United States · Common Core State Standards
10th Grade Civics & Government
This course examines the foundations of the American political system and the role of the citizen in a constitutional republic. Students analyze the tension between individual liberty and collective security while developing the skills needed for active civic participation.
01Foundations of American Governance
Students investigate the philosophical origins of American democracy and the structural design of the Constitution.
Students analyze key Enlightenment thinkers and their contributions to democratic ideals and social contract theory.
Students examine the causes of the American Revolution, focusing on colonial grievances and the articulation of revolutionary principles.
Students evaluate the first U.S. government, identifying its successes and critical failures that led to the call for a new constitution.
Students explore the major debates and compromises that shaped the U.S. Constitution, including representation and slavery.
Students analyze key Federalist Papers to understand the arguments for a strong central government and the structure of the new republic.
Students examine the Anti-Federalist critiques of the Constitution and the demand for a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties.
Students explore the foundational principles of popular sovereignty and limited government as enshrined in the Constitution.
Students analyze the distinct roles and responsibilities of the three branches of the federal government.
Students investigate how each branch of government limits the power of the others, preventing tyranny.
Students explore the division of power between the federal and state governments, including concurrent and reserved powers.
Students examine the formal and informal processes of amending the Constitution and its implications for a 'living document'.
Students define citizenship, explore the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and understand the naturalization process.
02The Legislative Branch: The People's Voice
Students examine the lawmaking process and the complexities of representing diverse interests in a pluralistic society.
Students analyze the bicameral structure of Congress, its enumerated powers, and the roles of the House and Senate.
Students investigate how members of Congress are elected, including gerrymandering and the debate over descriptive vs. substantive representation.
Students examine the roles of congressional leaders, committees, and caucuses in organizing legislative work.
Students trace the journey of a bill through Congress, highlighting key stages and potential roadblocks.
Students explore Congress's role in the federal budget process, including appropriations, deficits, and national debt.
Students investigate the tactics and influence of interest groups in shaping public policy and legislation.
Students examine the role of money in politics, campaign finance regulations, and the impact of PACs and Super PACs.
Students explore how media coverage and public opinion can shape congressional agendas and legislative outcomes.
03The Executive Branch and Modern Power
Students analyze the evolving role of the President and the growth of the federal bureaucracy.
Students examine the various hats a president wears (e.g., chief executive, commander-in-chief) and their constitutional basis.
Students investigate the Electoral College system, its historical context, and ongoing debates about its fairness and relevance.
Students explore the structure and functions of the President's Cabinet and the major executive departments.
Students examine the organization, functions, and challenges of the federal bureaucracy, including independent agencies.
Students investigate how Congress, the President, and the judiciary oversee and hold the bureaucracy accountable.
Students explore the President's role in setting the domestic agenda, proposing legislation, and responding to national crises.
Students examine the President's powers in foreign policy, including treaties, executive agreements, and military action.
Students explore the role of international organizations (e.g., UN, NATO) and their impact on U.S. foreign policy.
04Justice and the Judicial Branch
Students evaluate the role of the courts in interpreting the law and protecting individual rights.
Students analyze the organization of the federal judiciary, including district courts, circuit courts, and the Supreme Court.
Students examine the landmark case of Marbury v. Madison and the establishment of judicial review.
Students explore different approaches to constitutional interpretation, including judicial activism and judicial restraint.
Students analyze how the Supreme Court selects cases, hears arguments, and issues decisions that shape public policy.
Students examine the constitutional protections related to due process, search and seizure, self-incrimination, and the right to counsel.
Students trace the stages of the criminal justice process, from investigation and arrest to trial and punishment.
Students analyze the Equal Protection Clause and its role in extending civil rights and liberties to all Americans.
Students investigate key civil rights movements (e.g., African American, women's, LGBTQ+) and their legal battles for equality.
Students explore the controversies surrounding affirmative action policies and their impact on equality and opportunity.
05Civil Liberties and Personal Freedom
Students debate the limits of individual freedoms as guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.
Students analyze the historical context and contemporary interpretations of the first ten amendments.
Students investigate the scope of free speech protections, including symbolic speech, hate speech, and incitement.
Students explore the role of a free press in a democracy, examining issues of censorship, libel, and journalistic responsibility.
Students analyze the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause, exploring their application in public schools and government.
Students examine the historical context and contemporary interpretations of the Second Amendment, including gun control debates.
Students explore the evolution of the right to privacy, including its origins and application to reproductive rights and personal autonomy.
Students investigate how modern surveillance technologies challenge traditional interpretations of the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches.
Students examine the rights of individuals accused of crimes, focusing on Miranda warnings and the right to legal representation.
06The Active Citizen: Participation and Change
Students explore the various ways citizens can influence government and improve their communities.
Students analyze the role of political parties in American democracy, including their ideologies, functions, and impact on governance.
Students investigate factors influencing voter turnout, historical and contemporary barriers to voting, and efforts to expand suffrage.
Students explore how public opinion is formed and measured, and the agents of political socialization that shape individual beliefs.
Students analyze how traditional and social media influence political campaigns, public opinion, and government accountability.
Students examine the history and effectiveness of protest and civil disobedience as tools for social and political change.
Students explore strategies for community organizing, local advocacy, and direct action to address community issues.
Students investigate the role of NGOs in advocating for various causes, both domestically and internationally.
Students explore the concept of service learning and its connection to civic responsibility and community improvement.
07Economic Systems and Public Policy
Students analyze different economic systems and the role of government in shaping economic policy and addressing societal needs.
Students compare and contrast different economic systems (e.g., capitalism, socialism, mixed economies) and their underlying principles.
Students examine how the U.S. government regulates, taxes, and spends to influence economic activity and address market failures.
Students explore how government uses taxation and spending policies to influence the economy, including budget deficits and national debt.
Students examine the role of the Federal Reserve in managing the money supply, interest rates, and inflation.
Students investigate the causes and consequences of poverty and economic inequality, and government policies aimed at addressing them.
Students explore the role of government in environmental protection, resource management, and promoting sustainable practices.
08Global Challenges and Human Rights
Students examine pressing global issues, the concept of human rights, and the role of international cooperation.
Students analyze the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its significance as a foundational document for global human rights.
Students investigate historical and contemporary cases of genocide and mass atrocities, exploring international efforts to prevent and respond.
Students examine the causes and impacts of global migration and refugee movements, and the ethical dilemmas they present.
Students investigate the global issue of human trafficking, its forms, causes, and international efforts to combat it.
Students explore the challenges of global health crises (e.g., pandemics, disease outbreaks) and the importance of international collaboration.
Students debate the ethical implications of emerging technologies like AI, data privacy, and their impact on society and human rights.
Students develop critical media literacy skills to analyze information, identify bias, and combat disinformation in a globalized media landscape.
Students explore how individuals and groups can engage in civic action to address global challenges and promote human rights.