Civics & Economics Curriculum

 USA Facts and Symbols

• Identify and explain the significance of key American symbols, landmarks, and national holidays.
• Describe the meaning and history behind the American flag, national anthem, and other patriotic symbols.

Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 1 week

• US Key Facts, Historical Documents (1 day)
• US Key Symbols, Pledge of Allegiance (1 day)
• Government Buildings (1 day)

Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 1 week

• US Key Facts, Historical Documents (1 day)
• US Key Symbols, Pledge of Allegiance (1 day)
• Government Buildings (1 day)

Background to Government

• Understand the fundamental concepts and purposes of government.
• Trace the historical roots of American government, including influences from ancient civilizations and European political theory.

Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 1 week

• Principles of Government, Features of a State (1 day)
• Purpose of Government (1 day)
• Types of Government (1 day)
• Economic Theories (1 day)

Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks

• Principles of Government, Features of a State (2 days)
• Purpose of Government (2 days)
• Types of Government (2 days)
• Economic Theories (2 days)

New Nation

• Examine the causes and outcomes of the American Revolution.
• Analyze the Articles of Confederation's strengths and weaknesses and the reasons for the shift to a new constitution.

Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks

• Background up to Constitution (2 days)
• Constitutional Convention (2 days)
• Compromises (2 days)
• Bill of Rights, Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist (2 days)

Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 3 weeks

• Background up to Constitution (4 days)
• Constitutional Convention (4 days)
• Compromises (4 days)
• Bill of Rights, Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist (4 days)

Constitution

• Describe the structure, principles, and drafting process of the U.S. Constitution.
• Understand the significance of the Preamble, the articles, and the amendment process.

Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 1 week

• Roots and Principles (1 day)
• 3 Branches & Checks and Balances (1 day)
• Amendments (1 day)
• Citizenship (1 day)

Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 3 week

• Roots and Principles (2 days)
• Legislative Branch (2 days)
• Executive Branch (2 days)
• Judicial Branch (2 days)
• Checks and Balances (1 day)
• Amendments (1 day)
• Clauses (2 days)
• Citizenship (1 day)

Legislative Branch

• Identify the structure and function of the U.S. Congress, including the House of Representatives and the Senate.
• Explain the legislative process and the role of Congress in making federal laws.

Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks

• Basics, House of Representatives and Senate (2 days)
• Congressional Sessions & Committees (2 days)
• Congressional Powers (1 day)
• How a Bill Becomes a Law (3 days)

Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 3 weeks

• Basics, House of Representatives and Senate (3 days)
• Congressional Sessions & Committees (3 days)
• Congressional Powers (2 days)
• How a Bill Becomes a Law (4 days)

Executive Branch

• Outline the powers and responsibilities of the President and the executive branch.
• Discuss the roles of the Vice President, Cabinet, and executive agencies in governing and implementing laws.

Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks

• Basics and Duties of President (2 days)
• Electing the President, Electoral College (2 days)
• Presidential Cabinet (2 days)
• Independent Agencies (1 day)
• Civil Service System (1 day)

Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 3 weeks

• Basics and Duties of President (4 days)
• Electing the President, Electoral College (4 days)
• Presidential Cabinet (3 days)
• Independent Agencies (1 day)
• Civil Service System (1 day)

Judicial Branch

• Describe the structure and function of the federal court system, including the Supreme Court and lower courts.
• Understand the role of the judiciary in interpreting the Constitution and laws.

Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks

• Powers of Federal Court/ Jurisdiction (2 days)
• Lower Federal Courts (2 days)
• Supreme Court (2 days)
• Supreme Court Procedures (2 days)

Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 3 weeks

• Powers of Federal Court/ Jurisdiction (3 days)
• Lower Federal Courts (3 days)
• Supreme Court (3 days)
• Supreme Court Procedures (3 days)

Constitutional Rights and Freedoms

• Examine the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments that protect individual liberties.
• Discuss the importance of civil rights and how they have evolved over time.

Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks

• Constitutional Rights (1 day)
• Freedom of Religion (2 days)
• Free Exercise Clause (2 days)
• Freedoms of Speech (2 days)
• Freedom of Press (1 day)
• Freedom of Assembly (1 day)

Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 3 weeks

• Constitutional Rights (2 days)
• Freedom of Religion (3 days)
• Free Exercise Clause (3 days)
• Freedoms of Speech (3 days)
• Freedom of Press (2 day)
• Freedom of Assembly (1 day)

Citizenship

• Describe the rights, responsibilities, and duties of American citizens.
• Discuss the process of becoming a U.S. citizen and the significance of citizenship.

Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 1.5 weeks

• Citizenship and Types of Citizens (1 day)
• Basis of Citizenship and Responsibilities (2 days)
• Rights of Accused (1 day)
• Equal Protection of Citizens & Civil Rights (2 days)
• Right to Know (1 day)

Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks

• Citizenship and Types of Citizens (1 day)
• Basis of Citizenship and Responsibilities (2 days)
• Rights of Accused (2 days)
• Equal Protection of Citizens & Civil Rights (3 days)
• Right to Know (1 day)

American Law

• Understand the sources of American law, including constitutional, statutory, administrative, and case law.
• Explain the difference between criminal and civil law and the role of the legal system in enforcing laws.

Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 1 week

• Legal Heritage (2 days)
• Civil Law (1 day)
• Criminal Law (1 day)

Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks

• Legal Heritage (2 days)
• Civil Law (3 days)
• Criminal Law (3 days)

Politics, Voting, and Elections

• Analyze the American electoral system, including the Electoral College, primary and general elections.
• Discuss the importance of voting and political participation in a democracy.

Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 1 week

• Political Parties (1 day)
• Roles and Jobs of Party Members (1 day)
• Selection of Candidates (1 day)
• Electing the  President (1 day)
• Financing Election (1 day)

Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks

• Political Parties (2 days)
• Roles and Jobs of Party Members (1 day)
• Selection of Candidates (2 days)
• Electing the  President (2 days)
• Financing Election (2 days)

Interest Groups, Public Opinion, Media

• Understand the role of interest groups, public opinion, and the media in influencing government policy and elections.
• Evaluate the impact of social media and digital platforms on political communication and public discourse.

Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 1 week

• Types of Interest Groups (2 days)
• Techniques & Functions of Interest Groups (1 day)
• Structure of Media and Propaganda (1 day)

Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks

• Types of Interest Groups (3 days)
• Techniques & Functions of Interest Groups (2 days)
• Structure of Media and Propaganda (3 days)

Foreign Affairs

• Describe the role of the United States in international relations and global politics.
• Examine the processes and institutions involved in making and implementing U.S. foreign policy.

Semester Course Pacing Suggestion: 1 week

• Foreign Policy Goals (1 day)
• Alliances (1 day)
• Consolidated Democracies (1 day)
• United Nations (1 day)

Yearlong Pacing Suggestion: 2 weeks

• Foreign Policy Goals (2 days)
• Alliances (2 days)
• Consolidated Democracies (2 days)
• United Nations (2 days)

Think Like an Economist

• Introduction to economic thinking, decision-making, opportunity cost, and the production possibilities curve.

• Develop critical thinking skills to analyze economic problems and policy decisions.

• Understand the role of scarcity, choice, and opportunity cost in economic decision-making.

• Apply economic reasoning to everyday situations and current events.

Year-Long Course 

 Think Like an Economist (2 weeks)

• Day 1: Factors of Production

• Day 2-3: The Four Basic Economic Questions

• Day 4: Measuring Production

• Day 5: Factors that Improve Productivity

• Day 6: Shaping Economic Choices, Trade-Offs, Marginal Costs & Benefits

• Day 7: The Production Possibilities Curve (PPC)

• Day 8: Micro vs. Macro Economics 

• Day 9-10: Review & Assess

Semester Course 

 Think Like an Economist (1 week)

• Introduction to economic thinking, decision-making, opportunity cost, and the production possibilities curve.

• Day 1: Factors of Production | The Four Basic Economic Questions

• Day 2: Measuring Production | Factors that Improve Productivity

• Day 3: Shaping Economic Choices, Trade-Offs, Marginal Costs & Benefits

• Day 4: The Production Possibilities Curve (PPC) | Micro vs. Macro Economics 

• Day 5: Review & Assess

Economic Systems

• Compare and contrast different economic systems (traditional, command, market, and mixed economies) regarding allocation of resources, production, and distribution of goods.

• Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each economic system.

• Discuss how different countries embody these systems and the impact on their citizens' quality of life.

Year-Long Course 

Economic Systems (3 weeks)

• Exploration of different economic systems (traditional, command, market, mixed) and how societies allocate resources.

