BHS Social Studies

Unit 1

Foundational Principles

PACING

THEME(S)

● Semester: (3.5 weeks) ● Trimester: (About two weeks)

● Con fl ict ● Compromise ● Progress

UNIT OVERVIEW

The framework of the United States Constitution and the functions of government are guided by principles essential for our way of life. An understanding of how these principles are applied in the rule of law, government, and politics is vital in order to be a responsible and effective citizen. Students need to be able to see how the ideals found in the Constitution are present in many of the issues of the day. UTAH STANDARDS Core Standards: U.S. GOV Standard 1.1: ● Students will explain how documents, challenges, events, and ideas signi fi cantly in fl uenced the United States Constitution. Examples include: rule of law, social contract, compromise, Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, Shays’ Rebellion, and Federalist Papers. ○ Learning Intention #1: (focuses on one example, educators may choose any example from the above list.) ■ Students will explain how the rule of law signi fi cantly in fl uenced the United States Constitution. ○ Learning Intention #2: (focuses on one example, educators may choose any example from the above list.) ■ Students will explain how the Declaration of Independence in fl uenced the United States Constitution. ○ Learning Intention #3: (focuses on one example, educators may choose any example from the above list.) ■ Students will explain how the Federalist Papers signi fi cantly in fl uenced the United States Constitution. U.S. GOV Standard 1.2: ● Students will describe the structure of the United States’ form of government as a compound constitutional republic, including the ideas of federalism; checks and balances; separation of powers; commerce, elastic, and supremacy clauses; popular sovereignty; and limited government. ○ Learning Intention #1: ■ Students will describe the structure of the United States’ form of government as a compound constitutional republic, including the ideas of federalism; checks and balances; separation of powers. ○ Learning Intention #2: ■ Students will describe the structure of the United States’ form of government as a compound constitutional republic, including the ideas of popular sovereignty and limited government. ○ Learning Intention #3: ■ Students will describe the structure of the United States’ form of government as a compound constitutional republic, including the ideas of commerce.