Tennessee

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Skills available for Tennessee high school social studies standards

Standards are in black and IXL social studies skills are in dark green. Hold your mouse over the name of a skill to view a sample question. Click on the name of a skill to practice that skill.

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Tennessee Academic Standards (adopted in 2024): United States Government and Civics Tennessee Academic Standards (adopted in 2024): United States Government and Civics
Tennessee Academic Standards (adopted in 2024): United States History and Geography Tennessee Academic Standards (adopted in 2024): United States History and Geography
Tennessee Academic Standards: U.S. Government and Civics Tennessee Academic Standards: U.S. Government and Civics
Tennessee Academic Standards: United States History and Geography Tennessee Academic Standards: United States History and Geography

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Social Studies Practices

SSP.01 Collect data and information from a variety of primary and secondary sources, including: printed materials; graphic representations; field observations/landscape analysis; artifacts; media and technology sources; oral history.
SSP.02 Critically examine a primary or secondary source in order to: extract, summarize, and paraphrase significant ideas and relevant information; discern differences between evidence and assertion; recognize the significance of author's purpose, point of view, and bias; draw logical inferences and conclusions; assess the strengths and limitations of arguments.
- Source analysis: the Declaration of Independence (CG-B.2)
- Source analysis: the Federalist Papers (CG-B.5)
SSP.03 Synthesize data from a variety of sources in order to: establish accuracy and validity by comparing sources to each other; recognize disparities among multiple accounts; frame appropriate questions for further investigation.
SSP.04 Construct and communicate arguments by citing supporting evidence to: demonstrate and defend an understanding of ideas; compare and contrast viewpoints; illustrate cause and effect; predict likely outcomes; devise new outcomes or solutions; engage in appropriate civic discourse.
SSP.05 Develop historical awareness by: recognizing how and why historical accounts change over time; perceiving and presenting past events and issues as they might have been experienced by the people of the time, with historical empathy vs. present-mindedness; evaluating how unique circumstances of time and place create context and contribute to action and reaction; identifying patterns of continuity and change over time, making connections to the present.
SSP.06 Develop geographic awareness by: analyzing and determining the use of diverse types of maps based on the origin, authority, structure, context, and validity; using the geographic perspective to analyze relationships, patterns, and diffusion across space at multiple scales; analyzing locations, conditions, and connections of places and using maps to investigate spatial associations among phenomena; examining how geographers use regions and how perceptions of regions are fluid across time and space; analyzing interaction between humans and the physical environment.

Foundations of Constitutional Government

GC.01 Describe the purpose and functions of government.
GC.02 Compare and contrast different forms of government, such as monarchy, oligarchy, democracy, and republic.
- Authoritarian and democratic governments (CG-A.1)
- Identify types of government (CG-A.2)
GC.03 Analyze the influence of various thinkers on the formation of U.S. government, such as William Blackstone, John Locke, Charles-Louis Montesquieu, and Thomas Hobbes.
- Influences on U.S. government (CG-B.1)
GC.04 Analyze the influence of past governments on the formation of the United States, such as Greek democracy, Roman republic, the Magna Carta, and the Mayflower Compact.
- Influences on U.S. government (CG-B.1)
GC.05 Examine the Declaration of Independence and American grievances against British rule.
- Source analysis: the Declaration of Independence (CG-B.2)
GC.06 Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
- The Articles of Confederation (CG-B.3)
GC.07 Discuss the Constitutional Convention of 1787, including major compromises (e.g., Great Compromise, Three-Fifths Compromise, importation of enslaved people, and the electoral college).
- The Constitutional Convention (CG-B.4)
GC.08 Identify key debates surrounding the ratification of the constitution between the Federalists (e.g., Federalist Papers) and Anti-federalists (e.g., Brutus Papers).
- The Constitutional Convention (CG-B.4)
- Source analysis: the Federalist Papers (CG-B.5)
GC.09 Describe the purposes of government as outlined in the Preamble of the Constitution.
- Introduction to the Constitution (CG-C.1)
GC.10 Describe principles of limited government in the U.S. Constitution, including: checks and balances; federalism; judicial review; popular sovereignty; rule of law; separation of powers.
GC.11 Describe the structure of the Constitution and the process to amend it.
- Introduction to the Constitution (CG-C.1)
- Constitutional amendments (CG-C.3)

