Essential Skills

Standard Demonstrate Civic and Community Engagement

Skills
Apply knowledge of local, state, and U.S. history and government to explain current social and political
issues.
Perform the civic and community responsibilities essential to living in a representative democracy

Description of Activity/Task/Experience that demonstrates I am at or above standard in the specific
skills for the standard mentioned above:
Last year in my U.S. History class we were required to watch all the presidential debates
between Barrack Obama and Mitt Romney that brought up current social and political issues of the
United States. Both candidates were very passionate about their views and what they believed would be
best for the United States and that they understood what the American people wanted and would be
the best candidate for the job to change things for the better.
As a student our teacher instructed us to listen attentively and take copious notes to increase
our knowledge. We researched what the candidates said to make sure it was truthful and statistics were
correct. We learned the general framework of our government and how the government that we elect
touches our daily lives. Citizens in a democracy are very important and we all share the responsibility of
informing ourselves about each issue before we vote or participate in discussions. We have the freedom
and the right to vote and by getting involved can change the world and make a difference. We held
mock presidential debates to prepare us for when we are eligible to vote when we turn eighteen. It was
very interesting to learn the differences between republicans, democrats, and independent voters.

Explanation/Reflection of how the activity/task/experience described above meets or exceeds the
specific skills of the standard mentioned above:
I spent much time expanding my knowledge of local, state, and national social and political
issues, as well as the general framework of our government and how the government that we elect
touches our daily lives. I learned voting is our civic and community responsibility essential to living in a
democracy. Being informed and educating ourselves to each of the important issues and policies for
debate which included health care, taxes, global warming, retirement, education, immigration, and
national security were some of the major topics. I feel this class gave me a greater understanding and
interest in government while preparing me to perform my civic and community responsibilities essential
to living in a representative democracy.