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eLECTIONS State Standards - West Virginia


WEST VIRGINIA SEA HOMEPAGE

WEST VIRGINIA CONTENT STANDARDS SOCIAL STUDIES K-12 (Word Document)


Social Studies Content Standards K-12

Standard 1: Citizenship (SS.S.1)
Students will:
  • describe, demonstrate and employ the civic dispositions of good citizenship (Civic Dispositions);
  • develop a respect for symbols, ideas and concepts of the United States and describe the roles of significant individuals (Respect For People, Events, and Symbols);
  • develop and employ the civic skills necessary for effective citizenship by using criteria to make judgments, arrive at and defend positions and evaluate the validity of the positions or data (Evaluation Skills);
  • demonstrate and employ the participatory skills of interacting, monitoring and influencing that are essential for informed, effective and responsible citizenship, including participation in civic life to shape public policy (Participatory Skills); and
  • explain and practice the responsibilities, privileges and rights of United States citizens (Civic Life).
Standard 2: Civics/Government (SS.S.2)
Students will:
  • identify, examine and analyze the purposes and basic principles of the United States government (Purposes of Government);
  • explain, evaluate and analyze the origins and meaning of the principles, ideals and core democratic values expressed in the foundational documents of the United States (Ideals of United States Democracy);
  • identify, examine and explain the structure, function and responsibilities of governments and the allocation of power at the local, state and national levels (United States Government and Politics); and
  • analyze how the world is organized politically and describe the role and relationship of the United States to other nations and to world affairs (United States Government and World Affairs).
Grade Eight
Eighth Grade Social Studies Content Standards and Objectives
Eighth Grade: West Virginia Studies

The eighth grade program of study consists of a comprehensive course on West Virginia, from the Pre-Columbian period to present day. Special emphasis is placed on the interdependence of geographic, cultural, political, environmental and economic factors involved in the history of the state. Citizenship and how the citizen influences public policies will be emphasized. West Virginia teachers are responsible for analyzing the benefits of technology for learning and for integrating technology appropriately in the students' learning environment. See the related grade-level Technology Standards and Objectives.

Standard 1: Citizenship (SS.S.1)
Students will:
  • describe, demonstrate and employ the civic dispositions of good citizenship (Civic Dispositions);
  • develop a respect for symbols, ideas and concepts of the United States and describe the roles of significant individuals (Respect For People, Events, and Symbols);
  • develop and employ the civic skills necessary for effective citizenship by using criteria to make judgments, arrive at and defend positions and evaluate the validity of the positions or data (Evaluation Skills);
  • demonstrate and employ the participatory skills of interacting, monitoring and influencing that are essential for informed, effective and responsible citizenship, including participation in civic life to shape public policy (Participatory Skills); and
  • explain and practice the responsibilities, privileges and rights of United States citizens (Civic Life).
Citizenship Objectives
Students will:
  • SS.8.1.1 evaluate how citizens can participate in government at the local, state and national levels (e.g., voting, community service, letter writing).
  • SS.8.1.2 identify and practice forms of civic discussion and participation consistent with the ideals of citizens in a democratic republic.
  • SS.8.1.3 analyze the effectiveness of selected public policies and citizen behaviors.
  • SS.8.1.4 explain the relationship between policy statements and action plans used to address issues of public concern.
  • SS.8.1.5 explain the political process and the opportunities for citizens to influence government.
  • SS.8.1.6 locate, access, analyze, organize and apply information about selected public issues, recognizing and explaining multiple points of view.
  • SS.8.1.7 explain and analyze various forms of citizen action that influence public policy (e.g., how groups can work with governmental agencies to impact the development of tourism).
  • SS.8.1.8 analyze the influence of diverse forms of public opinion on the development of public policy and decision making.
  • SS.8.1.9 examine the strategies designed to strengthen the common good, which consider a range of options for citizen action.
  • SS.8.1.10 identify, analyze, evaluate and interpret sources and examples of the responsibilities, privileges and rights of citizens.
  • SS.8.1.11 explain the role and importance of voting in the democratic process and practice the voting process by participating in a class/school/state mock election.
  • SS.8.1.12 identify voting as a responsibility and right of citizens, and identify the legal voting age.
Standard 2: Civics/Government (SS.S.2)
Students will:
  • identify, examine and analyze the purposes and basic principles of the United States government (Purposes of Government);
  • explain, evaluate and analyze the origins and meaning of the principles, ideals and core democratic values expressed in the foundational documents of the United States (Ideals of United States Democracy);
  • identify, examine and explain the structure, function and responsibilities of governments and the allocation of power at the local, state and national levels (United States Government and Politics); and
  • analyze how the world is organized politically and describe the role and relationship of the United States to other nations and to world affairs (United States Government and World Affairs).
Civics/Government Objectives:
Students will:
  • SS.8.2.1 analyze the division of powers and responsibilities of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of United States and West Virginia state government.
  • SS.8.2.2 identify the elected officials at the national, state and local levels; their requirements; duties; and responsibilities (e.g., President, Governors, Senators, Representatives/Delegates, Members of Board of Public Works, County Commissioners, Mayor/City Council).
  • SS.8.2.9 identify and analyze individual rights and privileges protected by the United States and West Virginia constitutions and laws.
  • SS.8.2.10 explain major principles of American constitutional government (e.g., federalism, separation of powers, the elastic clause, checks and balances, government by consent of the governed, individual rights) and compare to the West Virginia Constitution.
  • SS.8.2.11 analyze conditions under which constitutional government flourishes.
  • SS.8.2.12 compare and contrast rights and privileges of the individual citizen.
  • SS.8.2.13 examine laws passed in a legislative session and list their impact (e.g., tourism, economy, education, health).
Grade Nine
Ninth Grade Social Studies Content Standards and Objectives
Ninth Grade: United States Studies to 1900

