Grade 8 History

Students study the roots and foundations of U.S. democracy, how and why it has developed over time, and the role of individuals in maintaining a healthy democracy. They study these topics by exploring guiding questions such as, “How have concepts of liberty and justice affected the United States democratic system of government?” and “How can power be balanced in government?” 

Unit

Timeframe

Essential Question

Major Learning Experiences from Unit 

Foundations of Government

September

  • What is the purpose of government?  

  • What are some of the different systems of government?  What are the characteristics of each?

Students will:

  • Explore  the development of societies, laws, and governments among ancient peoples

  • Compare the features and trace the contributions of the governments of ancient peoples.

Assessments include:

  •  Create your own government project

The Enlightenment

October

  • What were the roots of the ideas that influenced the development of the United States political system?

  • What are the rights that everyone should have?  What are “natural rights”?

Students will:

  • Explain the influence of Enlightenment ideas upon the American Revolution and the framework of American government

  • Explore other important influences upon the US Constitution including the Magna Carta, the English Bill of Rights and the Mayflower Compact

Assessments include:

  • Enlightenment Thought Module Assessment

The Road to Independence

October - November

  • How did British actions and legislation lead to changes in colonial attitudes and perspectives and ultimately American independence?

  • Why is the Declaration of Independence considered one of the most important documents in United States and World history?

  • What methods can citizens use to enact change in government (ie. boycott)?  

Students will:

  • Investigate the experiences that led the American colonies to declare independence

  • Describe the actions used by the American colonists and contemporary Americans to change / improve their government.

  • Explain the key ideas included in the Declaration of Independence

Assessments include:

  • Boston Massacre Woodcut Module Assessment

  • Declaration of Independence Module Assessment

US Government:

Form / Functions

December - January

  • How do the institutions of the U.S. political system work?

  • How and why does each branch of government check the powers of others?

  • Why did political parties form?  What purpose do they serve?  Do they help or hinder democratic government?

Students will:

  • Explore the features of the US Constitution and learn the functions of each branch of government

  • Examine the relationship between each of the branches of government

  • Describe the role of political parties in elections

Assessments include:

  • Daniel Shays: Hero of Villian? Monument Project

  • “Should we keep the Electoral College?” Debate

  • Preamble to the Constitution Module Assessment

The Supreme Court / Citizenship

February - March

  • How has the content and interpretation of the Constitution evolved over time?

  • How has / does the Supreme Court and its decisions (precedents) impact our lives?


Students will:

  • Explain the role of courts in local, state and federal government.

  • Explore how the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Constitution and its Amendments has shifted over time and has impacted life in the US

  • Research major precedents / decisions of the Supreme Court

Assessments include:

  • Supreme Court: “Which Amendment was Violated?” group activity

  • Mock Supreme Court Trial

  • Texas v. Johnson Module Assessment

The Media

April - May

  • How does a free press support a democratic government?

  • What is bias?  How does bias affect history/the media?

Students will:

  • Explain why freedom of the press was included in the First Amendment and explain the role of a free press in a democratic society

  • Give examples of how a free press can provide differing views of events, governments and politics

Assessments include:

  • News sources analysis and comparison activity

  • Internet Bill of Rights activity

State and Local Government

May - June

  • What is the role of state and local government in the U.S. political system?

  • How do / can citizens participate in local and state government?

Students will:

  • Learn the structures and functions of our state and local governments

  • Explore the ways in which citizens can participate in state and local government

Assessments include:

  • Action Civics Project