Lesson Plans

Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Civics and Government – 9th Grade

5.1.9 Principles and Documents of Government

A. Identify and explain the major arguments advanced for the necessity of government.

B. Describe historical examples of the importance of the rule of law:

Sources
Purposes
Functions

C. Analyze the principles and ideals that shape government: Constitutional government

Liberal democracy
Classical republicanism
Federalism

D. Interpret significant changes in the basic documents shaping the government of Pennsylvania:

The Great Law of 1682
Constitution of 1776
Constitution of 1790
Constitution of 1838
Constitution of 1874
Constitution of 1968

E. Analyze the basic documents shaping the government of the United States.

Magna Carta
English Bill of Rights
Mayflower Compact
Articles of Confederation
Declaration of Independence
Federalist papers
Anti-federalist writings
United States Constitution

F. Contrast the individual rights created by the Pennsylvania Constitution and those created by the Constitution of the United States.

G. Describe the procedures for proper uses, display and respect for the United States Flag as per the National Flag Code.

H. Explain and interpret the roles of framers of basic documents of government from a national and Pennsylvania perspective.

I. Explain the essential characteristics of limited and unlimited governments and explain the advantages and disadvantages of systems of government.

Confederal
Federal
Unitary

J. Explain how law protects individual rights and the common good.

K. Explain why symbols and holidays were created and the ideals they commemorate.

L. Interpret Pennsylvania and United States court decisions that have impacted the principles and ideals of government.

M. Interpret the impact of famous speeches and writings on civic life (e.g., The Gospel of Wealth, Declaration of Sentiments).

5.2.9 Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship

A. Contrast the essential rights and responsibilities of citizens in systems of government.

Autocracy
Democracy
Oligarchy
Republic

B. Analyze citizens' rights and responsibilities in local, state and national government.

C. Analyze skills used to resolve conflicts in society and government.

D. Analyze political leadership and public service in a republican form of government.

E. Explain the importance of the political process to competent and responsible participation in civic life.

F. Analyze the consequences of violating laws of Pennsylvania compared to those of the United States.

G. Analyze political and civic participation in government and society.

5.3.9 How Government Works

A. Explain the structure, organization and operation of the local, state, and national governments including domestic and national policy-making.

B. Compare the responsibilities and powers of the three branches within the national government.

C. Explain how a bill becomes a law on a federal, state, and local level.

D. Explain how independent government agencies create, amend and enforce regulatory policies.

Local (e.g., Zoning Board)
State (e.g., Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission)
National (e.g., Federal Communications Commission)

E. Explain how citizens participate in choosing their leaders through political parties, campaigns and elections.

F. Explain the election process.

Voter registration
Primary Elections
Caucuses
Political party conventions
General Elections
Electoral College

G. Explain how the government protects individual rights.

Equal protection
Habeas Corpus
Right Against Self Incrimination
Double Jeopardy
Right of Appeal
Due Process

H. Analyze how interest groups provide opportunities for citizens to participate in the political process.

I. Analyze how and why government raises money to pay for its operation and services.

J. Analyze the importance of freedom of the press.

K. Identify and explain systems of government.

Autocracy
Democracy
Oligarchy
Republic

5.4.9 How International Relationships Function

A. Explain how the United States is affected by policies of nation-states, governmental and non-governmental organizations.

B. Explain the role of the United States in world affairs.

C. Explain the effects United States political ideas have had on other nations.

D. Contrast how the three branches of federal government function in foreign policy.

E. Explain the development and the role of the United Nations and other international organizations, both governmental and non-governmental.

AND if desired,
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