| By the end of Grade 4, students will: |
A. Civic Life, Politics, and Government
- Describe the characteristics of an effective rule or law (e.g., achieves purpose, clear, fair, protects rights and the common good).
- Differentiate between power and authority.
- Recognize that government exists at the community, county, state, and federal levels.
- Recognize national, state, and local legislators and government officials and explain how to contact them for help or to express an opinion.
- Describe the contributions of voluntary associations and organizations in helping government provide for its citizens.
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B. American Values and Principles
- Identify the fundamental values and principles of American democracy expressed in the Pledge of Allegiance, the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and the first New Jersey Constitution.
- Explain the significance of symbols of American values and beliefs, including the Statue of Liberty, the Statue of Justice, the American Flag, and the national anthem.
- Describe how American values and beliefs, such as equality of opportunity, fairness to all, equal justice, separation of church and state, and the rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights, contribute to the continuation and improvement of American democracy.
- Evaluate the importance of traditions, values, and beliefs which form a common American heritage in an increasingly diverse American society.
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C. The Constitution and American Democracy
- Discuss how the Constitution describes how the United States government is organized and how it defines and limits the power of government.
- Discuss how governmental bodies make decisions and explain the impact of those decisions on school and community life.
- Identify major services provided by state and local government.
- Delineate the respective roles of the three branches of the federal and state governments.
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D. Citizenship
- Explain that a citizen is a legally recognized member of the United States with rights and responsibilities, such as voting in elections and serving on juries.
- Describe the significant characteristics of an effective citizen and discuss ways to influence public policy (e.g., serving in elected office, working on a campaign).
- Describe the process by which immigrants can become United States citizens.
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E. International Education: Global Challenges, Cultures, and Connections
- Explain that the world is divided into many nations consisting of territory and people, with their own government, languages, customs, and laws.
- Discuss how the United States interacts with other nations of the world through trade, treaties and agreements, diplomacy, cultural contacts, and sometimes through the use of military force.
- Explain why it is important for nations to communicate and resolve disagreements through peaceful means.
- Outline the purposes of the United Nations.
- Identify current issues that may have a global impact (e.g., pollution, diseases) and discuss ways to address them.
- Explain why it is important to understand diverse peoples, ideas, and cultures.
- Explain that even within a culture, diversity may be affected by race, religion, or class.
- Identify aspects of culture and heritage presented in literature, art, music, sport, or the media.
- Examine common and diverse traits of other cultures and compare to their own culture.
- Use technology to learn about students and their families in other countries through classroom links, email, and Internet research.
- Define stereotyping and discuss how it impacts self-image and interpersonal relationships.
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