-Students should understand how the founding documents established ground breaking ideas for the new government.

                        -Students should demonstrate an understanding of the differences between the two documents: Declaration of Independence being a statement of ideals and the Constitution being a framework for functional government.

                        -Students should have an understanding that the Constitution is a living, changing document (Amendments).

                        -Students should recognize the various changes to the landscape of the United States.

                        -Students will understand the contributing factors that lead to the Civil War.