FCPS Program of Studies

Social Studies Curriculum

Government

Standards for Virginia and United States Government define the knowledge that enables citizens to participate effectively in civic and economic life. Students will examine fundamental constitutional principles, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, the political culture, the policy-making process at each level of government, and the operation of the United States market economy. The standards identify the personal character traits that facilitate thoughtful and effective participation in the civic life of an increasingly diverse democratic society.

Civic education also must emphasize the intellectual skills required for responsible citizenship. Students will practice these skills as they extend their understanding of the essential knowledge defined by the standards for Virginia and United States Government.

Last Updated: 08/17/12 10:26 AM

SS.GOVT

Standard 1

DEMONSTRATE MASTERY OF SOCIAL STUDIES SKILLS FOR CITIZENSHIP

Benchmark 1.a

Analyze Primary and Secondary Source Documents

	Indicator 1.a.1
	Analyze primary and secondary source documents

Benchmark 1.b

Create/Interpret Maps, Diagrams, Tables, Charts, Graphs, Spreadsheets

	Indicator 1.b.1
	Create/interpret maps, diagrams, tables, charts, graphs, spreadsheets

Benchmark 1.c

Analyze Political Cartoons, Political Ads, Pictures, Graphic Media

	Indicator 1.c.1
	Analyze political cartoons, political ads, pictures, graphic media

Benchmark 1.d

Distinguish Between Relevant and Irrelevant Information

	Indicator 1.d.1
	Distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information

Benchmark 1.e

Evaluate Information for Accuracy, Separating Fact from Opinion

	Indicator 1.e.1
	Evaluate information for accuracy, separating fact from opinion

Benchmark 1.f

Identify Problems, & Their Solutions Using a Decision-Making Model

	Indicator 1.f.1
	Identify problems, & their solutions using a decision-making model

Benchmark 1.g

Select and Defend Positions in Writing, Discussion, and Debate

	Indicator 1.g.1
	Select and defend positions in writing, discussion, and debate.

SS.GOVT

Standard 2

DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF POLITICAL PHILOSOPHIES

Benchmark 2.a

Describe the Development of Athenian Democracy and the Roman Republic

	Indicator 2.a.1
	Describe the development of Athenian democracy and the Roman republic

Benchmark 2.b

Explain Influence of Earlier Documents on VA & US Constitutional Govts

	Indicator 2.b.1
	Explain the influence of the Magna Carta

	Indicator 2.b.2
	Explain the influence of the English Petition of Right

	Indicator 2.b.3
	Explain the influence of English common law on the US Constitution

	Indicator 2.b.4
	Explain the influence of the English Bill of Rights

	Indicator 2.b.5
	Describe events that led to constitutional government in the US

Benchmark 2.c

Identify Arguments for Government by Political Philosophers

	Indicator 2.c.1
	Describe the fundamental principles of major political philosophers

	Indicator 2.c.2
	Cite examples of these philosophical arguments in action

Benchmark 2.d

Describe Political Philosophies that Shaped the Formation of US Govt.

	Indicator 2.d.1
	Explain the guarantee of “rights of Englishmen”

	Indicator 2.d.2
	Examine contributions of Mason, Jefferson, and Madison

SS.GOVT

Standard 3

DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE CONCEPTS OF DEMOCRACY

Benchmark 3.a

Recognize the Fundamental Worth & Dignity of the Individual

	Indicator 3.a.1
	Recognize the fundamental worth & dignity of the individual

Benchmark 3.b

Recognize the Equality of all Citizens under the Law

	Indicator 3.b.1
	Recognize the equality of all citizens under the law

Benchmark 3.c

Recognize Majority Rule and Minority Rights

	Indicator 3.c.1
	Recognize majority rule and minority rights

Benchmark 3.d

Recognize the Necessity of Compromise

	Indicator 3.d.1
	Recognize the necessity of compromise

Benchmark 3.e

Recognize the Freedom of the Individual

	Indicator 3.e.1
	Recognize the freedom of the individual

Benchmark 3.f

Analyze Current Events to Recognize Application of Democratic Concepts

	Indicator 3.f.1
	Analyze current events to recognize application of democratic concepts

SS.GOVT

Standard 4

DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES

Benchmark 4.a

Examine the Ratification Debates and The Federalist Papers

	Indicator 4.a.1
	Examine the ratification debates

	Indicator 4.a.2
	Examine the Federalist Papers

Benchmark 4.b

Identify the Purposes for Government Stated in the Preamble

	Indicator 4.b.1
	Identify the purposes for government stated in the Preamble

Benchmark 4.c

Examine Fundamental Principles Upon Which the Constitution is Based

	Indicator 4.c.1
	Explain the fundamental principle - Consent of the governed

	Indicator 4.c.2
	Examine the fundamental principle - Limited government

	Indicator 4.c.3
	Explain the fundamental principle - Constitutional government

Benchmark 4.d

Illustrate National Government Structure - Articles I, II, & III

	Indicator 4.d.1
	Illustrate national government structure - Articles I, II, & III

