Common Planner
K–12 Standards

Civics and Government: Grade 8

Other Pennsylvania Social Studies sets

Principles and Documents of Government

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    Rule of Law

    1. A.

      Identify the sources of the rule of law.5.1.8.A

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    Laws and Government

    1. B.

      Outline how different systems of government function.5.1.8.B

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    Principles and Ideals that Shape Government

    1. C.

      Analyze the principles and ideas that shaped local, Pennsylvania, and national governments.<ul><li>Liberty/Freedom</li><li>Democracy</li><li>Justice</li><li>Equality</li></ul>5.1.8.C

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    Documents and Ideals that Shape Pennsylvania and US Government

    1. D.

      Summarize the basic principles and ideals within documents and the roles played by the framers as found in significant documents:<ul><li>Declaration of Independence</li><li>United States Constitution</li><li>Bill of Rights</li><li>Pennsylvania Constitution</li></ul>5.1.8.D

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    Individual Rights

    1. E.

      Compare and contrast the individual rights guaranteed by the PA Constitution versus the U.S. Constitution.5.1.8.E

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    Symbols

    1. F.

      Analyze how political symbols are used by the media and leaders to influence public opinion.5.1.8.F

Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship

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    Civics Rights and Responsibilities

    1. A.

      Summarize the role of citizens in terms of right and responsibilites in different government systems.5.2.8.A

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    Conflict and Resolution

    1. B.

      Describe how citizens resolve conflicts in society and government.5.2.8.B

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    Leadership and Public Service

    1. C.

      Describe the role of political leadership and public service.5.2.8.C

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    Competent and Responsible Citizens

    1. D.

      Describe the citizen's role in the political process.5.2.8.D

How Government Works

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    Branches of Government

    1. A.

      Compare and contrast the responsibilities and powers of the three branches of government between Pennsylvania and the Federal government.5.3.8.A

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    Structure, Organization, and Operation of Governments

    1. B.

      Compare and contrast the policy-making process between Pennsylvania and the federal government.5.3.8.B

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    Government Services

    1. C.

      Describe how local, state, and national governments provide services.5.3.8.C

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    Leadership and Political Elections

    1. D.

      Identify leadership positions and the role of political party affiliation at the local, state, and national levels.5.3.8.D

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    Elements of the Election Process

    1. E.

      Describe the closed primary voting process in Pennsylvania.5.3.8.E

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    Conflict and the Court System

    1. F.

      Explain the various judicial levels of the U.S. and state.5.3.8.F

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    Interest Groups

    1. G.

      Explain the role of interest groups in the federal government process.5.3.8.G

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    Media Influences

    1. H.

      Describe the influence of mass media on government.5.3.8.H

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    Taxes

    1. I.

      Describe various types of projects and services provided through local, state, and national taxes.5.3.8.I

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    Systems of Government

    1. J.

      Compare democracy to totalitarianism.5.3.8.J

How International Relationships Function

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    Countries and Conflicts

    1. A.

      Describe how national interests lead to agreements and conflicts between and among countries.5.4.8.A

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    Tools of Foreign Policy

    1. B.

      Describe the foreign policy tools of diplomacy, economic aid, military aid, sanctions, and treaties.5.4.8.B

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    International Organizations

    1. C.

      Explain how common problems (e.g., natural disasters, ethnic conflict, environmental concerns) are addressed by organizations and governments.5.4.8.C

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    Media and its Influence

    1. D.

      Describe how mass media influences our view of international events.5.4.8.D

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 8
When were these standards adopted?
2009

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