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Middle School Social Studies 2 (Civics)/Middle School Social Studies 2 (Civics) Advanced
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Learning about civics gives students the skills and knowledge necessary to be active citizens who have a positive impact on their communities. In this course, students discover the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in the United States. They learn about the structure of the government and how it works at the local, state, and federal levels. This course examines elections, the lawmaking process, and how citizens can impact public policy. Students also discover ways the United States interacts with countries around the world. Geography and economics support the learning of civics in this course. Engaging in this study prepares students to be informed citizens who are ready to participate in the American democracy!
Note: content varies depending on course version. For currently enrolled students, please refer to the syllabus located in the course information area for curriculum specifics.
Competencies
Elements of United States Citizenship
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the elements of United States citizenship by explaining the cultural regions of the United States, summarizing pathways to United States citizenship, and explaining the responsibilities of United States citizens.
Founding of the United States Government
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the founding of the United States Government by describing the influences on the Founding Fathers, analyzing historic United States documents, and explaining the structure of the federal government.
Levels of Government
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the levels of government by explaining responsibilities at different levels of government, describing the legislative structure, and explaining the judicial system.
Active Citizens
Students will demonstrate an understanding of active citizens by explaining the role of active citizens in influencing the government, describing the impact of constitutional rights, and explaining methods for active citizens to influence the government.
Global Communities
Students will demonstrate an understanding of global communities by describing differences among global governments, explaining the impact of geography on global economies, and explaining the effects of currencies on global trade.
American Economy
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the American economy by explaining economic principles, analyzing the role of financial institutions in the American economy, describing the impact of taxes on the American economy, and explaining the role of regulation in the American economy.
Major Topics and Concepts
Segment One
- Using Maps
- Geography of the United States
- American Culture
- Effective Citizenship
- Naturalization
- Enlightenment
- Principles of American Democracy
- Declaration of Independence
- The U.S. Constitution
- Analyzing Historical Documents
- Structure and Functions of the Federal Government
- Checks and Balances
- The Bill of Rights
- The Amendment Process
- Federalism
- State and Local Governments
- Rule of Law
- The Lawmaking Process
- The U.S. Court System
- Jury Trials
- Local Government and Activism
Segment Two
- Influencing Government
- The Media
- Interest Groups
- Landmark Supreme Court Cases
- Perspectives on Current Issues
- Political Parties
- Elections
- Analyzing Data
- Basic Economic Concepts
- Competition and Entrepreneurship
- Banking in the United States
- Taxes
- Making a Budget
- Comparing the United States and the World
- Cultural Diffusion
- Domestic and Foreign Policy
- Trade and Currency
- International Organizations
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