• Day 1-2: Economic Systems & Types of Economic Systems

• Day 3-4: Traditional Economy

• Day 5-6: Command Economy

• Day 7-8: Market Economy

• Day 9-10: Mixed Economy

• Day 11-12: Capitalism | Free Enterprise

• Day 13: Compare and Contrast Economic Systems

• Day 14-15: Review & Assess

Semester Course 

Economic Systems (1.5 weeks)

• Exploration of different economic systems (traditional, command, market, mixed) and how societies allocate resources.

• Day 1: Economic Systems & Types of Economic Systems

• Day 2: Traditional Economy

• Day 3: Command Economy

• Day 4: Market Economy

• Day 5: Mixed Economy

• Day 6: Capitalism | Free Enterprise

• Day 7: Compare and Contrast Economic Systems

• Day 8: Review & Assess

Free Enterprise in the US

• Understand the principles of the free enterprise system, including private property, competition, profit motive, and consumer sovereignty.

• Analyze the role of government in a free enterprise system, including regulation, protection, and maintaining competition.

• Discuss the balance between free enterprise and social welfare in the US economy.

Year-Long Course 

Free Enterprise in the US (2 weeks)

• Understanding the characteristics of free enterprise, capitalism, and the role of government in the US economy.

• Day 1-2: Capitalism

• Day 3: Free Enterprise System

• Day 4-5: Legalities

• Day 6: Government Oversight

• Day 7-8: 6 Principles of Free Enterprise in the U.S.

• Day 9-10: Review & Assess

Semester Course 

Free Enterprise in the US (1 week)

• Understanding the characteristics of free enterprise, capitalism, and the role of government in the US economy.

• Day 1: Capitalism | Free Enterprise System

• Day 2: Legalities

• Day 3: Government Oversight

• Day 4: 6 Principles of Free Enterprise in the U.S.

• Day 5: Review & Assess

Supply, Demand, Price

• Explain the laws of supply and demand and how they determine the price of goods and services.

• Illustrate how changes in supply and demand affect equilibrium prices and quantities.

• Apply concepts of elasticity to understand how price changes impact consumer behavior and producer decisions.

Year-Long Course 

Supply, Demand, Price (3 weeks)

• Fundamentals of supply and demand, market equilibrium, shifts in curves, and impact on prices.

• Day 1: Supply, Supply Schedule

• Day 2: Supply Curve, Law of Supply, Change in Supply

• Day 3: Elasticity of Supply

• Day 4: Price and Supply

• Day 5: Labor and Supply

• Day 6: Demand (Measuring Demand, Demand Schedule

• Day 7: Demand Curve, Law of Demand, Change in Demand

• Day 8: Things that Affect Demand

• Day 9: Elasticity of Demand

• Day 10-11: Factors that Affect Supply and Demand

• Day 12: Market Schedule & Market Equilibrium (Surplus, Shortage)

• Day 13: Fixed Prices, Price Ceiling, Price Floor, Changes

• Day 14-15: Review & Assess

Semester Course 

Supply, Demand, Price (2 weeks)

• Fundamentals of supply and demand, market equilibrium, shifts in curves, and impact on prices.

• Day 1: Supply, Supply Schedule

• Day 2: Supply Curve, Law of Supply, Change in Supply, Elasticity of Supply

• Day 3: Price and Supply | Labor and Supply

• Day 4: Demand (Measuring Demand, Demand Schedule

• Day 5: Demand Curve, Law of Demand, Change in Demand

• Day 6: Things that Affect Demand | Elasticity of Demand

• Day 7: Factors that Affect Supply and Demand

• Day 8: Market Schedule & Market Equilibrium (Surplus, Shortage)

• Day 9: Fixed Prices, Price Ceiling, Price Floor, Changes

• Day 10: Review & Assess

Market Structures

• Identify characteristics of different market structures: perfect competition, monopolistic competition, oligopoly, and monopoly.

• Analyze how each market structure affects product prices, quality, and innovation.

• Discuss the role of government regulation in different market structures.

Year-Long Course 

Market Structures (3 weeks)

• Overview of various market structures (perfect competition, monopolistic competition, oligopoly, monopoly) and their characteristics.

