Lesson Plans

Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Civics and Government – 12th Grade

A. Evaluate the major arguments advanced for the necessity of government.

B. Analyze the sources, purposes and functions of law.

C. Evaluate the importance of the principles and ideals of civic life.

D. Analyze the principles and ideals that shape the government of Pennsylvania and apply them to the government.

E. Evaluate the principles and ideals that shape the United States and compare them to documents of government.

F. Analyze and assess the rights of the people as listed in the Pennsylvania Constitution and the Constitution of the United States.

G. Analyze and interpret the role of the United States Flag in civil disobedience and in patriotic activities.

H. Analyze the competing positions held by the framers of the basic documents of government of Pennsylvania and United States.

I. Analyze historical examples of the importance of the rule of law explaining the sources, purposes and functions of law.

J. Analyze how the law promotes the common good and protects individual rights.

K. Analyze the roles of symbols and holidays in society.

L. Analyze Pennsylvania and United States court decisions that have affected principles and ideals of government in civic life.

M. Evaluate and analyze the importance of significant political speeches and writings in civic life (e.g., Diary of Anne Frank, Silent Spring).

A. Evaluate an individual's civic rights, responsibilities and duties in various governments.

B. Evaluate citizens' participation in government and civic life.

C. Interpret the causes of conflict in society and analyze techniques to resolve those conflicts.

F. Evaluate how individual rights may conflict with or support the common good.

B. Analyze the responsibilities and powers of the national government.

D. Evaluate how independent government agencies create, amend and enforce regulations.

E. Evaluate the roles of political parties in election campaigns.

G. Evaluate how the government protects or curtails individual rights and analyze the impact of supporting or opposing those rights.

H. Evaluate the impact of interest groups on the political process.

I. Evaluate how and why government raises money to pay for its operations and services.

J. Evaluate the role of media in political life in the United States and explain the role of the media in setting the public agenda.

K. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various systems of government.

A. Analyze the impact of international economic, technological and cultural developments on the government of the United States.

B. Analyze the United States' interaction with other nations and governmental groups in world events.

C. Compare how past and present United States' policy interests have changed over time and analyze the impact on future international relationships.

D. Explain how foreign policy is developed and implemented.

E. Compare the purposes and functions of international organizations.

Governmental (e.g., NATO, World Court, OAS)
Non-governmental (e.g., International Red Cross, Amnesty International, World Council of Churches)