Benchmark 4.e

Describe the Amendment Process

	Indicator 4.e.1
	Describe the amendment process

SS.GOVT

Standard 5

DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE FEDERAL SYSTEM

Benchmark 5.a

Explain the Relationship of State Government to National Government

	Indicator 5.a.1
	Explain the relationship of state government to national government

	Indicator 5.a.2
	Explain the powers of the national government

Benchmark 5.b

Describe the Extent to Which Power is Shared; Nat'l & State Government

	Indicator 5.b.1
	Describe the extent to which power is shared; nat'l & state government

Benchmark 5.c

Identify the Powers Denied to the State and National Governments

	Indicator 5.c.1
	Identify the powers denied state and national governments

Benchmark 5.d

Examine Debates About Balance of Power Between State & Nat'l. Govt.

	Indicator 5.d.1
	Examine debates about balance of power between state & nat'l. govt.

SS.GOVT

Standard 6

DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF LOCAL, STATE, AND NATIONAL ELECTIONS

Benchmark 6.a

Describe the Organization, Role, & Constituencies of Political Parties

	Indicator 6.a.1
	Describe the organization, role, & constituencies of political parties

	Indicator 6.a.2
	Describe the constituencies of political parties

Benchmark 6.b

Describe the Nomination and Election Process

	Indicator 6.b.1
	Describe the nomination and election process

Benchmark 6.c

Examine Campaign Funding and Spending

	Indicator 6.c.1
	Examine campaign funding and spending

Benchmark 6.d

Analyze the Various Influences on Elections

	Indicator 6.d.1
	Analyze the various influences on elections

Benchmark 6.e

Examine the Impact of Reapportionment & Redistricting on Elections

	Indicator 6.e.1
	Define Reapportionment: Redistribution of seats in a legislative body

	Indicator 6.e.2
	Define Redistricting: Redrawing boundaries of legislative districts

	Indicator 6.e.3
	Define Gerrymandering: Redrawing boundaries to benefit one party

	Indicator 6.e.4
	Examine the impact of reapportionment & redistricting on elections

Benchmark 6.f

Identify How Amendments Extend the Right to Vote

	Indicator 6.f.1
	Identify how amendments extend the right to vote

Benchmark 6.g

Analyze Voter Turnout

	Indicator 6.g.1
	Analyze voter turnout

Benchmark 6.h

Evaluate the Degree to Which Interest Groups Influence Political Life

	Indicator 6.h.1
	Evaluate the degree to which interest groups influence political life

Benchmark 6.i

Participate in Simulations of Local, State, and/or National Election

	Indicator 6.i.1
	Participate in simulations of local, state, and/or national election

SS.GOVT

Standard 7

DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE ORGANIZATION/POWERS OF NAT'L GOVT

Benchmark 7.a

Examine the Organization, Duties & Powers of the Legislative Branch

	Indicator 7.a.1
	Identify Congress as being a bicameral legislative body

	Indicator 7.a.2
	Describe the organization of the US House of Representatives

	Indicator 7.a.3
	Describe the organization of the US Senate

	Indicator 7.a.4
	Describe characteristics of the members of Congress

	Indicator 7.a.5
	Describe additional information about Congress

	Indicator 7.a.6
	Explain the theories of representation

	Indicator 7.a.7
	Explain the expressed and implied powers of Congress

Benchmark 7.b

Explain the Organization, Duties & Powers of the Executive Branch

	Indicator 7.b.1
	Explain the organization of the Executive Branch

	Indicator 7.b.2
	Explain the duties, responsibilities & powers of the Executive Branch

	Indicator 7.b.3
	Identify the requirements to be President and Vice President

	Indicator 7.b.4
	Identify the duties & responsibilities of the executive bureaucracy

Benchmark 7.c

Explain the Organization, Duties & Powers of the Judicial Branch

	Indicator 7.c.1
	Describe the organization & responsibilities of the Judicial Branch

Benchmark 7.d

Analyze the System of Checks & Balances Between the 3 Branches of Govt

	Indicator 7.d.1
	Analyze the system of checks & balances between the 3 branches of govt