The Legislative Branch

GC.12 Analyze Article I and the 17th Amendment of the Constitution as they relate to the legislative branch, including: election to office for representatives and senators; eligibility for office; length of terms; roles and responsibilities.
GC.13 Describe the census and its role in redistricting and reapportionment, including the role of Baker v. Carr and Shaw v. Reno.
GC.14 Identify leadership positions in the legislative branch and describe their roles, including: majority and minority leaders; president pro tempore; role of the vice president; Speaker of the House.
- The legislative branch (CG-D.1)
GC.15 Describe the legislative process from the introduction of a bill to a presidential action.
- How a bill becomes a law (CG-D.2)
GC.16 Identify Tennessee's U.S. Senators and the representative for the student's respective district.
GC.17 Identify the enumerated, implied, and concurrent powers of the U.S. Congress.
- The legislative branch (CG-D.1)
GC.18 Explain the process and significance of congressional elections (e.g., mid-term elections).

The Executive Branch

GC.19 Identify the arguments in Federalist Paper #70 that addresses the establishment of the executive office.
GC.20 Analyze Article II of the Constitution as it relates to the executive branch, including: Length of Term (i.e., 22nd Amendment); eligibility for office; oath of office; succession (i.e., 25th Amendment); impeachment.
- The executive branch (CG-D.3)
GC.21 Describe the various powers and roles of the presidency, including: Commander-in-Chief; treaty negotiation; appointments; executive orders; pardons and clemency.
- The executive branch (CG-D.3)
GC.22 Identify and describe the functions of executive branch departments and agencies (e.g., bureaucracies) in the United States, including: defense; state; treasury; justice.
- Executive departments and independent agencies (CG-D.4)
GC.23 Trace the sequence of a presidential election from initial candidacy through inauguration.
- Presidential elections (CG-H.2)
GC.24 Explain the Electoral College system, and compare and contrast arguments for and against it.
- Presidential elections (CG-H.2)

The Judicial Branch

GC.25 Identify the arguments in Federalist Paper #78 that addresses the establishment of the federal courts system.
GC.26 Analyze Article III of the Constitution as it relates to judicial power, including the length of terms and the jurisdiction of the U.S. Supreme Court.
- The judicial branch (CG-D.5)
GC.27 Explain the processes of selection and confirmation of Supreme Court justices.
- The judicial branch (CG-D.5)
GC.28 Explain the principle of judicial review established by Marbury v. Madison, and how it is used as a check on other branches of federal and state governments.
- The judicial branch (CG-D.5)
- Supreme Court cases on the balance of power (CG-D.7)

Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

GC.29 Analyze how the Bill of Rights limits the powers of the government and ensures individual rights.
- The Bill of Rights (CG-C.4)
GC.30 Analyze the First Amendment and its application to freedom of speech in historical and contemporary Supreme Court cases, including Schenck v. United States and Tinker v. Des Moines.
- Supreme Court cases on the Bill of Rights (CG-F.2)
GC.31 Analyze the First Amendment and its application to freedom of religion in historical and contemporary Supreme Court cases, including Engel v. Vitale and Wisconsin v. Yoder.
- Supreme Court cases on the Bill of Rights (CG-F.2)
GC.32 Analyze the First Amendment and its application to freedom of press in historical and contemporary Supreme Court cases, including New York Times Co. v. United States and Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier.
- Supreme Court cases on the Bill of Rights (CG-F.2)
GC.33 Describe the Supreme Court's interpretations of the Second Amendment, including: District of Columbia vs. Heller; McDonald vs. Chicago; The New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, Inc. vs. Bruen.
- Supreme Court cases on the Bill of Rights (CG-F.2)
GC.34 Describe the Supreme Court's interpretations of freedoms in the Fourth through Eighth Amendments, including: Mapp vs. Ohio; Gideon vs. Wainwright; Miranda vs. Arizona.
- Supreme Court cases on the Bill of Rights (CG-F.2)
GC.35 Describe the Supreme Court's interpretations of the freedoms in the 14th Amendment, equal protection, and due process clauses, including: Plessy vs. Ferguson and Brown vs. Board of Education; Roe vs. Wade and Dobbs vs. Jackson's Women's Health Organization; Loving vs. Virginia and Obergefell vs. Hodges.
- Supreme Court cases on the Fourteenth Amendment: incorporation (CG-F.3)
GC.36 Explain how constitutional provisions have supported and motivated social movements to expand the rights for under-represented groups.
- What are civil liberties and civil rights? (CG-F.1)
GC.37 Explain how the government has responded to social movements (e.g., Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, Americans with Disabilities Act).
GC.38 Explain developments in voting rights over time (e.g., 15th amendment, 19th amendment, Citizenship Act of 1924, Voting Rights Act of 1965, 24th Amendment, 26th Amendment, Shelby County v. Holder).
- Constitutional amendments (CG-C.3)

