8th Social Studies

This year we will learn about American history from the English Colonies until World War One with a particular focus on "the development of America’s democratic institutions founded on the JudeoChristian heritage and English parliamentary traditions, particularly the shaping of the Constitution." (From the California Social Studies Standards.)

Students will understand how Enlightenment ideas, especially the writings of John Locke, influenced the Founders and Framers ideals of good government; and they will learn the core principles and values which shaped early American life.