.7 understand the role of political action committees, non-profit organizations, and other groups that influenced policy and institutions.

At Level 1, the student is able to
identify existing political action committees and non-profit organizations.
At Level 2, the student is able to
describe the processes used by these groups in shaping governmental policies and institutions.
At Level 3, the student is able to
recommend a course of action utilizing these groups to resolve a local issue.
Sample Tasks:

Students will participate in a mock U.S. Senate simulation that requires:
  1. identifying and researching a national issue
  2. compiling research into a bill that will be submitted to a particular committee
  3. studying and selecting a political party during the simulation
  4. participating in the committee process to evaluate other bills from the class
  5. participating in "Senate floor debate" as bills that passed out of committee are discussed and voted on.