Knowledge,+Concepts,+Themes,+and+Patterns+of+Civics+and+Government

Pre-K-2
Students understand key ideas and processes that characterize democratic government in the community and the United States.

a. Describe and provide examples of democratic ideals. b. Recognize symbols, monuments, celebrations, and leaders of local, State, and national government. c. Identify community workers and volunteers and the roles they play in promoting the common good.

3-5
Students understand the basic ideals, purposes, principles, structures, and processes of democratic government in Maine and the United States.

a. Explain that the study of government includes how governments are organized and how citizens participate. b. Explain and provide examples of democratic ideals and constitutional principles to include the rule of law, legitimate power, and common good. c. Explain and give examples of governmental structures including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches and the local, State, and national levels of government. d. Explain how leaders are elected and how laws are made and implemented. e. Explain that the structures and processes of government are described in documents, including the Constitutions of Maine and the United States.

6-8
Students understand the basic ideals, purposes, principles, structures, and processes of constitutional government in Maine and the United States as well as examples of other forms of government in the world.

a. Explain that the study of government includes the structures and functions of government and the political and civic activity of citizens. b. Analyze examples of democratic ideals and constitutional principles that include the rule of law, legitimate power, and common good. c. Describe the structures and processes of United States government and government of the State of Maine and how these are framed by the United States Constitution, the Maine Constitution, and other primary sources. d. Explain the concepts of federalism and checks and balances and the role these concepts play in the governments of the United States and Maine as framed by the United States Constitution, the Maine Constitution and other primary sources. e. Compare how laws are made in Maine and at the federal level in the United States. f. Compare the structures and processes of United States government with examples of other forms of government.

9-Diploma
Students understand the ideals, purposes, principles, structures, and processes of constitutional government in the United States and in the American political system, as well as examples of other forms of government and political systems in the world.

a. Explain that the study of government includes the structures, functions, institutions, and forms of government and the relationship of government to citizens in the United States and in other regions of the world. b. Evaluate current issues by applying democratic ideals and constitutional principles of government in the United States, including checks and balances, federalism, and consent of the governed as put forth in founding documents. c. Explain how and why democratic institutions and interpretations of democratic ideals and constitutional principles change over time. d. Describe the purpose, structures, and processes of the American political system. e. Compare the American political system with examples of political systems from other parts of the world.