President Abraham Lincoln said that we have a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people." This statement reflects the basic premise of the United States government since 1787. The framers of the U.S. Constitution envisioned a government strong enough to rule the nation with power derived from the people. To ensure the continuation of our complex and dynamic system of government, our society must rely on the knowledge and skills of our citizens and elected public officials.

The goals of civics education in Nevada is to create knowledgeable citizens who will participate in political life and be committed to the fundamental values and principles of democracy. Instruction will provide students with a basic understanding or political philosophy, politics and government, and how democracy is maintained in an increasingly diverse society. Students will study in-depth our political system including the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government at the local, state, and national levels as well as the rights and responsibilities of a citizen.

The Social Studies standards comprise a comprehensive K-12 framework for a civics curriculum. These include the need for rules, laws, and government (Rules and Law); the U.S. Constitution and government it creates (The U.S. Government); the relationship between the states and national government (National and State Government); the roles of political parties, interest groups, and public opinion in the democratic process (The Political Process); the roles, rights, and responsibilities of United States citizens (Citizenship); the structure and functions of state and local governments (State and Local Government); the different political and economic systems in the world (Political and Economic Systems); and the political and economic relationship of the US and its citizens with other nations (International Relations). Democracy does not simply exist; it is participatory. As students progress through the curriculum and master the civics standards, they will have the skills necessary to meet the demands required of a 21st century U.S. citizen.

NOTE: The Social Studies standards make use of the terms including, such as, and for example. These words and phrases have been used in specific ways. Including is used to indicate specific topics or ideas to be learned by students. Items that follow including are considered vital to the understanding of the topic. However, the study of the content in benchmarks is not limited to what follows including, such as, and for example are used to indicate suggestions or examples to provide guidance and understanding. Documents related to Social Studies Standards are available in the following formats: * Microsoft Word Format (Word) * Adobe Reader Format (PDF)