What This Unit Covers

• SS.7.C.3.3 - Illustrate the structure and function (three branches of government established in Articles I, II, and III with corresponding powers) of government in the United States as established in the Constitution.
  • Students will recognize the structure of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
  • Students will compare the roles and responsibilities of the three branches of the federal government.
  • Students will identify the general powers described in Articles I, II, and III of the U.S. Constitution.
• SS.7.C.3.8 - Analyze the structure, functions, and processes of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
• SS.7.C.3.9 - Illustrate the lawmaking process at the local, state, and federal levels.
  • Students will examine the processes of the legislative (e.g., how a bill becomes a law, appointment confirmation, committee selection), executive (e.g., executive order, veto, appointments), and judicial (e.g., judicial review, court order, writ of certiorari, summary judgment) branches of government.
  • Students will compare local, state, and federal lawmakers (city/county commissioners/council members; state legislators [representatives and senators]; and U.S. congressmen/congresswomen [representatives and senators]).
  • Students will distinguish among ordinances, statutes, and acts on the local, state, and federal levels.
  • Students will compare and contrast the lawmaking process at the local, state, and federal levels.
• SS.7.C.3.11 - Diagram the levels, functions, and powers of courts at the state and federal levels
  • Students will distinguish between the levels, functions, and powers of courts at the state and federal levels.
  • Students will recognize that the powers and jurisdiction of the state and federal courts are derived from their respective constitutions.
  • Students will compare appellate and trial processes.
  • Students will examine the significance of the role of juries in the American legal system.
• SS.7.C.3.12 - Analyze the significance and outcomes of landmark Supreme Court cases including, but not limited to, Marbury v. Madison, Plessy v. Ferguson, Brown v. Board of Education, Gideon v. Wainwright, Miranda v. Arizona, In re Gault, Tinker v. Des Moines, Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, United States v. Nixon, Bush v. Gore, and District of Columbia v. Heller.
  • Students will use primary sources to assess the significance of these U.S. Supreme Court cases.
  • Students will evaluate how these U.S. Supreme Court cases have had an impact on society.
  • Students will recognize and/or apply constitutional principles and/or rights in relation to the relevant U.S. Supreme Court decisions.