Social Studies, Standard C. POLITICAL SCIENCE AND CITIZENSHIP: POWER, AUTHORITY, GOVERNANCE, AND RESPONSIBILITY

Content Standard:

Students in Wisconsin will learn about political science and acquire the knowledge of political systems necessary for developing individual civic responsibility by studying the history and contemporary uses of power, authority, and governance.

Rationale

Knowledge about the structures of power, authority, and governance and their evolving functions in contemporary society is essential if young citizens are to develop civic responsibility. Young people become more effective citizens and problem solvers when they know how local, state, and national governments and international organizations function and interact. In Wisconsin schools, the content, concepts, and skills related to political science may be taught in units and courses dealing with government, history, law, political science, global studies, civics, and current events.

Note: additional information for developing a curriculum is available in:

• Curriculum Standards for Social Studies. The National Council for the Social Studies Publications, P.O. Box 79078, Baltimore, MD 21279-0078 (1-800-683-0812)
• National Standards for Civics and Government. The Center for Civic Education, 5146 Douglas Fir Road, Calabasas, CA 91302-1467 (1-800-350-4223)
• Performance Standard Grade 4
• Performance Standard Grade 8
• Performance Standard Grade 12