5th Grade Social Studies Standards

Introduction

The goal of social studies education is for children to develop thinking and decision-making skills that prepare them for responsible citizenship in a democratic society. Fifth grade students will work toward this goal by examining the conflict and compromise that resulted from migration and settlement to understand the tensions and factors that led to the fight for independence and the establishment of the United States. Students will analyze the development and establishment of the U.S. federal government. Students will describe why the government collects taxes and what goods and services it provides society. Students will analyze how cultural, economic and environmental factors encouraged and restricted the movement of people, ideas and goods to and within the United States. Students will describe the impact of foundational documents on the development of the United States to inform their analysis on how a founding principle is applicable to today.

Key Vocabulary

May include, but is not limited to: absolute location, amendments, Antifederalists, cabinet, checks and balances, culturally diverse, executive branch, federal system, Federalists, government, House of Representatives, inalienable rights, judicial branch, judicial review, latitude, legislative branch, longitude, opportunity cost, physical environment, political system, popular sovereignty, preamble, relative location, Senate, specialization, veto

Looking Back, Looking Ahead: Connections to Grade 4 and 6

In grade 4, students examine the reasons why and how people move from one place to another through the migration and settlement of Colonial America. In grade 5, students analyze the conflict and compromise that resulted from migration and settlement to understand the tensions and factors that led to the fight for independence and the establishment of the United States. In grade 6, students use their knowledge of the formation of the government and society of the United States to explore the development of early civilizations throughout the world.