Content Standard: Civics and Government
C. Fundamental Principles of Government and Constitutions
Students will understand the constitutional principles and the democratic foundations of the political institutions of the United States.
Common Assessment(s):

Performance Indicators Students will be able to:	Essential Elements (Specific grade level learning objectives)			Suggested Performance Activities	Suggested Classroom Assessments	Vocabulary
1. Explain the meaning and importance of fundamental principles of American constitutional democracy (e.g., popular sovereignty, rule of law, three branches of government, representative institutions, shared powers, checks and balances, and separation of church and state).	Introduction to the American Revolution as it related to fundamental principles of American constitutional democracy.			The students will read the Jean Fritz books. They will view the video "Shhh, We're Writing the Constitution." They will read pages 303-309 in the Silver Burdett Ginn book. In cooperative groups, they will research and share information. They will participate in mock trials.	The students will fill out a chart on the fundamental principles of American constitutional government and discuss; or they will write an essay explaining the importance of the American Constitution, including a word bank and charts.	separation of powers democracy