C#2 Foundations

Structure and Function of the U.S. Government

9-12 Benchmark 3-A: compare and analyze the structure, power and purpose of government at the local, state, tribal and national levels as set forth in their respective constitutions or governance documents:

C#2 Performance Standards & Specifications:

Analyze and explain the philosophical foundations of the American political system in terms of the inalienable rights of people and the purpose of government, to include: Iroquois league and its organizational structure for effective governance; basic philosophical principles of John Locke expressed in the second treatise of government (nature, equality, and dissolution of government);foundation principles of laws by William Blackstone (laws in general and absolute rights of individuals);importance of the founders of the rights of Englishmen, the Magna Carta and representative government in England;

Sample Question:

Which essential feature of a state would be key to making laws?

A.size of the state population

B.state political traditions

C.state sovereignty*

D.size of state territory