IL Learning Social Science Learning Goal 14
Understand political systems, with an emphasis on the United States
(Government and Citizenship)
Examples of Teaching Practices (Illinois highlighted)
- Recognize basic purposes and concepts of government, including the constitutional principles and democratic foundations of U.S. government.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the basic structures and functions of federal, state, and local government in the United States (e.g., the branches of federal government and their roles, key aspects of government in Illinois).
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic democratic principles and rights (e.g., due process, equal protection) and fundamental democratic values and beliefs (e.g., majority rule, individual participation) and their significance for individuals, groups, and society.
- Apply knowledge of the responsibilities of U.S. citizens, including classroom, school, and community applications (e.g., respecting others' rights, obeying laws and rules, voting in class elections) and the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for successful participation in civic life (e.g., compromise, consensus building, cooperation).
- Recognize the role of law in the Illinois and U.S. constitutional systems.
- Identify a wide range of instructional resources and technologies to support the learning of the structures and functions of government.
Internet Resources & Links
- Recommended sites for Certification Test Preparation- Elementary Education Subject Matter
- See this diagram of how a bill becomes a law (pdf)
This site provides a very detailed chart of the law making process in Illinois. The chart is well organized and worth careful study – a picture is worth at least a thousand words.
- Legislative branch organizational chart:
This site provides a basic chart on the organization of the Legislative Branch of government in Illinois. Note the size of each house. The site also gives a brief description of member eligibility as well as legislative functions, powers, organization, composition, and the legislative cycle. This may be more information than you need, but it is very clearly and concisely stated.
- Chart & explanation of three branches of Illinois and federal government
- Illinois’ capitols >>: This site describes the various state capitols Illinois has had.
- Wikipedia entry >>: This Wikipedia site contains mostly basic information. It has multiple links to various people, places, events, terms, etc. Check to make sure the correct office holders are listed in the box at the right. Sometimes there are changes due to elections.
Illinois Handbook of Government 2009-2010:
This publication is available both on line and as a booklet. This site will help you become familiar with the basic organization of Illinois government, who holds the six elected executive offices (pp. 4-11), the budget (pp. 12-13), Illinois at a Glance (p. 98), and Illinois State Capitols (p.98). Under the legislative (p. 14f), executive (p. 54f), and judicial (p. 68f) branches there are organizational charts and some basic information. Finally, study the History and Highlights of the Illinois State Constitution (p 100-102) and glance through the Illinois Constitution (p. 103-133), noting unique characteristics such as certain rights (pp. 103-106), retention of judges (p. 117), home rule (p. 121), education (p. 127f.), etc.
(Note for teaching: this booklet is available from the state free of charge. It is published by the Secretary of State’s office. Copies are available in the Education and History Departments.)