Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.1.a:
Enlightenment ideas such as natural rights, the social contract, popular sovereignty, and representative government greatly influenced the framers of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.1.b:
The Constitution created a unique political system that distributes powers and responsibilities among three different branches of government at the federal level and between state and federal governments. State constitutions address similar structures and responsibilities for their localities.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.1.c:
Limited government is achieved through the separation of powers between three different branches. The system of checks and balances is part of this limited government structure at all levels of government.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.1.d:
The rule of law is a system in which no one, including government, is above the law. The United States legal system has evolved over time as the result of implementation and interpretation of common law, constitutional law, statutory law, and administrative regulations.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.1.e:
The powers not delegated specifically in the Constitution are reserved to the states. Though the power and responsibility of the federal government have expanded over time, there is an ongoing debate over this shift in power and responsibility.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.1.f:
The Constitution includes a clearly defined and intentionally rigorous process for amendment. This process requires state and federal participation and allows the Constitution to evolve and change.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.2.a:
Equality before the law and due process are two fundamental values that apply to all under the jurisdiction of the United States. While the United States legal system aims to uphold the values of equality before the law, due process, human dignity, freedom of conscience, inalienable rights, and civility, the extent to which the legal system upholds these values in practice is an issue of ongoing civic debate.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.2.b:
The Constitution aims to protect, among other freedoms, individual and group rights to freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, freedom of petition, and freedom of religion. The extent to which these ideals exist in practice and how these protections should be applied in a changing world continues to be an issue of ongoing civic debate.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.2.c:
An independent judicial system is an integral part of the process that interprets and defends citizens’ freedoms and rights. Issues pertaining to the flexibility of judicial interpretation and the impartiality of justices in practice are continued sources of public debate.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.2.d:
The definition of civil rights has broadened over the course of United States history, and the number of people and groups legally insured of these rights has also expanded. However, the degree to which rights extend equally and fairly to all (e.g., race, class, gender, sexual orientation) is a continued source of civic contention.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.2.e:
Rights are not absolute; they vary with legal status, with location (as in schools and workplaces), and with circumstance. The different statuses of United States residency bring with them specific protections, rights, and responsibilities. Minors have specific rights in school, in the workplace, in the community, and in the family. The extension of rights across location, circumstance, age, and legal status is a subject of civic discourse.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.2.f:
Freedom of the press is an essential element of a democratic system, and allows for a citizen to receive and interpret information representing different points of view. Freedom of the press has limits, which are intended to protect the rights of individuals and other entities. The degree to which the press is free and impartial in practice is a source on ongoing debate.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.3.a:
Citizens should be informed about rights and freedoms, and committed to balancing personal liberties with a social responsibility to others.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.3.b:
The right to vote, a cornerstone of democracy, is the most direct way for citizens to participate in the government. A citizen must register to vote, and may register as a party member or select the status of independent.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.3.c:
Citizens have opportunities to both participate in and influence their communities and country. Citizens contribute to government processes through legal obligations such as obeying laws, paying taxes, serving on juries, and registering for selective service.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.3.d:
Citizens have the right to represent their locality, state, or country as elected officials. Candidates develop a campaign when they decide to seek public office.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.4.a:
Depending on the level of government and type of election, there are different processes and mechanisms within the United States electoral and representational systems, including the electoral college and winner‐take all systems. Advantages and drawbacks of election processes and mechanisms continue to be an issue of ongoing debate in the United States.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.4.b:
Allowing citizens to vote does not ensure that a system is a democracy. Open, safe, and honest elections are essential to a democratic system. Engaged and informed citizens should know the mechanics associated with voting, including when major local, state, and national elections are held, how to register to vote, who currently holds each office, who is running for office, and what the central issues are pertaining to that election.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.4.c:
In addition to voting, there are many ways in which citizens can participate in the electoral process. These include joining a political organization, donating money, and doing volunteer work on a political campaign.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.4.d:
The United States and New York have political party systems, and the political parties represent specific political, economic, and social philosophies. Debate over the role and influence of political parties continues, although they play a significant role in United States elections and politics. The role of political parties and the platforms they represent varies among states in the United States.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.4.e:
Citizens participate in civic life through volunteerism and advocacy, including efforts such as contacting elected officials, signing/organizing petitions, protesting, canvassing, and participating in/organizing boycotts.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.5.a:
Each level of government has its own process of shaping, implementing, amending, and enforcing public policy. Customarily the executive branch will outline its plan and agenda in an executive address to the legislative body.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.5.b:
On various issues, certain governmental branches and agencies are responsible for determining policy. Those who create public policies attempt to balance regional and national needs, existing political positions and loyalties, and sources of political power.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.5.c:
Successful implementation of government policy often requires cooperation among many levels of government as well as other public and private institutions. Conflicts between different levels of government sometimes emerge due to different goals, ideas, and resources regarding creation and implementation of policy.

Conceptual Understanding - SS.12G.5.d:
Active and engaged citizens must be effective media consumers in order to be able to find, monitor, and evaluate information on political issues. The media have different venues which have particular strengths and serve distinct and shared purposes. Knowing how to critically evaluate a media source is fundamental to being an informed citizen.