The American Presidency

State Standards

Civics and Economics

CE.1

The student will develop the social studies skills responsible citizenship requires, including the ability to

1. examine and interpret primary and secondary source documents;
2. create and explain maps, diagrams, tables, charts, graphs, and spreadsheets;
3. analyze political cartoons, political advertisements, pictures, and other graphic media;
4. distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information;
5. review information for accuracy, separating fact from opinion;
6. identify a problem, weigh the expected costs and benefits and possible consequences of proposed solutions, and recommend solutions, using a decision-making model;
7. formulate an informed, carefully reasoned position on a community issue;
8. select and defend positions in writing, discussion, and debate.

CE.2

The student will demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of American constitutional government by

1. explaining the fundamental principles of consent of the governed, limited government, rule of law, democracy, and representative government;
2. explaining the significance of the charters of the Virginia Company of London, the Virginia Declaration of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, and the Constitution of the United States, including the Bill of Rights;

CE.5

The student will demonstrate knowledge of the political process at the local, state, and national levels of government by

1. describing the functions of political parties;
2. comparing the similarities and differences of political parties;
3. analyzing campaigns for elective office, with emphasis on the role of the media;
4. examining the role of campaign contributions and costs;
5. describing voter registration and participation;
6. describing the role of the Electoral College in the election of the president and vice president;
7. participating in simulated local, state, and/or national elections.

CE.6

The student will demonstrate knowledge of the American constitutional government at the national level by

1. describing the structure and powers of the national government;
2. explaining the principle of separation of powers and the operation of checks and balances;
3. explaining and/or simulating the lawmaking process;
4. describing the roles and powers of the executive branch.

CE.9

The student will demonstrate knowledge of how public policy is made at the local, state, and national levels of government by

1. examining the impact of the media on public opinion and public policy;
2. describing how individuals and interest groups influence public policy;