eLECTIONS - State Standards


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eLECTIONS State Standards - Virginia VIRGINIA SEA HOMEPAGE VIRGINIA CONTENT STANDARDS ALL VIRGINIA CIVICS AND ECONOMICS CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK STANDARD CE.2a The student will demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of American constitutional government by a) explaining the fundamental principles of consent of the governed, limited government, rule of law, democracy, and representative government. Essential Understandings - Fundamental political principles define and shape American constitutional government. Essential Questions - What are the fundamental political principles that have shaped government in the United States? Essential Knowledge - Fundamental political principles Consent of the governed-People are the source of any and all governmental power. Limited government-Government is not all-powerful and may do only those things people have given it the power to do. Rule of law-The government and those who govern are bound by the law. Democracy-In a democratic system of government the people rule. Representative government-In a representative system of government people elect public officeholders to make laws and conduct government on their behalf. Essential Skills Examine and interpret primary and secondary source documents. (CE.1a) Distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information. (CE.1d) STANDARD CE.3d The student will demonstrate knowledge of citizenship and the rights, duties, and responsibilities of citizens by d) examining the responsibilities of citizenship, including registering and voting, communicating with government officials, participating in political campaigns, keeping informed about current issues, and respecting differing opinions in a diverse society. Essential Understandings - A basic responsibility of citizenship is to contribute to the common good. Essential Questions - What are the ways individuals demonstrate responsible citizenship? Essential Knowledge - Civic responsibilities are fulfilled by choice; they are voluntary. Responsibilities of citizens Register and vote Hold elective office Influence government by communicating with government officials Serve in voluntary, appointed positions Participate in political campaigns Keep informed regarding current issues Respect others' rights to an equal voice in government Essential Skills Distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information. (CE.1d) Review information for accuracy, separating fact from opinion. (CE.1e) Identify a problem and recommend solutions. (CE.1f) STANDARD CE.5a The student will demonstrate knowledge of the political process at the local, state, and national levels of government by a) describing the functions of political parties. Essential Understandings - Political parties play a key role in government and provide opportunities for citizens to participate in the political process. Essential Questions - What roles do political parties play in the American political process? Essential Knowledge - Functions of political parties Recruiting and nominating candidates Educating the electorate about campaign issues Helping candidates win elections Monitoring actions of officeholders Essential Skills Explain maps, diagrams, tables, charts, and graphs. (CE.1b) Analyze political cartoons, political advertisements, pictures, and other graphic media. (CE.1c) Review information for accuracy, separating fact from opinion. (CE.1e) STANDARD CE.5b The student will demonstrate knowledge of the political process at the local, state, and national levels of government by b) comparing the similarities and differences of political parties. Essential Understandings - A two-party system characterizes the American political process. Although third parties rarely win elections, they play an important role in public politics. Essential Questions - How are the major political parties similar, and how do they differ? How do third parties differ from the two major parties? Essential Knowledge - Similarities between parties Organize to win elections Influence public policies Reflect both liberal and conservative views Define themselves in a way that wins majority support by appealing to the political center Differences between parties Stated in a party's platform and reflected in campaigning Third parties Introduce new ideas or press for a particular issue Often revolve around a political personality (e.g., Theodore Roosevelt) Essential Skills Create and explain maps, diagrams, tables, and charts. (CE.1b) Analyze political cartoons, political advertisements, pictures, and other graphic media. (CE.1c) Review information for accuracy, separating fact from opinion. (CE.1e) Identify a problem and recommend solutions. (CE.1f) STANDARD CE.5c The student will demonstrate knowledge of the political process at the local, state, and national levels of government by c) analyzing campaigns for elective office, with emphasis on the role of the media. Essential Understandings - Voters evaluate information presented in political campaigns to make reasoned choices among candidates. The media plays an important role in the political process. Essential Questions - How do citizens make informed choices in elections? How does the media play a role in the political process? Essential Knowledge - Strategies for evaluating campaign speeches, literature, and advertisements for accuracy Separating fact from opinion Detecting bias Evaluating sources Identifying propaganda Mass media roles in elections Identifying candidates Emphasizing selected issues Writing editorials, creating political cartoons, publishing op-ed pieces Broadcasting different points of view Essential Skills Analyze political cartoons, political advertisements, pictures, and other graphic media. (CE.1c) Review information for accuracy, separating fact from opinion. (CE.1e) STANDARD CE.5d The student will demonstrate knowledge of the political process at the local, state, and national levels of government by d) examining the role of campaign contributions and costs. Essential Understandings - Running for political office is expensive. Essential Questions - How has the high cost of getting elected changed campaigning for public office? Essential Knowledge - Rising campaign costs Require candidates to conduct extensive fund-raising activities Limit opportunities to run for public office Give an advantage to wealthy individuals who run for office Encourage the development of political action committees (PACs) Give issue-oriented special interest groups increased influence Campaign finance reform Rising campaign costs have led to efforts to reform campaign finance laws. Limits exist on the amount individuals may contribute to political candidates and campaigns. Essential Skills Explain diagrams, tables, and charts. (CE.1b) Analyze political cartoons, political advertisements, pictures, and other graphic media. (CE.1c) Identify a problem and recommend solutions. (CE.1f) STANDARD CE.5f The student will demonstrate knowledge of the political process at the local, state, and national levels of government by f) describing the role of the electoral college in the election of the President and Vice President. Essential Understandings - The electoral college process is used to select the President and Vice President of the United States. Essential Questions - How does the electoral college select the President and Vice President of the United States? Essential Knowledge - Electoral college process The slate of electors for each state is chosen by popular vote. The electors meet to vote for President and Vice President. The winner-take-all system leads to the targeting of large states for campaigning, although candidates must pay attention to small states whose electoral votes may make the difference in tight elections. The number of electors of each state is based on the state's Congressional representation. The requirements for a majority vote to win in the electoral college favors a two-party system. Essential Skills - Create and explain maps, diagrams, tables, charts, graphs, and spreadsheets. (CE.1b) Analyze political cartoons, political advertisements, pictures, and other graphic media. (CE.1c) Identify a problem and recommend solutions. (CE.1f) Back
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