Social Studies, Standard C: Political Science and Citizenship
Performance Standards - Grade 8

By the end of grade eight, students will:

C.8.1 Identify and explain democracy's basic principles, including individual rights, responsibility for the common good, equal opportunity, equal protection of the laws, freedom of speech, justice, and majority rule with protection for minority rights

C.8.2 Identify, cite, and discuss important political documents, such as the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and landmark decisions of the Supreme Court, and explain their function in the American political system

C.8.3 Explain how laws are developed, how the purposes of government are established, and how the powers of government are acquired, maintained, justified, and sometimes abused

C.8.4 Describe and explain how the federal system separates the powers of federal, state, and local governments in the United States, and how legislative, executive, and judicial powers are balanced at the federal level

C.8.5 Explain how the federal system and the separation of powers in the Constitution work to sustain both majority rule and minority rights

C.8.6 Explain the role of political parties and interest groups in American politics

C.8.7 Locate, organize, and use relevant information to understand an issue of public concern, take a position, and advocate the position in a debate

C.8.8 Identify ways in which advocates participate in public policy debates

C.8.9 Describe the role of international organizations such as military alliances and trade associations

Content Standard C

For questions about this information, contact Beverly J. Kniess (608) 266-3706

Last updated on 2/25/2008 1:43:11 PM