Civic Ed Benchmarks: Guiding Questions 6-8
Civic education benchmarks in Delaware have been designed to cover
four basic categories of understanding with respect to civics for
grades K-12: government, politics, citizenship,
and participation. These essential questions are designed to help direct
your examination of the civics standards in Delaware schools.
Benchmarks for Grades 6-8
Civics 1 (Government)
- Why are governments given the powers to make and enforce
laws and regulations, levy taxes, conduct foreign policy, and make war?
- How is the government of the United States organized under the federal system?
- Why has the United States adopted a federal system of government?
- Why are the different levels of government in the United States given different functions?
Civics 2 (Politics)
- How is the principle of majority rule limited in the American political system?
- Why has the principle of majority rule been limited in the American political system?
- How does the American political system protect minorities?
- On what principles does the American political system rest? How do we attempt to achieve and uphold these principles in the United States?
Civics 3 (Citizenship)
- Why might civil and property rights be viewed as essential protections for American citizens?
- How might civil rights secure political freedom?
- How might property rights secure economic freedom?
- Why are American citizens assigned, then expected to fulfill, certain civic responsibilities? Are there any circumstances in which a citizen might not be expected to fulfill his or her responsibilities?
Civics 4 (Participation)
- Why should citizens follow the actions of elected officials?
- How can citizens follow the actions of elected officials?
- Why is it important for citizens to communicate with elected officials?
- How can a citizen communicate with elected officials?
