School Improvement in Maryland

Standard 1.0 Political Science

Topic A. The Foundations and Function of Government

Indicator 2. Analyze the impact of historic documents and practices that became the foundations of the American political system during the early national period

Objective b. Identify the principles in European historic documents and show their connections to the development of American political ideology such as Magna Carta and English Bill of Rights

Extended Constructed Response (ECR) Item

Have the students respond to the following extended constructed response prompt:

Because they were early examples of the principles of rule of law and limited government, the Magna Charta and the English Bill of Rights were important influences on the Founding Fathers.

Select one of the documents mentioned above. Describe the purpose and overall provisions of this document. Then, explain how the document you selected promoted either the principle of limited government or rule of law.

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Selected Response Item

2010 NAEP Civics Item:

What idea is part of American democracy?

  1. Every citizen has the right to have a job.
  2. The law applies to everyone equally.
  3. All children must get a high school education.
  4. People who do not vote lose their right to protest against unfair laws.
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_social_studies_8_036.xml

Correct Answer:
B

Selected Response Item

2010 NAEP Civics Item:

Who is most likely to benefit in a country where there is an unlimited government?

  1. Members of the press
  2. Average citizens
  3. Political leaders who are in power
  4. People who own small businesses
/toolkit/vsc/assessment_items/msa_social_studies_8_035.xml

Correct Answer:
C
Resources for Objective 1.A.2.b:
Clarifications | Lesson Seeds | SAMPLE ASSESSMENTS | Resource Links