	Indicator 7.d.2
	Analyze checks of the legislative branch

	Indicator 7.d.3
	Analyze checks of the executive branch

	Indicator 7.d.4
	Analyze checks of the judicial branch

SS.GOVT

Standard 8

DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF ORGANIZATION/POWERS OF STATE/LOCAL GOVT

Benchmark 8.a

Examine State & Local Govt Legislative, Executive, & Judicial Branches

	Indicator 8.a.1
	Examine state & local govt legislative, executive, & judicial branches

	Indicator 8.a.2
	Examine the legislative branch of Virginia

	Indicator 8.a.3
	Examine the executive branch of Virginia

	Indicator 8.a.4
	Examine the judicial branch of Virginia

Benchmark 8.b

Examine the Structure and Powers of Local Governments

	Indicator 8.b.1
	Examine the structure and powers of local governments

	Indicator 8.b.2
	Recognize that counties are one type of local government

	Indicator 8.b.3
	Recognize that cities and towns are types of local government

	Indicator 8.b.4
	Explain the organization of Fairfax County government

	Indicator 8.b.5
	Recognize that a school board oversees the public schools

Benchmark 8.c

Analyze Relationships and Roles of State and Local Governments

	Indicator 8.c.1
	Analyze relationships & roles of state and local governments

	Indicator 8.c.2
	Define Dillon's Rule: All power of local govt is derived from state

	Indicator 8.c.3
	Recognize that counties & cities help implement state laws & programs

	Indicator 8.c.4
	Recognize purpose of regional authorities created by General Assembly

	Indicator 8.c.5
	Recognize purpose of boards & commissions created by the state

SS.GOVT

Standard 9

DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE PUBLIC POLICY MAKING PROCESS

Benchmark 9.a

Examine Different Perspectives on the Role of Government

	Indicator 9.a.1
	Examine different perspectives on the role of government

	Indicator 9.a.2
	Recognize that differences of opinion about govt are due to ideology

	Indicator 9.a.3
	Recognize the three broad categories of political perspectives

Benchmark 9.b

Describe How National Govt Influences the Public Agenda and Policy

	Indicator 9.b.1
	Describe how national govt influences the public agenda and policy

	Indicator 9.b.2
	Define Public Policy: Actions taken by the government to meet a need

	Indicator 9.b.3
	Recognize participants in the public policy process

	Indicator 9.b.4
	Recognize what parts participants in the public policy process play

	Indicator 9.b.5
	Describe role of the federal government in forming domestic policy

Benchmark 9.c

Describe How State/Local Govt Influence the Public Agenda & Policy

	Indicator 9.c.1
	Describe how state/local govt influence the public agenda & policy

Benchmark 9.d

Describe Bureaucracy's Implementation Policy at Each Level of Govt

	Indicator 9.d.1
	Describe purpose & implementation process of government bureaucracy

	Indicator 9.d.2
	Describe the parts of government bureaucracy at each level

Benchmark 9.e

Describe How Individuals/Interest Groups/Media Influence Public Policy

	Indicator 9.e.1
	Describe how individuals/interest groups/media influence public policy

	Indicator 9.e.2
	Describe ways individuals influence public policy

	Indicator 9.e.3
	Describe ways interest groups influence public policy

	Indicator 9.e.4
	Describe ways the media influences public opinion

Benchmark 9.f

Formulate & Practice a Course of Action to Address Issues

	Indicator 9.f.1
	Formulate & practice a course of action to address issues

Benchmark 9.g

Evaluate Effectiveness of Citizen Efforts to Influence Govt Decisions

	Indicator 9.g.1
	Evaluate effectiveness of citizen efforts to influence govt decisions

	Indicator 9.g.2
	Recognize that informed individuals can have impact on policymakers

SS.GOVT

Standard 10

DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE OPERATION OF THE FEDERAL JUDICIARY

Benchmark 10.a

Describe Organization, Jurisdiction, & Proceedings of Federal Courts

	Indicator 10.a.1
	Describe organization, jurisdiction, & proceedings of federal courts

	Indicator 10.a.2
	Describe the types of jurisdiction in the US judicial system

	Indicator 10.a.3
	Describe the jurisdiction of regular federal courts

Benchmark 10.b

Examine How John Marshall Established the Supreme Court

	Indicator 10.b.1
	Examine how John Marshall established the Supreme Court

Benchmark 10.c

Describe How the Supreme Court Decides Cases

	Indicator 10.c.1
	Describe how the Supreme Court decides cases

Benchmark 10.d

Compare the Philosophies of Judicial Activism and Judicial Restraint

	Indicator 10.d.1
	Compare the philosophies of judicial activism and judicial restraint

