DSSEP Home Page Civics Benchmark Definitions
Grades 6-8

Civics 1

Government

Power - the ability to control or direct someone or something.

Levy - to impose or collect by legal authority.

Foreign policy - the policy of a "state" [country] in its relations with other states.

Functions - the acts that something (e.g. government) is intended to perform.

Federal - refers to the national or central government of the United States.

Structures - the ways that things (e.g. government) are arranged or organized.

Employ - to use to do work.

Civics 2

Politics

Disregard - to pay no attention to; to treat as unworthy.

Accorded - granted or given as appropriate, due, or earned.

Minorities - groups or individuals in a population that are different from those who are in control and that are often subjected to different treatment.

Constitution - the basic principles and laws of a nation, state, or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people.

Civics 3

Citizenship

Civil rights - the rights of a citizen. Political - of or relating to government.

Property - something that is owned or possessed.

Rights - things that a person has just claims to.

Secure - to make safe.

Public service - providing something to members of a community.

Civics 4

Participation

Mechanisms - processes or techniques that are used to accomplish a goal or get something done.

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