Tennessee State and Local Government

GC.39 Identify the structures and functions of the executive, legislative, and judicial departments in the state of Tennessee.
GC.40 Explain the differences among the types of local governments in Tennessee, including county, city, and metro governments, as well as the legal, fiscal, and operational relationships between them and the state government.
GC.41 Identify current government officials at the state and local level.

Citizen Participation

GC.42 Describe what should be reasonably expected from any citizen or resident of the United States, and explain why it is important for the well-being of the nation, including: being informed on civic issues; serving in the military or alternative service; obeying the law; paying taxes; volunteering and performing public service; respecting the rights of others; serving as a juror; engaging in the voting process; understanding unalienable rights.
- Rights and responsibilities of active citizenship (CG-G.1)
GC.43 Explain why civic engagement is important for the well-being of the nation and local communities.
- Rights and responsibilities of active citizenship (CG-G.1)
GC.44 Evaluate the benefits and challenges of digital news and social media to a democratic society.
- Role of the media (CG-I.1)
GC.45 Explain methods for evaluating information and opinion in print and online media (e.g., identifying author's purpose, determining the credibility of news articles, analyzing the messages of editorials and op-ep commentaries, assessing the validity of claims and sufficiency of evidence).
GC.46 Describe opportunities for citizens to participate in the political process and to monitor and influence government, including: campaigning; petitioning; demonstrating; running for office; lobbying; voting.
- Rights and responsibilities of active citizenship (CG-G.1)
- Political participation (CG-H.3)
GC.47 Explain the requirements to be considered a U.S. citizen, and describe the process of naturalization, including the knowledge required by the Naturalization Test.
- Immigration and naturalization (CG-G.2)
- The U.S. naturalization test (CG-G.3)

Tennessee

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Actions

Social Studies Practices

SSP.01 Collect data and information from a variety of primary and secondary sources, including: printed materials; graphic representations; field observations/landscape analysis; artifacts; media and technology sources; oral history.

SSP.03 Synthesize data from a variety of sources in order to: establish accuracy and validity by comparing sources to each other; recognize disparities among multiple accounts; frame appropriate questions for further investigation.

SSP.04 Construct and communicate arguments by citing supporting evidence to: demonstrate and defend an understanding of ideas; compare and contrast viewpoints; illustrate cause and effect; predict likely outcomes; devise new outcomes or solutions; engage in appropriate civic discourse.

Foundations of Constitutional Government

GC.01 Describe the purpose and functions of government.

GC.02 Compare and contrast different forms of government, such as monarchy, oligarchy, democracy, and republic.

GC.03 Analyze the influence of various thinkers on the formation of U.S. government, such as William Blackstone, John Locke, Charles-Louis Montesquieu, and Thomas Hobbes.

GC.04 Analyze the influence of past governments on the formation of the United States, such as Greek democracy, Roman republic, the Magna Carta, and the Mayflower Compact.

GC.05 Examine the Declaration of Independence and American grievances against British rule.

GC.06 Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

GC.07 Discuss the Constitutional Convention of 1787, including major compromises (e.g., Great Compromise, Three-Fifths Compromise, importation of enslaved people, and the electoral college).

GC.08 Identify key debates surrounding the ratification of the constitution between the Federalists (e.g., Federalist Papers) and Anti-federalists (e.g., Brutus Papers).

GC.09 Describe the purposes of government as outlined in the Preamble of the Constitution.

GC.10 Describe principles of limited government in the U.S. Constitution, including: checks and balances; federalism; judicial review; popular sovereignty; rule of law; separation of powers.

GC.11 Describe the structure of the Constitution and the process to amend it.

The Legislative Branch

GC.12 Analyze Article I and the 17th Amendment of the Constitution as they relate to the legislative branch, including: election to office for representatives and senators; eligibility for office; length of terms; roles and responsibilities.