Benchmark 10.e

Evaluate How the Judiciary Influences Public Policy

	Indicator 10.e.1
	Evaluate how the judiciary influences public policy

SS.GOVT

Standard 11

DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF CIVIL LIBERTIES AND CIVIL RIGHTS

Benchmark 11.a

Examine the Bill of Rights, with Emphasis on First Amendment Freedoms

	Indicator 11.a.1
	Examine the Bill of Rights, with emphasis on First Amendment freedoms

	Indicator 11.a.2
	Describe the rights of the accused

	Indicator 11.a.3
	Define Civil Liberties: Freedoms the government may not infringe upon

Benchmark 11.b

Analyze Due Process of Law Expressed in the 5th and 14th Amendments

	Indicator 11.b.1
	Analyze due process of law expressed in the 5th and 14th Amendments

	Indicator 11.b.2
	Analyze the two types of due process of law

Benchmark 11.c

Explain Selective Incorporation of the Bill of Rights

	Indicator 11.c.1
	Explain selective incorporation of the Bill of Rights

	Indicator 11.c.2
	Explain importance of the 14th Amendment regarding due process rights

	Indicator 11.c.3
	Explain the importance of Amendments 4, 5, 6, & 14 for the accused

Benchmark 11.d

Explore the Balance Between Individual Liberties & the Public Interest

	Indicator 11.d.1
	Explore the balance between individual liberties & the public interest

Benchmark 11.e

Explain Every Citizen's Right to Be Treated Equally Under the Law

	Indicator 11.e.1
	Explain every citizen's right to be treated equally under the law

	Indicator 11.e.2
	Describe applications of the equal protection principle

SS.GOVT

Standard 12

DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE ROLE OF US IN A CHANGING WORLD

Benchmark 12.a

Describe Nat'l Govt Responsibilities for Foreign Policy/Nat'l Security

	Indicator 12.a.1
	Describe nat'l govt responsibilities for foreign policy/nat'l security

	Indicator 12.a.2
	Describe the foreign policy powers of the President

	Indicator 12.a.3
	Describe the key agencies involved in foreign policy

	Indicator 12.a.4
	Describe foreign policy powers of the Legislative & Judicial branches

	Indicator 12.a.5
	Describe other influences on foreign policy

Benchmark 12.b

Assess the Role of National Interest in Foreign Policy & World Peace

	Indicator 12.b.1
	Assess the role of national interest in foreign policy & world peace

	Indicator 12.b.2
	Recognize the necessity of balancing different foreign policy goals

	Indicator 12.b.3
	Analyze the various means to attain US foreign policy goals

Benchmark 12.c

Examine the Relationship of Virginia and the US to the Global Economy

	Indicator 12.c.1
	Examine the relationship of Virginia and the US to the global economy

Benchmark 12.d

Examine Recent Foreign Policy & Trade Initiatives Since 1980

	Indicator 12.d.1
	Examine recent foreign policy initiatives since 1980

	Indicator 12.d.2
	Examine recent trade agreements

SS.GOVT

Standard 13

DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF GOVT & ECONOMICS IN OTHER COUNTRIES

Benchmark 13.a

Describe the Distribution of Governmental Power

	Indicator 13.a.1
	Describe the distribution of governmental power

Benchmark 13.b

Explain the Relationship Between the Legislative & Executive Branches

	Indicator 13.b.1
	Explain the relationship between the legislative & executive branches

Benchmark 13.c

Compare the Extent of Participation in the Political Process

	Indicator 13.c.1
	Compare the extent of participation in the political process

Benchmark 13.d

Compare the Degree of Government Involvement in Various Economies

	Indicator 13.d.1
	Compare the degree of government involvement in various economies

SS.GOVT

Standard 14

DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF ECONOMIC SYSTEMS

Benchmark 14.a

Identify Basic Economic Questions Encountered by all Economic Systems

	Indicator 14.a.1
	Identify basic economic questions encountered by all economic systems

Benchmark 14.b

Compare Free Market, Command & Mixed Economies

	Indicator 14.b.1
	Compare traditional, free market, command & mixed economies

	Indicator 14.b.2
	Describe a traditional economic system

	Indicator 14.b.3
	Describe a free market economic system

	Indicator 14.b.4
	Describe a command economic system

	Indicator 14.b.5
	Describe a mixed economic system

Benchmark 14.c

Evaluate Impact of the Government's Role in the Economy

	Indicator 14.c.1
	Evaluate impact of the government's role in the economy

Benchmark 14.d

Explain the Relationship Between Economic Freedom & Political Freedoms

	Indicator 14.d.1
	Explain the relationship between economic freedom & political freedoms

