Eleventh and Twelfth Grade – Government

Standard 1: Geography

Benchmark: Appreciate the ways in which public opinion can be used to influence and shape public policy

a. TLW describe public opinion polls in general and explain how they are conducted

Standard 3: Political Science and Citizenship

Benchmark: Understand major documents of the three branches of government and explain their functions within the American political system

a. TLW explain the Bill of Rights

b. TLW define and identify the significance of:

i. Roe vs. Wade

ii. Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education

iii. Tinker vs. Des Moines

iv. Plessy vs. Ferguson.

Benchmark: Understand how the federal system and the separation of powers maintain both majority rule and minority rights

a. TLW name and describe the three branches of the federal government

b. TLW explain the functions of each branch of the federal government

c. TLW explain the importance of minority rights

Benchmark: Understand the roles of political parties and interest groups in American politics

a. TLW identify both dominant political parties and several minor political parties

b. TLW compare the two major political parties

c. TLW evaluate two minor political parties

d. TLW name leaders of the major political parties and identify their roles

Benchmark: Understand the five principles of democracy

a. TLW identify the five principles of democracy

b. TLW state an example of each of the five principles of democracy