GC.13 Describe the census and its role in redistricting and reapportionment, including the role of Baker v. Carr and Shaw v. Reno.

GC.14 Identify leadership positions in the legislative branch and describe their roles, including: majority and minority leaders; president pro tempore; role of the vice president; Speaker of the House.

GC.15 Describe the legislative process from the introduction of a bill to a presidential action.

GC.16 Identify Tennessee's U.S. Senators and the representative for the student's respective district.

GC.17 Identify the enumerated, implied, and concurrent powers of the U.S. Congress.

GC.18 Explain the process and significance of congressional elections (e.g., mid-term elections).

The Executive Branch

GC.19 Identify the arguments in Federalist Paper #70 that addresses the establishment of the executive office.

GC.20 Analyze Article II of the Constitution as it relates to the executive branch, including: Length of Term (i.e., 22nd Amendment); eligibility for office; oath of office; succession (i.e., 25th Amendment); impeachment.

GC.21 Describe the various powers and roles of the presidency, including: Commander-in-Chief; treaty negotiation; appointments; executive orders; pardons and clemency.

GC.22 Identify and describe the functions of executive branch departments and agencies (e.g., bureaucracies) in the United States, including: defense; state; treasury; justice.

GC.23 Trace the sequence of a presidential election from initial candidacy through inauguration.

GC.24 Explain the Electoral College system, and compare and contrast arguments for and against it.

The Judicial Branch

GC.25 Identify the arguments in Federalist Paper #78 that addresses the establishment of the federal courts system.

GC.26 Analyze Article III of the Constitution as it relates to judicial power, including the length of terms and the jurisdiction of the U.S. Supreme Court.

GC.27 Explain the processes of selection and confirmation of Supreme Court justices.

GC.28 Explain the principle of judicial review established by Marbury v. Madison, and how it is used as a check on other branches of federal and state governments.

Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

GC.29 Analyze how the Bill of Rights limits the powers of the government and ensures individual rights.

GC.30 Analyze the First Amendment and its application to freedom of speech in historical and contemporary Supreme Court cases, including Schenck v. United States and Tinker v. Des Moines.

GC.31 Analyze the First Amendment and its application to freedom of religion in historical and contemporary Supreme Court cases, including Engel v. Vitale and Wisconsin v. Yoder.

GC.32 Analyze the First Amendment and its application to freedom of press in historical and contemporary Supreme Court cases, including New York Times Co. v. United States and Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier.

GC.33 Describe the Supreme Court's interpretations of the Second Amendment, including: District of Columbia vs. Heller; McDonald vs. Chicago; The New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, Inc. vs. Bruen.

GC.34 Describe the Supreme Court's interpretations of freedoms in the Fourth through Eighth Amendments, including: Mapp vs. Ohio; Gideon vs. Wainwright; Miranda vs. Arizona.

GC.36 Explain how constitutional provisions have supported and motivated social movements to expand the rights for under-represented groups.

GC.37 Explain how the government has responded to social movements (e.g., Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, Americans with Disabilities Act).

GC.38 Explain developments in voting rights over time (e.g., 15th amendment, 19th amendment, Citizenship Act of 1924, Voting Rights Act of 1965, 24th Amendment, 26th Amendment, Shelby County v. Holder).

Tennessee State and Local Government

GC.39 Identify the structures and functions of the executive, legislative, and judicial departments in the state of Tennessee.

GC.40 Explain the differences among the types of local governments in Tennessee, including county, city, and metro governments, as well as the legal, fiscal, and operational relationships between them and the state government.

GC.41 Identify current government officials at the state and local level.

Citizen Participation

GC.43 Explain why civic engagement is important for the well-being of the nation and local communities.

GC.44 Evaluate the benefits and challenges of digital news and social media to a democratic society.

GC.45 Explain methods for evaluating information and opinion in print and online media (e.g., identifying author's purpose, determining the credibility of news articles, analyzing the messages of editorials and op-ep commentaries, assessing the validity of claims and sufficiency of evidence).

GC.46 Describe opportunities for citizens to participate in the political process and to monitor and influence government, including: campaigning; petitioning; demonstrating; running for office; lobbying; voting.

GC.47 Explain the requirements to be considered a U.S. citizen, and describe the process of naturalization, including the knowledge required by the Naturalization Test.