Social Studies |
High School
Course Information
Liberty & Law
This course is designed to be the culminating experience in the student’s required social studies program bringing together and expanding the knowledge from prior study of the following areas: citizenship, Current events, multicultural perspectives, history, geography, economics, and government. The students will be expected to demonstrate, through examination, understanding the basic provisions and principles of The Constitutions of the United States and of the State of Missouri as prescribed by state statute.
Note: A state required End-of-Course (EOC) exam is mandatory upon completion of this course. The exam will be conducted in a face-to-face seated setting, and travel may be required to a designated location for its administration. For students enrolled at Springfield Public Schools or MOCAP: Successful completion of this exam is a requirement for receiving credit for the course.
| Subject: | Social Studies |
| State Number: | 156651 |
| Course Credits: |  Half Credit (0.5) Course |
| Course Options: |
|
| NCAA: |
Theme 1 – Tools of Social Science Inquiry
- History: Continuity and Change
- Create and use tools to analyze a chronological sequence of related events that happen at the same time. (9-12.GV.1.CC.A)
- Explain connections among historical context and peoples’ perspectives at the time. (9-12.GV.1.CC.B)
- Develop a research plan, identify appropriate resources for investigating social studies topics, and create and present a research product which applies an aspect of government to a contemporary issue. (9-12.GV.1.CC.C)
- Using an inquiry lens, develop compelling questions about government, determine helpful resources and consider multiple points of views represented in the resources. (9-12.GV.1.CC.D)
- Analyze the causes and consequences of a specific issue tied to government as well as the challenges and opportunities faced by those trying to address the problem. (9-12.GV.1.CC.E)
- Government Systems and Principles
- Analyze laws, policies, and processes to determine how governmental systems affect individuals and groups in society. (9-12.GV.1.GS.A)
- Distinguish the powers and responsibilities of citizens and institutions to address and solve problems. (9-12.GV.1.GS.B)
- Geographical Study
- Create and use maps and other graphic representations in order to explain relationships and reveal patterns or trends about government. (9-12.GV.1.G.A)
- Analyze the relationship between of the geography of the original 13 colonies on the formation of United States government. (9-12.GV.1.G.B)
- Economic Concepts
- Examine the opportunity costs and benefits of economic decisions on society as a whole as well as on individuals and government. (9-12.GV.1.EC.A)
- People, Groups, and Cultures
- Using a government lens, describe how peoples’ perspectives shaped the sources/artifacts they created. (9-12.GV.1.PC.A)
- Examine the origins and impact of social structures and stratification on societies and relationships between peoples and governments. (9-12.GV.1.PC.B)
Theme 2 – Historical Foundations
- History: Continuity and Change
- Trace the evolution of government in the English colonies to explain colonists’ expectations for self-rule. (9-12.GV.2.CC.A)
- Analyze the Declaration of Independence to determine the influence of classical and Enlightenment thought on revolutionary ideals. (9-12.GV.2.CC.B)
- Evaluate the extent to which decisions made in the Constitutional Convention were influenced by previous models of government and experiences under British rule. (9-12.GV.2.CC.C)
- Compare and contrast the structure and function of democratic governments and authoritarian governments, noting their impact on people, groups and societies. (9-12.GV.2.CC.D)
- Government Systems and Principles
- Analyze how the codification of law impacted early civilizations and shaped enduring concepts government, law, and social order. (9-12.GV.2.GS.A)
- Apply the concepts of natural law, social contract, due process of law, and popular sovereignty to explain the purpose and legacy of the Declaration of Independence. (9-12.GV.2.GS.B)
- Describe the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation to explain its failure as a national government. (9-12.GV.2.GS.C)
- Geographical Study
- Analyze how geography of North America influenced the governmental systems which developed there. (9-12.GV.2.G.A)
- Economic Concepts
- Analyze the impact of economics and economic theories on the formation of United States governmental ideals, principles and structures. (9-12.GV.2.EC.A)
- People, Groups, and Cultures
- Analyze the varying perspectives of individuals and groups to explain emerging divisions and political philosophies as the United States was founded. (9-12.GV.2.PC.A)
Theme 3 – Structure of Government
- History: Continuity and Change
- Explain how the central debates during the Constitutional Convention were resolved. (9-12.GV.3.CC.A)
- Explain how concerns over a strong central government were addressed to provide for the ratification of the Constitution. (9-12.GV.3.CC.B)
- Trace significant changes in the role, powers, and size of the three branches of government over time. (9-12.GV.3.CC.C)
- Trace the changing relationship between state and federal governmental power. (9-12.GV.3.CC.D)
- Government Systems and Principles
- Apply the concepts of due process of law, popular sovereignty, rule of law, representation, and federalism to explain the purpose and legacy of the Constitution. (9-12.GV.3.GS.A)
- Analyze the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution to determine their success in implementing the ideals of the Declaration of Independence (9-12.GV.3.GS.B)
- Analyze the unique roles and responsibilities of the three branches of government to determine how they function and interact. (9-12.GV.3.GS.C)
- Describe and give examples of how the constitutional principle of checks and balances limits the power of government and leaders. (9-12.GV.3.GS.D)
- Explain how the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments limit the power of government, protect individual liberty, and provide for equality under the law. (9-12.GV.3.GS.E)
- Compare the structure and functions of federal, state, and local government. (9-12.GV.3.GS.F)
- Economic Concepts
- Compare trade, monetary policy, and taxation under the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. (9-12.GV.3.EC.A)
- Analyze the changing roles of government in the economy throughout United States history. (9-12.GV.3.EC.B)
- People, Groups, and Cultures
- Analyze the perspectives of individuals and groups regarding the development of the American governmental system to explain emerging divisions and political philosophies. (9-12.GV.3.PC.A)
- Evaluate the intended and unintended impact of government decision-making on individuals, groups, and society. (9-12.GV.3.PC.B)
Theme 4 – Government in Action
- Government Systems and Principles
- Evaluate the role and influence of contemporary political parties on government. (9-12.GV.3.GS.A)
- Explain a citizen’s legal obligations, as well as opportunities for, engaging with and using local, state, and federal governments to shape decision-making. (9-12.GV.3.GS.B)
- Compare the various processes pertaining to the selection of political leaders at the federal, state, and local level. (9-12.GV.3.GS.C)
- Geographical Study
- Analyze state and federal electoral results to determine the influence of social, regional and demographic characteristics. (9-12.GV.3.G.A)
- Economic Concepts
- Analyze the role that people, businesses, and government play in taxation and spending required to maintain the public good. (9-12.GV.3.EC.A)
- People, Groups, and Cultures
- Explain how political parties and interest groups reflect diverse perspectives and are influenced by individuals. (9-12.GV.3.PC.A)
- Evaluate factors that shape public opinion on elections and policy issues. (9-12.GV.3.PC.B)
- Predict the consequences that occur when institutions fail to meet the needs of individuals and groups, and when individuals fail to carry out their personal responsibilities. (9-12.GV.3.PC.C)
