understand the definition of government ( the system people use to organize themselves to live together)

understand the concept of a democratic government (representative of the people)

know the Declaration of Independence helped to form the Constitution of the United States.

know that the Constitution is the fundamental law of our nation, provides for the guiding principles upon  which other laws are based and lists limits on what the government can do.  These guiding principles include:
          the idea that laws and rules are made and changed to promote the common good
          the concept of majority rule
          the concept of citizens having rights

understand that citizens have both rights and responsibilities.  These responsibilities include respect for the rights of others and treating others fairly (justice).

know the rights included in the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights and cluster around three areas of people's lives.  The right to:
          express their ideas
          be treated fairly by the police and courts
          have the laws apply to them the same way they would apply to anyone else

know that Thomas Jefferson is known as the "Father of Democracy"

know the major responsibilities and functions of the three branches of the Federal and State governments (e.g., legislative (makes the laws), executive (enforces the laws), judicial (interprets the laws)

understand the concept of "checks and balances" between the branches of government

understand the process of how a bill becomes a law

know how to distinguish among national, state, and local governments

know the basic rights and responsibilities of American citizens (e.g., choosing leaders, expressing opinions about government, owning property, voting, participating in political activities such as signing petitions and speaking at hearings).

know major services and regulations provided for by the state government (e.g., state road and highway maintenance, health and safety regulations, education).

understand the purposes of taxes, especially taxes students experience, such as sales taxes.  (Students should know how tax moneys are used, who benefits from tax-supported services, and who pays for those services.)

understand how households, businesses, and governments are interdependent.  (Students should be able to explain how decisions of all three affect one another.)

know terms from above objectives and the following: