Overview: 

"How do individuals and institutions shape the rules and decisions that govern society?"

This unit aims to prepare and equip high school students to actively participate in their local and national governments. Students will gain an understanding of the importance of civic engagement and the various methods individuals and groups can use to shape policy and influence government practices. The unit will also delve into the role of media in society, examining its effectiveness, bias, and evolving nature, while developing media literacy skills to assess authenticity and reliability in media coverage.

A key component of this unit is the exploration of linking institutions—including political parties, interest groups, the media, and government bureaucracies—that connect citizens to their government. Students will examine how these institutions influence public opinion, shape the political agenda, and provide channels for participation. They will also evaluate how these organizations impact elections, policy development, and the accountability of public officials.

Furthermore, students will explore prevailing opinions on local and national issues and critically evaluate their own stances and opinions in light of the origins of diverse perspectives. They will learn about the importance of civic participation and its impact on society through the exploration of current issues for civil discourse. Students will examine both traditional (e.g., voting, petitions, advocacy through parties) and non-traditional (e.g., protests, social media campaigns) avenues for shaping policy and evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of different methods.

Students will analyze the media's role in shaping public opinion and practice evaluating media reliability, credibility, and bias. Additionally, they will assess the impact of state and federal policies on campaigns and elections, including the role of political action committees (PACs), campaign finance laws, gerrymandering and redistricting, and state and federal voting regulations.

By the end of the unit, students will develop a deeper understanding of their role as active citizens and gain the necessary skills to engage in civil discourse, evaluate media, understand the function of linking institutions, and exercise their civic rights and responsibilities to shape public policy.

The highlighted evidence outcomes are the priority for all students, serving as the essential concepts and skills. It is recommended that the remaining evidence outcomes listed be addressed as time allows, representing the full breadth of the curriculum.

Students Can (Evidence Outcomes):

• Research and discuss current issues to participate in civil discourse. (4.1.a)

• Describe and evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of a variety of methods of civic participation that individuals and groups may use to shape policy at various levels of government. (4.1.b)

• Explain the roles and influence of individuals, groups, and the press, as checks on governmental practices. For example: Direct contact with elected officials, participation in civic organizations, use of social media, and attendance at local governance meetings.  (4.1.c)

• Evaluate traditional and non-traditional types of media (both historic and modern), including social media for reliability, credibility, and how they may influence government policy and public opinion. (4.1.d)

• Engage as active community members with local, state, tribal, or federal levels of government on policy issues or for individual or group rights. (4.1.e)

• Describe how members of a civil society can impact public policy on local, state, national, or international issues by exercising their civic rights and responsibilities. For example: Participation in primaries and general elections, contact with elected officials, petitions, protesting, attending public forums, or through initiatives and referenda. (4.3.a)

• Evaluate opportunities for people to participate in and influence government through interest groups and social movements. For example: The tactics and strategies of nonviolent resistance championed by Dr. Martin Luther King in response to the Jim Crow laws of that era, or the Indigenous land rights movement. (4.3.b)

• Analyze the impact of state and federal policies on campaigns and elections. For example: PACs, campaign finance, gerrymandering/redistricting, state and federal voting laws and regulations, Colorado’s voting laws, and the Federal Election Commission. (4.3.c)

•  Examine how people in other systems of government exercise their civic rights and responsibilities. (4.3.e)