This program of study follows the evolution of the Constitution as a living document and the role of participatory democracy in the development of a rapidly changing technological society. This study of the United States is an examination of the formative years from the Pre-Columbian civilizations to its transformation as a dominant political and economic influence in the world. Special emphasis is placed on how the challenges of settling expansive and widely-differing environments were met by a diverse population. West Virginia teachers are responsible for analyzing the benefits of technology for learning and for integrating technology appropriately in the students' learning environment. See the related grade-level Technology Standards and Objectives.

Standard 1: Citizenship (SS.S.1)
Students will:
  • describe, demonstrate and employ the civic dispositions of good citizenship (Civic Dispositions);
  • develop a respect for symbols, ideas and concepts of the United States and describe the roles of significant individuals (Respect For People, Events, and Symbols);
  • develop and employ the civic skills necessary for effective citizenship by using criteria to make judgments, arrive at and defend positions and evaluate the validity of the positions or data (Evaluation Skills);
  • demonstrate and employ the participatory skills of interacting, monitoring and influencing that are essential for informed, effective and responsible citizenship, including participation in civic life to shape public policy (Participatory Skills); and
  • explain and practice the responsibilities, privileges and rights of United States citizens (Civic Life).
Citizenship Objectives
Students will:
  • SS.9.1.1 compare and contrast various citizens' responses to controversial government actions.
  • SS.9.1.2 explain the importance of the fundamental democratic values and principles of United States constitutional democracy upon individuals, communities and nations.
  • SS.9.1.3 make informed decisions as to what government should and should not do.
  • SS.9.1.4 explain how the interactions of citizens with one another monitor and influence the government.
  • SS.9.1.5 evaluate ways conflicts can be resolved in a cooperative, peaceful manner that respects individual rights and promotes the common good.
  • SS.9.1.6 evaluate, take and defend positions on issues in which fundamental democratic values and principles are in conflict (e.g., liberty and equality, individual rights and the common good, majority rule, minority rights).
  • SS.9.1.7 define United States citizenship and evaluate the characteristics of citizenship.
  • SS.9.1.8 evaluate, take and defend positions on issues regarding the criteria used for naturalization.
  • SS.9.1.9 evaluate sources of information related to public policy issues.
  • SS.9.1.10 examine projects of volunteer service.
  • SS.9.1.11 assess and evaluate responsibilities, privileges and rights of United State citizens.
Standard 2: Civics/Government (SS.S.2)
Students will:
  • identify, examine and analyze the purposes and basic principles of the United States government (Purposes of Government);
  • explain, evaluate and analyze the origins and meaning of the principles, ideals and core democratic values expressed in the foundational documents of the United States (Ideals of United States Democracy);
  • identify, examine and explain the structure, function and responsibilities of governments and the allocation of power at the local, state and national levels (United States Government and Politics); and
  • analyze how the world is organized politically and describe the role and relationship of the United States to other nations and to world affairs (United States Government and World Affairs).
Civics/Government Objectives
Students will:
  • SS.9.2.1 identify and describe the fundamental democratic principles and values in core American documents and identify the discrepancies between the expressed ideals and realities.
  • SS.9.2.2 identify fundamental American democratic principles using primary sources and significant political speeches and writings.
  • SS.9.2.3 explain the purpose of the United States government and analyze how its powers are acquired, used and justified.
  • SS.9.2.4 summarize documents and philosophies that are the basis for representative democracy in the United States (e.g., Greek, Roman, John Locke, Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights).
  • SS.9.2.5 explain the purpose, organization and functions of the legislative, executive and judicial branches, and analyze the separation of powers, checks and balances.
  • SS.9.2.6 explain the steps required to amend the United States Constitution.
  • SS.9.2.7 analyze the presidential election process, the continued use of the Electoral College and the order of presidential succession.
  • SS.9.2.8 explain federalism and give examples of shared, delegated, reserved and implied powers.
  • SS.9.2.9 summarize the Constitution and the Amendments.
  • SS.9.2.10 analyze the fundamental ideas found in the nation's core documents and relate them to the subsequent periods in United States history.
  • SS.9.2.11 evaluate the degree to which public policies and citizen behaviors reflect or foster the stated ideals of a democratic republican form of government.
  • SS.9.2.12 evaluate, take and defend positions about the functions of political leadership and the importance of public service in American democracy.
Grade Ten