Benchmark 14.e

Examine Productivity & Standard of Living Measured by Econ Indicators

	Indicator 14.e.1
	Examine productivity & standard of living measured by econ indicators

	Indicator 14.e.2
	Define productivity: The output per unit of input over time

SS.GOVT

Standard 15

DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE UNITED STATES MARKET ECONOMY

Benchmark 15.a

Assess Importance: Entrepreneurship, Profit Motive & Econ Independence

	Indicator 15.a.1
	Assess importance: entrepreneurship, profit motive & econ independence

Benchmark 15.b

Compare the Types of Business Organizations

	Indicator 15.b.1
	Compare the types of business organizations

Benchmark 15.c

Describe the Factors of Production

	Indicator 15.c.1
	Describe the factors of production

Benchmark 15.d

Explain the Interaction of Supply and Demand

	Indicator 15.d.1
	Explain the interaction of supply and demand

Benchmark 15.e

Illustrate the Circular Flow of Economic Activity

	Indicator 15.e.1
	Illustrate the circular flow of economic activity

Benchmark 15.f

Analyze Global Economic Trends & VA/US Relationship to Global Economy

	Indicator 15.f.1
	Analyze global economic trends & VA/US relationship to global economy

	Indicator 15.f.2
	Recognize the impact of advances in technology on the global economy

	Indicator 15.f.3
	Explain how the growth of foreign countries causes prices to increase

	Indicator 15.f.4
	Explain what circumstances create a trade deficit

	Indicator 15.f.5
	Identify the major trading partners of the United States

SS.GOVT

Standard 16

DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF GOVERNMENT ROLE IN VA & US ECONOMIES

Benchmark 16.a

Analyze the Impact of Fiscal and Monetary Policies on the Economy

	Indicator 16.a.1
	Analyze the impact of fiscal and monetary policies on the economy

Benchmark 16.b

Describe Govt-Provided Goods/Services Not Readily Produced by Market

	Indicator 16.b.1
	Describe govt-provided goods/services not readily produced by market

	Indicator 16.b.2
	Describe examples of goods and services provided by the government

	Indicator 16.b.3
	Explain reasons why government provides public goods and services

Benchmark 16.c

Examine Issues in the Marketplace

	Indicator 16.c.1
	Examine various issues in the marketplace

	Indicator 16.c.2
	Examine environmental issues in the marketplace

	Indicator 16.c.3
	Examine property rights issues in the marketplace

	Indicator 16.c.4
	Examine contract issues in the marketplace

	Indicator 16.c.5
	Examine consumer rights issues in the marketplace

	Indicator 16.c.6
	Examine labor-management relations issues in the marketplace

	Indicator 16.c.7
	Examine competition issues in the marketplace

Benchmark 16.d

Understanding the Types and Purposes of Taxation

	Indicator 16.d.1
	Understanding the types and purposes of taxation

SS.GOVT

Standard 17

EXPLAIN MEANING OF CITIZENSHIP IN US & RELATION TO CIVIC LIFE

Benchmark 17.a

Explain that Citizenship Gives Full Membership in US Government System

	Indicator 17.a.1
	Explain that citizenship gives full membership in US government system

	Indicator 17.a.2
	Describe privileges reserved to citizens

Benchmark 17.b

Recognize that US Citizenship is Defined by Shared Beliefs & Values

	Indicator 17.b.1
	Recognize that US citizenship is defined by shared beliefs & values

Benchmark 17.c

Describe How Americans are Citizens of Their Locality, State & Nation

	Indicator 17.c.1
	Describe how Americans are citizens of their locality, state & nation

Benchmark 17.d

Recognize That Non-citizens Can Become Citizens

	Indicator 17.d.1
	Recognize that non-citizens can become citizens

Benchmark 17.e

Explain Thoughtful and Effective Participation in Civic Life

	Indicator 17.e.1
	Explain thoughtful and effective participation in civic life

Benchmark 17.f

Demonstrate Knowledge Character Traits Related to Civic Participation

	Indicator 17.f.1
	Demonstrate knowledge character traits related to civic participation

Essential - Standard, benchmark, or indicator from the VDOE Standards of Learning document. In the absence of VDOE standards for a given course, content subject to testing such as AP and IB can be labeled Essential.
Expected - Standard, benchmark, or indicator added by the FCPS Program of Studies to provide a context, a bridge, or an enhancement to the Essential SBIs.
Extended - Standard, benchmark, or indicator added by the FCPS Program of Studies generally used to differentiate instruction for advanced learners (Honors/GT)