Civil Rights and Civic Responsibilities

1. Civil Rights Through Court Cases

1.1. The students understand that the Plessy v. Ferguson supreme court case established the phrase “separate but equal,” and allowed for segregation to prevail.

1.2. The students understand that the Brown vs. Board supreme court case overturned segregation in schools

2. Implications of Civil Rights

2.1. Students understand that the Tinker v. Des Moines Supreme Court case ruled that First Amendment rights are still protected against for students in schools.

2.2. Students understand that the path to desegregating schools was not immediate and had a lasting impact on black teachers and students.

3. Voting

3.1. Students will understand that voting is a right and responsibility as a United States citizen and impacts not only you, but those around you and even future generations.

3.2. Students will understand that you have to register within the state of residence to be able to vote, as well as how to do this and the various methods available for voting.

4. Political Parties

4.1. The students understand that the ideologies of early political parties in the United States have changed over time and influenced modern political party platforms.

4.2. The students understand that conservatism aims to protect the status quo, while liberalism works towards social progression.

4.3. The students understand that individual biases and experiences contribute to the construction of political identity.