Standard 1: Citizenship (SS.S.1)
Students will:
  • describe, demonstrate and employ the civic dispositions of good citizenship (Civic Dispositions);
  • develop a respect for symbols, ideas and concepts of the United States and describe the roles of significant individuals (Respect For People, Events, and Symbols);
  • develop and employ the civic skills necessary for effective citizenship by using criteria to make judgments, arrive at and defend positions and evaluate the validity of the positions or data (Evaluation Skills);
  • demonstrate and employ the participatory skills of interacting, monitoring and influencing that are essential for informed, effective and responsible citizenship, including participation in civic life to shape public policy (Participatory Skills); and
  • explain and practice the responsibilities, privileges and rights of United States citizens (Civic Life).
Citizenship Objectives
Students will:
  • SS.10.1.1 describe the evolution of the roles and responsibilities of individuals and groups leading to the formation of nation states.
  • SS.10.1.2 analyze the reasons for and the consequences of the breakdown of order among nations and the impact on the lives of individuals.
  • SS.10.1.3 analyze the nature of civic responsibility in various cultures.
  • SS.10.1.4 analyze the causes of conflict and propose resolutions.
  • SS.10.1.5 participate in a project of volunteer service.
Standard 2: Civics/Government (SS.S.2)
Students will:
  • identify, examine and analyze the purposes and basic principles of the United States government (Purposes of Government);
  • explain, evaluate and analyze the origins and meaning of the principles, ideals and core democratic values expressed in the foundational documents of the United States (Ideals of United States Democracy);
  • identify, examine and explain the structure, function and responsibilities of governments and the allocation of power at the local, state and national levels (United States Government and Politics); and
  • analyze how the world is organized politically and describe the role and relationship of the United States to other nations and to world affairs (United States Government and World Affairs).
Civics/Government Objectives
Students will:
  • SS.10.2.1 evaluate diverse ideas about the purposes of government.
  • SS.10.2.2 identify and analyze the contributions of the classical civilizations to the development of the United States Constitution.
  • SS.10.2.3 explain world historical events that affected the development of representative democracy in the United States and other countries.
  • SS.10.2.4 analyze how the United States has influenced other nations and how other nations have influenced the American political process and society.
  • SS.10.2.5 compare, contrast and evaluate alternative ways of organizing constitutional governments.
  • SS.10.2.6 identify significant political philosophers and their contributions.
Grade Eleven
Eleventh Grade Social Studies Content Standards
Eleventh Grade: Twentieth / Twenty-First Centuries Studies

The focus of this course is to identify and study the interaction of geographic, political, economic and historical factors. Such factors provide students a framework to examine and appreciate the changing nature of societies and the increasing interdependency of the United States and the world. Students will contrast and evaluate past and present world concerns and hypothesize about problems and solutions for the future. Students will realize the importance of well-informed citizens in a diverse society and their place in the democratic process. Global economic independence and its impact on the individual person will be emphasized. West Virginia teachers are responsible for analyzing the benefits of technology for learning and for integrating technology appropriately in the students' learning environment. See the related grade-level Technology Standards and Objectives.

