5.6 - Governments in Western Hemisphere

Fifth Grade - Fifth Social Studies - 5.6 - Governments in Western Hemisphere

From EngageNY

The political systems of the Western Hemisphere vary in structure and organization across time and place.

5.6a Government structures, functions, and founding documents vary from place to place in the countries of the Western Hemisphere.

• Students will examine the basic structure of the United States federal government, including the president, Congress, and the courts.
• Students will examine the foundational documents of the United States government for evidence of the country’s beliefs, values, and principles.
• Students will compare and contrast the government structures and functions of the United States government with those of Canada, Mexico, and one other country in either the Caribbean or South America.

5.6b Legal, political, and historic documents define the values, beliefs, and principles of constitutional democracy.

• Students will examine the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights, the British North America Act, and the Canadian Bill of Rights in terms of key values, beliefs, and principles of constitutional democracy.

5.6c Across time and place, different groups of people in the Western Hemisphere have struggled and fought for equality and civil rights or sovereignty.

• Students will examine at least one group of people, such as Native Americans, African Americans, women, or another cultural, ethnic, or racial minority in the Western Hemisphere, who have struggled or are struggling for equality and civil rights or sovereignty.

5.6d Multinational organizations and nongovernmental organizations in the Western Hemisphere seek to encourage cooperation between nations, protect human rights, support economic development, and provide assistance in challenging situations.

• Students will examine multinational organizations and nongovernmental organizations and their roles in promoting cooperation, peace, and cultural understanding.