It Is Essential For Students To Know:

• It is essential for students to know a basic definition of democracy and understand that our nation was founded based on a respect for a set of key, basic democratic values. This includes, but is not limited to, equal rights for all, respect of the rights and opinions of others, respect for the rule of law, freedom generally and specifically, etc.
• Students should know basic symbols of freedom such as the American flag, the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell, special holidays, and the right to vote.

It Is Not Essential For Students To Know:

• It is not essential for students to know the major ideas or philosophies that led to the creation of democracies around the world.
• It is not essential for students to understand the historical evolution of the creation of the United States as a democratic nation.
• It is not essential for students to know specific details of the United States Constitution or Declaration of Independence.
• Students do not need to know examples of other democracies.

It Is Essential For Students To Know:

• It is essential for students to know the basic functions of each level of government, leaders of each level of government, and the duties and responsibilities of each leader.
• Students should understand the unique responsibilities of local, state, and national governmental bodies.
• It is not essential for students to know the names of most elected officials; however, key figures such as the President, governor and mayor would be important to know.

It Is Not Essential For Students To Know:

• It is not essential for students to know the interrelationships between the three levels of government, the detailed structure of each level of government, or to know the specific names of elected officials (see above).
• Students do not need to understand how the different levels of government generate or spend revenue.

It Is Essential For Students To Know:

• It is essential for students to know why George Washington was selected as the first president of the U.S. and his role in the defeat of the British in the Revolutionary War.
• Students should understand the importance of Benjamin Franklin’s “Poor Richare’s almanac”, his scientific experiments and his participation in the country’s founding.
• It is essential for students to understand Thomas Jefferson’s role in writing the “Declaration of Independence”.
• Abraham Lincoln had an important role in the “Emancipation Proclamation".
• Students must understand the importance of Rosa Park’s actions as part of the bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama.
• The significance of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream Speech” should be discussed.
• It is essential that students understand that all of these Americans have played important roles in promoting and protecting American democratic values.

It Is Not Essential For Students To Know:

• It is not essential for students to know about the personal lives of any of these individuals.
• Students do not need to memorize any of the speeches made by these famous Americans.
• It is not essential that students know specific policy issues from the presidencies of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, or Abraham Lincoln.