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Alaska Department of Education & Early Development

A Thumbnail Sketch of the Alaska Standards for Government/Citizenship

Standard A. Purpose of Government

A student should know and understand how societies define authority, rights, and responsibilities through a governmental process.

• RATIONALE: All societies deal with the basic issue of governance, including questions about rights, property, freedom, justice, privacy, responsibilities, issues of equity and diversity, and issues of power and authority. Societies have addressed these fundamental questions in different ways. Understanding of these elements will increase knowledge of governmental processes.

Standard B. Foundations of American Government

A student should understand the constitutional foundations of the American political system and the democratic ideals of this nation.

• RATIONALE: Since studentsí lives are affected daily by governmental rules and institutions, they should know the origin and basis for those rules and institutions. In order to participate effectively in the federal, tribal, state, and local government institutions that affect them, students should understand how constitutional principles of government are carried out through the political process.

Standard C. Character of State Government

A student should understand the character of government of the state.

• RATIONALE: Alaska has opportunities and challenges that make it distinct from the other 49 states. The Alaska Constitution and the Statehood Compact guarantee its citizens unique responsibilities and benefits, including 105 million acres of land and resources. The management of these resources provides the majority of revenues for Alaskaís public services. In addition, Alaskaís unique character is a result of the size, beauty, strategic location and climate of the state, the heritage and role of the Alaska Native community, the multicultural nature of its population, and the major in-state presence of the federal government.

Standard D. International Relationships

A student should understand the role of the United States in international affairs.

• RATIONALE: All nations of the world are affected by rapidly changing economic, technological, environmental and societal developments. Alaska students need to understand that the U.S. does not exist in isolation but is part of an interconnected world. In order for citizens to make judgments and think critically about the role of their nation in the world, they need to understand how the political world is shaped and influenced by international affairs and events.

Standard E. Role of the Citizen

A student should have the knowledge and skills necessary to participate effectively as an informed and responsible citizen.

• RATIONALE: A democracy cannot survive without responsible citizens who are informed, active participants in the government. Responsible citizens have the skills to participate effectively in their society. Students have citizenship rights and responsibilities today and in the future. Citizens have the obligation to analyze, evaluate and participate in the governmental process.

Standard F. U.S. and Alaskan Economies

A student should understand economies of the United States and the state and their relationships to the global economy.

• RATIONALE: Informed citizens must understand how their economy works. With an understanding of the workings of the market system, students will be able to appreciate the relationship between government and the economy. Because of the growing world economy, students must understand how Alaska is affected by world economic trends and how Alaskan goods and services can help the U.S. and other nations.

Standard G. Economic Choices

A student should understand the impact of economic choices and be able to participate effectively in the local, state, national, and global economies.

• RATIONALE: Both the world and Alaska are changing. Students, as informed citizens, will be required to make decisions of consequence in the political and economic arenas. Students must have the skills to enable them to make informed decisions as the Alaskan and global economies change.