CALIFORNIA US HISTORY STANDARDS
8th Grade History Standard Based Instruction Topics
NOTE PAGE EXAMPLE INSIDE
NOTE PAGE EXAMPLE OUTSIDE
STUDENT-EXPECTATIONS
Mr. Realini's Objectives for each Section
Chapter 2

Section One

1-Discuss the first European settlements in North America and the hardships settlers faced
2-Identify the importance of the legislature in Virginia
3-Explain why EACH of the English colonies was settled
Chapter 2

Section Two

1-Explain the growth of population, agriculture, and trade in the colonies
2-Describe the economic impact of slavery on the southern colonies
3-Identify the influence of religion and education on American culture
4-Discuss the growing tensions between the colonies and Great Britain over trade.
Chapter 2

Section Three

1-Discuss how colonists reacted to British government actions.
2-Describe the meeting of the first Continental Congress.
3-Explain why the American Revolution broke out

Chapter 2

Section
Four

1-Describe how the Colonial Leaders planned their resistance
2-Outline the Ideas behind the Declaration of Independence
3-Identify how American Forces won the Revolutionary War
4-Explain how America's Revolutionary War led to Revolutions in other parts of the
world.
Chapter 3

Section
One

1-Explain why the States began writing consitutions in 1776.
2-Explain why Americans wanted a stronger central government.
3-Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
Chapter 3

Section
Two

1-Describe the Weaknesses of the Government under the Articles of Confederation.
2-Explain how national leaders met to produce a new Constitution.
3-Discuss how the Constitutional Convention worked to create a new government for the country.
Chapter 3

Section
Three

1-Discuss the ideas and figures that shaped the Constitution.
2-Describe the system of checks and balances.
3-Explain how Americans reacted to the Constitution
Chapter 4

Section
One

1-Identify the Goals of the Constitution as set out in the Preamble. Look on Page 221
2-Explain each of the seven principles of the Constitution. Copy the Chart on page 221
3-Discuss how the Constitution is still alive today.
Chapter 4

Section
Two

1-Explain the Powers of Congress and How Congress works.
2-Discuss the roles of the President and how the executive branch works.
3-Outline the structure of the courts and their role.
Chapter 4

Section
Three

1-Name the Basic Rights of Americans'.
2-Describe the requirements for becoming a citizen.
3-Discuss the duties and responsibilities of citizens.

EXTRA CREDIT POSSIBILITIES - THESE ARE NOT SUBSTITUTES FOR MISSING WORK!!

WRITTEN REVIEW OF AN APPROVED HISTORICAL MOVIE OR TV PROGRAM

WRITTEN REVIEW OF SELECTED NEWSPAPER OPINION/EDITORIAL WORKS

WRITTEN OR ORAL REPORT ABOUT YOUR VISIT TO A LOCAL/STATE/FEDERAL HISTORICAL SITE

SPARTA
Three score and nine years ago our forebears brought forth the nation of NAPOLI, today we have renamed it SPARTA.. SPARTA is a simulated country consisting of ten sovereign states. The Geography of SPARTA is the exact same as the real United States of America without Hawaii and Alaska. The ten states of SPARTA are Columbia, Eureka, Mesa, Badlands, Plains, York, Wabash, Dahlonega, Potomac, and Maine. The laws and people of SPARTA are the exact same as the present-day United States of America. Mr. Vedar's and Mr. Realini's students will begin the SPARTA Legislative session. Students will debate and decide a wide-range of issues including the 2.0 GPA and sports, Mandatory Federal Service, Bicycle Helmets, Driver's License age-limits, Middle School Field Trip Choices, and getting rid of the Penny. Part of the SPARTA experience is the concept of "dressing for success." During SPARTA, 8th Graders are expected to present themselves and participate in a "successful manner." Parents may attend the sessions in the Library
CLASSROOM SLIDES

Mr. James P. Realini
(408) 522-8288 EXT 509
James.Realini@sesd.org