Common Planner
K–12 Standards

Grade 7: Civics

Other Florida Social Studies sets

Demonstrate an understanding of the origins and purposes of government, law, and the American political system.

  • 1

    Analyze the influences of ancient Greece, ancient Rome and the Judeo-Christian tradition on America’s constitutional republic. SS.7.CG.1.1

  • 2

    Trace the principles underlying America’s founding ideas on law and government. SS.7.CG.1.2

  • 3

    Trace the impact that the Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, English Bill of Rights and Thomas Paine’s Common Sense had on colonists’ views of government. SS.7.CG.1.3

  • 4

    Analyze how Enlightenment ideas, including Montesquieu’s view of separation of powers and John Locke’s theories related to natural law and Locke’s social contract, influenced the Founding.SS.7.CG.1.4

  • 5

    Describe how British policies and responses to colonial concerns led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence. SS.7.CG.1.5

  • 6

    Analyze the ideas and grievances set forth in the Declaration of Independence. SS.7.CG.1.6

  • 7

    Explain how the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation led to the writing of the U.S. Constitution.SS.7.CG.1.7

  • 8

    Explain the purpose of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution.  SS.7.CG.1.8

  • 9

    Describe how the U.S. Constitution limits the powers of government through separation of powers, checks and balances, individual rights, rule of law and due process of law. SS.7.CG.1.9

  • 10

    Compare the viewpoints of the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists regarding ratification of the U.S. Constitution and including a bill of rights. SS.7.CG.1.10

  • 11

    Define the rule of law and recognize its influence on the development of legal, political, and governmental systems in the United States.  SS.7.CG.1.11

Evaluate the roles, rights, and responsibilities of U.S. citizens, and determine methods of active participation in society, government, and the political system.

  • 1

    Define the term “citizen,” and explain the constitutional means of becoming a U.S. citizen.SS.7.CG.2.1

  • 2

    Differentiate between obligations and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship, and evaluate their impact on society. SS.7.CG.2.2

  • 3

    Identify and apply the rights contained in the Bill of Rights and other amendments to the U.S. Constitution.SS.7.CG.2.3

  • 4

    Explain how the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights safeguard individual rights.  SS.7.CG.2.4

  • 5

    Describe the trial process and the role of juries in the administration of justice at the state and federal levels. SS.7.CG.2.5

  • 6

    Examine the election and voting process at the local, state, and national levels. SS.7.CG.2.6

  • 7

    Identify the constitutional qualifications required to hold local, state, and national office. SS.7.CG.2.7

  • 8

    Examine the impact of media, individuals, and interest groups on monitoring and influencing government.  SS.7.CG.2.8

  • 9

    Analyze media and political communications and identify examples of bias, symbolism, and propaganda. SS.7.CG.2.9

  • 10

    Explain the process for citizens to address a state or local problem by researching public policy alternatives, identifying appropriate government agencies to address the issue, and determining a course of action.SS.7.CG.2.10

Demonstrate an understanding of the principles, functions, and organization of government.  

  • 1

    Analyze the advantages of the United States’ constitutional republic over other forms of government in safeguarding liberty, freedom, and a representative government.SS.7.CG.3.1

  • 2

    Explain the advantages of a federal system of government over other systems in balancing local sovereignty with national unity and protecting against authoritarianism.SS.7.CG.3.2

  • 3

    Describe the structure and function of the three branches of government established in the U.S. Constitution. SS.7.CG.3.3

  • 4

    Explain the relationship between state and national governments as written in Article IV of the U.S. Constitution and the 10th Amendment. SS.7.CG.3.4

  • 5

    Explain the amendment process outlined in Article V of the U.S. Constitution.  SS.7.CG.3.5

  • 6

    Analyze how the 13th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 24th and 26th Amendments broadened participation in the political process. SS.7.CG.3.6

  • 7

    Explain the structure, functions, and processes of the legislative branch of government.  SS.7.CG.3.7

  • 8

    Explain the structure, functions, and processes of the executive branch of government. SS.7.CG.3.8

  • 9

    Explain the structure, functions, and processes of the judicial branch of government.  SS.7.CG.3.9

  • 10

    Identify sources and types of law. SS.7.CG.3.10

  • 11

    Analyze the effects of landmark Supreme Court decisions on law, liberty, and the interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. SS.7.CG.3.11

  • 12

    Compare the U.S. and Florida constitutions. SS.7.CG.3.12

  • 13

    Explain government obligations to its citizens and the services provided at the local, state, and national levels.  SS.7.CG.3.13

  • 14

    Explain the purpose and function of the Electoral College in electing the President of the United States. SS.7.CG.3.14

  • 15

    Analyze the advantages of capitalism and the free market in the United States over government-controlled economic systems (e.g., socialism and communism) in regard to economic freedom and raising the standard of living for citizens.  SS.7.CG.3.15

Demonstrate an understanding of contemporary issues in world affairs, and evaluate the role and impact of U.S. foreign policy.  

  • 1

    Explain the relationship between U.S. foreign and domestic policy. SS.7.CG.4.1

  • 2

    Describe the United States’ and citizen participation in international organizations. SS.7.CG.4.2

  • 3

    Describe examples of the United States’ actions and reactions in international conflicts.  SS.7.CG.4.3

  • 4

    Explain the significance of September 11, 2001. SS.7.CG.4.4

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 7
Where can I read the official document?
Civics and Government

Keep exploring

Keep exploring Social Studies standards

Sibling grade bands, other subjects in this jurisdiction, and the same subject across other states.