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TANDARD 6.2 (CIVICS) ALL STUDENTS WILL KNOW, UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE THE VALUES AND PRINCIPLES OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY AND THE RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND ROLES OF A CITIZEN IN THE NATION AND THE WORLD.
Descriptive Statement: The purpose of this standard is to prepare students to be informed, active, and responsible citizens in the American democratic republic. It is essential that students have an understanding of the historical foundations, underlying values, and principles upon which the American system of representative democracy is based. Before citizens can make informed, responsible decisions as voters, jurors, workers, consumers, and community residents, they must have an understanding and appreciation of the fundamental concepts, laws and documents which form the American heritage including the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the New Jersey State Constitution. Students must understand how a representative democracy works and the value of citizen participation in the nation, state and local communities. In addition, students must also be prepared to serve as global citizens; that is, students must be aware that the United States has a significant impact on the rest of the world, and conversely, the rest of the world impacts the United States. Technological advances bring the world to our doorstep. International education enables students to broaden their understanding of global issues that impact their life as Americans.
The study of politics, government, and society should start in early elementary grades with the identification of the need for rules, laws, and structures for decision-making or governance, and proceed through upper elementary grades to identify key documents and ideas that express democratic principles. Intermediate students should examine the various forms of government, the functions of the various branches of our federal government, as well as local and state levels of government. They must understand the ongoing need to balance individual rights and public needs. High school students should build on their prior knowledge and skills by analyzing the scope of governmental power, the spectrum of political views, and how the United States functions in a global society. Students should be encouraged not only to learn about how government works but also to apply their knowledge and to use their critical thinking, listening, and speaking skills to better understand the value of citizen participation in a representative democracy. Five major topics are addressed in the indicators and are reflected in the following questions:
Cumulative Progress Indicators
By the end of Grade 2, students will:
A. Civic Life, Politics, and Government 1. Explain the need for rules, laws, and government. 2. Give examples of authority and recognize problems that might arise from lack of effective authority. 3. Describe how American citizens can participate in community and political life. 4. Explain that justice means fairness to all. 5. Explain that a responsibility means something you must or should do. 6. Explore basic concepts of diversity, tolerance, fairness, and respect for others.
B. American Values and Principles 1. Identify symbols of American values and beliefs such as the American Flag and the Statue of Liberty.
C. The Constitution and American Democracy 1. Identify community and government leaders (e.g., mayor, town council, President of the United States).
D. Citizenship 1. Identify examples of responsible citizenship in the school setting. 2. Recognize real people and fictional characters who have demonstrated responsible leadership and citizenship and identify the characteristics that have made them good examples.
E. International Education: Global Challenges, Cultures, and Connections 1. Explain that the United States is a diverse nation and one of many nations in the world. 2. Identify traditions and celebrations of various cultures (e.g., Chinese New Year, Cinco de Mayo). 3. Participate in activities such as dance, song, and games that represent various cultures.
Link to Standard 6.2 Grade 3-4
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