• Day 1-2: Four Types of Market Structures

• Day 3-4: Perfect Competition

• Day 5-6: Monopolistic Competition

• Day 7-8: Oligopoly

• Day 9-10: Monopoly

• Day 11-13: Compare and Contrast Market Structures

• Day 14-15: Review & Assess

Semester Course 

Market Structures (1.5 weeks)

• Overview of various market structures (perfect competition, monopolistic competition, oligopoly, monopoly) and their characteristics.

• Day 1: Four Types of Market Structures

• Day 2: Perfect Competition

• Day 3: Monopolistic Competition

• Day 4: Oligopoly

• Day 5: Monopoly

• Day 6-7: Compare and Contrast Market Structures

• Day 8: Review & Assess

Business Organizations

• Compare different forms of business organizations: sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and cooperatives.

• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type of business organization.

• Understand the role of entrepreneurship in the economy and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs.

Year-Long Course 

Business Organizations (3 weeks)

• Examination of different forms of business ownership (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation) and their advantages and disadvantages.

• Day 1-3: Types of Business Organizations: Sole Proprietorship

• Day 4-5: Partnerships

• Day 6-8: Corporation | Types of Business Organizations

• Day 9-10: Conglomerate

• Day 11-13: How Businesses Grow and Expand

• Day 14-15: Review & Assess

Semester Course 

Business Organizations (1.5 weeks)

• Examination of different forms of business ownership (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation) and their advantages and disadvantages.

• Day 1: Types of Business Organizations: Sole Proprietorship

• Day 2: Partnerships

• Day 3-4: Corporation | Types of Business Organizations

• Day 5: Conglomerate

• Day 6: How Businesses Grow and Expand

• Day 7: Review & Assess

Labor and Workforce

• Explore the factors that influence labor supply and demand, wage determination, and the role of unions.

• Analyze trends in labor force participation, including changes in demographics, education, and technology.

• Discuss issues related to unemployment, underemployment, and labor rights.

Year-Long Course 

Labor and Workforce (3 weeks)

• Study of labor market dynamics, wage determination, labor unions, and workforce trends.

• Day 1: Labor Overview

• Day 2-3: 4 Factors of Production

• Day 4-5: How We Measure Labor

• Day 6-7: Wages | Types of Labor

• Day 8-9: Labor and the Economy

• Day 10-11: Changing Job Market

• Day 12-13: Labor Unions

• Day 14-15: Review & Assess

Semester Course 

Labor and Workforce (1.5 weeks)

• Study of labor market dynamics, wage determination, labor unions, and workforce trends.

• Day 1: Labor Overview

• Day 2: 4 Factors of Production

• Day 3: How We Measure Labor

• Day 4: Wages | Types of Labor | Labor and the Economy

• Day 5: Changing Job Market

• Day 6: Labor Unions

• Day 7: Review & Assess

Money, Finances, Banks

• Understand the functions of money, the operation of the banking system, and the role of the Federal Reserve.

• Discuss the importance of saving, investing, and credit in personal financial planning.

• Analyze the impact of interest rates on saving, borrowing, and economic growth.

Year-Long Course 

Money, Finances, Banks (3 weeks)

• Introduction to the role of money, financial institutions, the Federal Reserve System, and the creation of money.

• Day 1: Purpose of Money

• Day 2: Properties of Money

• Day 3: Type of Money

• Day 4-5: The History of Banks | Alexander Hamilton

• Day 6-7: Types of Financial Institutions

• Day 8-9: Financial Systems: Banks, Stock Markets, Bond Markets, Insurance Markets

• Day 9: Savings and Interest Accounts

• Day 10: Investments

• Day 11-12: The Stock Market

• Day 13: Functions | Properties of Money

• Day 14-15: Review & Assess

Semester Course 

Money, Finances, Banks (1.5 weeks)

• Introduction to the role of money, financial institutions, the Federal Reserve System, and the creation of money.

• Day 1: Purpose of Money | Properties of Money

• Day 2: Type of Money

• Day 3: The History of Banks | Alexander Hamilton

• Day 4: Types of Financial Institutions

• Day 5: Financial Systems: Banks, Stock Markets, Bond Markets, Insurance Markets

• Day 6: Savings and Interest Accounts | Investments

• Day 7: The Stock Market

• Day 8: Review & Assess

Economic Performance

• Measure economic performance using indicators such as GDP, inflation rates, and unemployment rates.

• Evaluate the causes and consequences of economic fluctuations and policies aimed at stabilizing the economy.

• Discuss the challenges of measuring economic well-being and the limitations of GDP as an indicator.

Year-Long Course 

Economic Performance (3 weeks)

• Understanding macroeconomic indicators (GDP, unemployment rate, inflation) and their implications.

• Day 1-2: How We Measure Production

• Day 3-4: Economic Performance Measures

• Day 5: Factors that Improve Productivity

• Day 6: The Business Cycle

• Day 7-8: Employment

• Day 9: Poverty

• Day 10-11: Income Distribution

• Day 12-13: Inflation

• Day 14-15: Review & Assess

Semester Course 

Economic Performance (1.5 weeks)

• Understanding macroeconomic indicators (GDP, unemployment rate, inflation) and their implications.

• Day 1: How We Measure Production

• Day 2: Economic Performance Measures

• Day 3: Factors that Improve Productivity

• Day 4: The Business Cycle

• Day 5: Employment

• Day 6: Poverty |  Income Distribution | Inflation

• Day 7: Review & Assess

Government and the Economy

• Examine the role of government in managing the economy, including fiscal and monetary policy.

• Discuss the impact of taxation and government spending on economic growth and distribution of wealth.

• Analyze debates over government intervention in the economy, including social safety nets and market regulations.

Year-Long Course 

Government and the Economy (3 weeks)

• Role of government in economic policy (fiscal policy, monetary policy), taxation, and government spending.

• Day 1-2: Purpose of Taxes

• Day 3-4: –Types of Taxes

• Day 5-6: Taxes and the IRS | How Taxes Work | Forms | Filing

• Day 7: Discretionary Spending

• Day 8: Federal Budget

• Day 9-10: Federal, State, and Local Taxes

• Day 11: Fiscal Policy

• Day 12: Deficits & National Debt

• Day 13: Federal Reserve System “The Fed”

• Day 14-15: Review & Assess

Semester Course 

Government and the Economy (1.5 weeks)

• Role of government in economic policy (fiscal policy, monetary policy), taxation, and government spending.

• Day 1: Purpose of Taxes | Types of Taxes

• Day 2: Taxes and the IRS | How Taxes Work | Forms | Filing

• Day 3: Discretionary Spending

• Day 4: Federal Budget

• Day 5: Federal, State, and Local Taxes

• Day 6: Fiscal Policy

• Day 7: Deficits & National Debt | Federal Reserve System “The Fed”

• Day 8: Review & Assess

Global Economy

• Understand the principles of international trade and finance, including comparative advantage, trade barriers, and exchange rates.

• Discuss the impact of globalization on economies, cultures, and the environment.

• Analyze the role of international institutions, such as the World Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank.

Year-Long Course 

Global Economy (2 weeks)

• Exploration of international trade, exchange rates, balance of trade, and globalization's effects.

• Day 1-2: Global Economy

• Day 3-4: International Institutions | Trade Alliances

• Day 5-6: World Trade Organization

• Day 7-8: Exchange Rates

• Day 9-10: Review & Assess

Semester Course 

Global Economy (1 week)

• Exploration of international trade, exchange rates, balance of trade, and globalization's effects.

• Day 1: Global Economy

• Day 2: International Institutions | Trade Alliances

• Day 3: World Trade Organization

• Day 4: Exchange Rates

• Day 5: Review & Assess

Personal Finances

• Develop skills in budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt.

• Understand the importance of financial planning for short-term and long-term goals.

• Discuss strategies for making informed financial decisions and avoiding common financial pitfalls.

Year-Long Course 

Personal Finances (3 weeks)

• Basics of personal finance management, budgeting, saving, investing, and credit.

• Day 1-2: Budgeting & Money

• Day 3: Credit

• Day 4: Buying a Car

• Day 5-6: Getting Insurance

• Day 7-8: Paying for College

• Day 9-10: Applying for a Job

• Day 11: Getting Your Own Home

• Day 12-13: Paying and Filing Taxes

• Day 14-15: Review & Assess

Semester Course 

Personal Finances 2 weeks)

• Basics of personal finance management, budgeting, saving, investing, and credit.

• Day 1: Budgeting & Money

• Day 2: Credit

• Day 3: Buying a Car

• Day 4: Getting Insurance

• Day 5: Paying for College

• Day 6: Applying for a Job

• Day 7: Getting Your Own Home

• Day 8-9: Paying and Filing Taxes

• Day 10: Review & Assess