Standard 1: Citizenship (SS.S.1)
Students will:
  • describe, demonstrate and employ the civic dispositions of good citizenship (Civic Dispositions);
  • develop a respect for symbols, ideas and concepts of the United States and describe the roles of significant individuals (Respect For People, Events, and Symbols);
  • develop and employ the civic skills necessary for effective citizenship by using criteria to make judgments, arrive at and defend positions and evaluate the validity of the positions or data (Evaluation Skills);
  • demonstrate and employ the participatory skills of interacting, monitoring and influencing that are essential for informed, effective and responsible citizenship, including participation in civic life to shape public policy (Participatory Skills); and
  • explain and practice the responsibilities, privileges and rights of United States citizens (Civic Life).
Citizenship Objectives:
Students will:
  • SS.11.1.1 discuss ways citizens can work cooperatively to resolve personal, local, regional, and world conflicts peacefully.
  • SS.11.1.2 analyze and evaluate the influence of citizen action on public policy and law making.
  • SS.11.1.3 analyze the changing nature of civic responsibility.
  • SS.11.1.4 develop positions and formulate actions on the problems of today and predict challenges of the future (e.g., terrorism, religious conflict, weapons of mass destruction, population growth).
  • SS.11.1.5 evaluate historical and contemporary political communication using such criteria as logical validity, factual accuracy and emotional appeal.
  • SS.11.1.6 participate in a project of volunteer service.
  • SS.11.1.7 identify and explain the importance of the personal and political responsibilities, privileges and rights of citizens.
  • SS.11.1.8 explain the concept of civil disobedience, provide examples and evaluate its use.
Standard 2: Civics/Government (SS.S.2)
Students will:
  • identify, examine and analyze the purposes and basic principles of the United States government (Purposes of Government);
  • explain, evaluate and analyze the origins and meaning of the principles, ideals and core democratic values expressed in the foundational documents of the United States (Ideals of United States Democracy);
  • identify, examine and explain the structure, function and responsibilities of governments and the allocation of power at the local, state and national levels (United States Government and Politics); and
  • analyze how the world is organized politically and describe the role and relationship of the United States to other nations and to world affairs (United States Government and World Affairs).
Civics/Government Objectives
Students will:
  • SS.11.2.1 explain the reasons for amendments ratified since 1900 and analyze their effects on American society.
  • SS.11.2.2 explain the role of the president in the formation of national and foreign policy.
  • SS.11.2.3 critique the interaction of the three branches of the federal government in an increasingly complex society.
  • SS.11.2.4 analyze the election process and the role of political parties and special interest groups.
  • SS.11.2.5 evaluate the formation, role and impact of third parties in the United States.
  • SS.11.2.6 examine historical and current conflicts and crises and compare resolutions within the framework of constitutional and totalitarian systems of government.
  • SS.11.2.8 analyze the changing nature of federalism and the growth of national government.
Grade Twelve

Civics/Government

Responsible participatory citizenship, an understanding of the workings of our government and sound financial literacy are essential to the preservation and improvement of American constitutional democracy. Students rely on knowledge attained and skills developed in their previous courses of United States and World Studies as a foundation for the Civics/Government course. In this course, students develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions to engage in civic life, financial literacy, politics and government and analyze the personal, political and economic roles of responsible citizens in American democracy. Students explain and give examples of the traits of public character of informed, effective and responsible citizens and demonstrate through explanation and example how responsible citizens interact, monitor and influence public policy.

