This standards-based unit focuses on the rights and responsibilities of citizens and is a subunit within a unit on the United States Constitution. It includes open response questions, rubrics, and a variety of other writing opportunities for students. Length: 1 week
Content Standards
Academic Expectations
2.14 Students should understand the democratic principles of justice, equality, responsibility and freedom and apply them to real-life situations.
2.15 Students can accurately describe various forms of government and analyze issues that relate to the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy.
Program of Studies (8th grade)
Examine the rights and responsibilities of individuals in American society by analyzing democratic principles (e.g., liberty, justice, individual human dignity, and the rule of law) as expressed in historical events, historical documents (e.g., the Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution, and American Society).
Core Content for Social Studies Assessment (8th grade)
SS-M-1.3.1 Rights and responsibilities of the individual are determined by specific roles within various groups, including family, peer group, class, school, community, state, and county.
SS-M-1.3.2 The U.S. government guarantees certain rights (e.g., freedom of religion, freedom of press) such as those found in the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution.