SS10.USG.13

Social Studies (2010) Grade(s): 12 - United States Government

Students know:

How key landmark Supreme Court cases influenced the interpretation of constitutional rights of citizens and powers/limitations of American government.
The means by which judges interpret the meaning of the Constitution, including strict and loose construction.
The organization of the American court system, including the powers and limitations of each level and type of court.
The process by which Supreme Court justices are appointed, including the consideration of ideology and how such may impact future decisions.

Students are able to:

Identify the effect by which landmark decisions change the interpretation of constitutional provisions and rights.
Illustrate the process by which a court case is initiated in a lower level court and can then later be decided by the US Supreme Court.
Critique the process by which political ideology becomes a factor in both the appointment process of judges as well as the decision-making process in deciding cases.
Analyze an excerpt of a Supreme Court decision to ascertain the constitutional interpretation evident as well as the impact it may have on a constitutional right or provision.

Students understand that:

The powers, limitations, and organization of the judicial branch of American government, including how these determine the means by which a case arrives to, is argued before, and is decided upon by the Supreme Court, helps shape the law in the U.S.