Standard 1: Citizenship (SS.S.1)
Students will:
  • Demonstrate civic dispositions or traits that are important to the preservation and improvement of American democracy (e.g. individual responsibility, civility, patriotism, respect for the rights of others and for the law, honesty, open mindedness, critical mindedness, compromise).
  • Interpret the disposition of good citizenship, as it is perceived in the rights, privileges, responsibilities and duties of a citizen.
  • Develop civic judgments, support positions, and evaluate the validity of all viewpoints.
  • Demonstrate participatory skills as involved citizens through public policy research and analysis; then proceed to monitor and influence public policy decisions.
Citizenship Objectives:
Students will:
  • SS.12.1.1 Use a rational decision-making process as an actively involved citizen
  • SS.12.1.2 Explain the roles of citizens in influencing and monitoring public policy at the local, state, and national levels.
  • SS.12.1.3 Explain the factors involved in the formulation of public policy at the local, state and national levels.
  • SS.12.1.4 Actively influence and monitor public policy at the local, state, and national levels.
  • SS.12.1.5 Describe and analyze the rights, privileges, responsibilities and duties of active civic participants.
  • SS.12.1.6 Explain how political parties, campaigns, and elections provide opportunities for citizens to participate in the political process.
  • SS.12.1.7 Explain that a primary purpose of American government is the protection of personal, political, and economic rights of citizens.
  • SS.12.1.8 Examine the characteristics of citizens' rights, and explain why reasonable limitations are sometimes necessary.
  • SS.12.1.9 Evaluate and participate in public policy decisions.
  • SS.12.1.10 Demonstrate how to work with others to build coalitions, seek consensus, negotiate compromises and manage conflict.
  • SS.12.1.11 Evaluate, take and defend a position involving a conflict between an individual freedom and the common good regarding specific current issues (homeland security, civil liberties, human rights, race, gender, etc.)
  • SS.12.1.12 Evaluate, take and defend a position regarding the rights, privileges, responsibilities, and duties of American citizens when the conflicts arise.
  • SS.12.1.13 Support the need for political leadership, public service, and a knowledgeable citizenry in American constitutional democracy.
Standard 2: Civics (SS.S.2)
Students will:
  • Identify, examine and analyze the purposes and basic principles of the United States government (Purposes of Government);
  • Explain, evaluate and analyze the origins and meaning of the principles, ideals and core democratic values expressed in the foundational documents of the United States (Ideals of United States Democracy);
  • Identify, examine and explain the structure, function and responsibilities of governments and the allocation of power at the local, state and national levels (United States Government and Politics);
  • Analyze how the world is organized politically and describe the role and relationship of the United States to other nations and to world affairs (United States Government and World Affairs).
Civics Objectives
Students will:
  • SS.12.2.12 Identify and explain the rights, privileges, responsibilities, and duties granted U.S. citizens under the Constitution of the United States; and describe the role of citizens in a constitutional democracy.
  • SS.12.2.13 Demonstrate an understanding of the purposes that constitutions serve, and the conditions that contribute to the establishment of the rule of law.
  • SS.12.2.14 Explain and assess the development and evolution of documents that display the core democratic values of the United States government as impacted by the economic, social, and political climates during different time periods in American history.
  • SS.12.2.15 Trace and examine the history of the Constitutional Amendments and laws grounded in those Amendments showing relevance to the students' own lives today and in the future.
  • SS.12.2.16 Explain how limited government and rule of law protect individual rights under the Constitution.
  • SS.12.2.17 Create a visual that compares the roles and responsibilities of the local, state and national judicial systems.
  • SS.12.2.18 Examine and compare Supreme Court cases and the Justices' interpretations of the Constitution, especially cases regarding the Bill of Rights; and apply knowledge to relevant situations occurring today.
  • SS.12.2.19 Defend the Bill of Rights (1st Ten Amendments) and demonstrate the conflicts that arise between individual freedom as opposed to the Common Good concerning economic and civic conditions in today's society; evaluate changes in these freedoms and summarize your conclusions.
  • SS.12.2.20 Examine and defend the values, ideals and principles that are the foundation of U.S. constitutional government, and demonstrate evidence of their existence in contemporary governments worldwide.
  • SS.12.2.21 Differentiate between nations possessing a constitution and those with a constitutional government; and apply the Amendments of the U.S. Constitution as they evolved as evidence that the United States has a constitutional government.
  • SS.12.2.22 Explain how the Constitution defines and outlines a structure for the U.S. Federal System and how the Constitution provides checks and balances for a limited government.
  • SS.12.2.23 Recognize the changes in responsibilities and powers of the three branches of federal government from the time of their inception through today and cite examples that highlight the changes.
  • SS.12.2.24 Examine the existing two-party system of the U.S. government and predict the impact of a 3rd party on the political process.
  • SS.12.2.25 Assess the influence of the media on public opinion and on the decisions of government officials.
  • SS.12.2.26 Examine the impact of special interest groups on the shaping of public policy and apply to a current initiative.
  • SS.12.2.27 Explain the impact of freedom of speech and press in a democratic society and give examples of how these freedoms allow citizens to express their views, shape public policy and monitor government actions.
  • SS.12.2.28 Assess the connections between campaign financing, the media and the electoral process; formulate a proposal for campaign reform and predict the outcome.
  • SS.12.2.29 Identify the demographic factors that influence voter behavior and prepare a summary of your findings regarding citizen participation in the electoral process.
  • SS.12.2.34 Use intellectual and participatory skills essential for informed, effective, and responsible citizenship that enable individuals to learn and apply civic knowledge to work with others and clearly articulate ideas and interests to monitor and influence public policy, build coalitions, seek consensus, negotiate compromise, and manage conflict.
  • SS.12.2.35 Develop civic dispositions (habits of the heart) that pervade all aspects of citizenship and personal traits of private and public character essential to the preservation and improvement of American constitutional democracy. Understand and explain that American constitutional democracy cannot accomplish its purposes unless its citizens actively participate in public.