American Government/Civics

Other Georgia Social Studies sets

• Grade K
• Map and Globe Skills
• Grade 1
• Grade 2
• Grade 3
• Grade 4
• Grade 5
• Grade 6
• Grade 7
• Grade 8
• Economics
• Introduction to U.S. Intelligence and National Security Studies (2020)
• Personal Finance and Economics (2021): Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
• Personal Financial Literacy
• Psychology
• Sociology
• United States History
• World Geography
• World History

Analyze key ideas of limited government and the rule of law as seen in the Magna Carta, the Petition of Right, and the English Bill of Rights.SSCG2.a

Analyze the impact of the writings of Hobbes (Leviathan), Locke (Second Treatise on Government), Rousseau (The Social Contract), and Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws) on our concept of government.SSCG2.b

Analyze the ways in which the philosophies listed in element 2b influenced the Declaration of Independence.SSCG2.c

Analyze debates during the drafting of the Constitution, including the Three-Fifths Compromise, the Great Compromise, and the Commerce Clause.SSCG3.a

Analyze how the Constitution addresses the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.SSCG3.b

Explain the fundamental principles of the United States Constitution, including limited government, the rule of law, federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, and popular sovereignty.SSCG3.c

Explain the key ideas in the debate over ratification made by the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists.SSCG3.d

Describe the structure, powers, and limitations of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, as described in the Constitution.SSCG4.a

Analyze the relationship between the three branches in a system of checks and balances and separation of powers.SSCG4.b

Explain and analyze the relationship of state governments to the national government.SSCG5.a

Define and provide examples of enumerated, implied, concurrent, reserved, and denied powers.SSCG5.b

Analyze the ongoing debate that focuses on the balance of power between state and national governments as it relates to current issues.SSCG5.c

Analyze the Supremacy Clause found in Article VI and the role of the U.S. Constitution as the "supreme law of the land."SSCG5.d

Describe the roles of Congress and the states in the formal process of amending the Constitution.SSCG5.e

Analyze the meaning and importance of each of the rights guaranteed under the Bill of Rights and how each is secured.SSCG6

Define civil liberties as protections against government actions (e.g., First Amendment).SSCG7.a

Define civil rights as equal protections for all people (e.g., Civil Rights Act, Brown v. Board of Education, etc.)SSCG7.b

Analyze due process of law as expressed in the 5th and 14th amendments, as understood through the process of incorporation.SSCG7.c

Identify how amendments extend the right to vote.SSCG7.d

Cite the formal qualifications for representatives and senators listed in the Constitution.SSCG8.a

Describe the election process for representatives and senators and how the 17th Amendment impacted the election of senators.SSCG8.b

Compare the terms of office for each chamber of Congress and explain the Founders' intent.SSCG8.c

Compare and contrast the powers of each chamber of Congress (e.g., power of the purse, 16th Amendment, treaties, etc.)SSCG8.d

Explain the steps in the legislative process.SSCG8.e

Explain the functions of various leadership positions and committees within the legislature.SSCG8.f

Analyze the positive and negative role lobbyists play in the legislative process.SSCG8.g

Explain the impeachment and removal process and its use for federal officials as defined in the U.S. Constitution.SSCG9

Cite the formal qualifications listed in the Constitution for President of the United States.SSCG10.a

Describe informal qualifications common to past presidents.SSCG10.b

Identify term of office and describe the line of succession (e.g., 20th, 22nd, and 25th amendments).SSCG10.c

Analyze the role of the Electoral College in electing the President and the clarification provided in the 12th Amendment.SSCG10.d

Distinguish between the roles of the President, including Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, chief executive, chief agenda setter, chief of state, chief diplomat, and party leader.SSCG10.e

Compare and contrast the organization and responsibilities of independent regulatory agencies, government corporations, and executive agencies.SSCG11.a

Explain the functions of the President's Cabinet.SSCG11.b

Describe the tools used to carry out United States foreign policy, including diplomacy and treaties; economic, military, and humanitarian aid; and sanctions and military intervention.SSCG12

Describe the selection and approval process for federal judges.SSCG13.a

Explain the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, federal courts and the state courts.SSCG13.b

Examine how John Marshall established judicial review through his opinion in Marbury v. Madison and relate its impact.SSCG13.c

Describe how the Supreme Court selects and decides cases.SSCG13.d

Compare the philosophies of judicial activism and judicial restraint and provide relevant examples (e.g., marriage, 2nd Amendment, death penalty, etc.)SSCG13.e

Explain an individual's due process rights (e.g., 4th, 5th, 6th, and 14th amendments).SSCG14.a

Categorize different types of crimes.SSCG14.b

Analyze the procedures in the criminal justice process.SSCG14.c

Examine the different types of sentences a convicted person can receive.SSCG14.d

Contrast the procedures related to civil suits with criminal proceedings.SSCG14.e

Describe the historical development, organization, role, and constituencies of political parties.SSCG15.a

Describe the nomination and election process.SSCG15.b

Examine campaign funding and spending and the influence of special interest groups on elections.SSCG15.c

Explain how recent policy changes and Supreme Court rulings have impacted the campaign finance process.SSCG15.d

Analyze the influence of media coverage, campaign advertising, and public opinion polls.SSCG15.e

Describe how and why citizens are required by law to pay taxes, serve on a jury, and register for military duty.SSCG16.a

Describe how citizens voluntarily and responsibly participate in the political process by voting, performing public service, being informed about current issues, and respecting differing opinions.SSCG16.b

Explain the meaning and history of the Pledge of Allegiance.SSCG16.c

Examine the structure of local governments with emphasis on counties and cities.SSCG17.a

Analyze the relationship among state and local governments.SSCG17.b

Examine sources of revenue received by local governments.SSCG17.c

Analyze the services provided by state and local governments.SSCG17.d

Analyze limitations on state and local government that may be exercised by the citizens (e.g., the initiative, referendum, and recall).SSCG17.e