Civics for Kids: Building Tomorrow Together

PA Civics & Government Standards (Grades K–5)

5.1 Principles & Documents of Government (Grades K–5)

Kindergarten (5.1.K)

• 5.1.K.A – Explain the purpose of rules.
• 5.1.K.B – Explain the need for rules.
• 5.1.K.C – Define respect for self and others.
• 5.1.K.D – Identify symbols and holidays.

Grade 1 (5.1.1)

• 5.1.1.A – Identify the purpose of rules and laws.
• 5.1.1.B – Identify the need for rules and laws.
• 5.1.1.C – Identify the importance of respect for self and others.
• 5.1.1.D – Identify American symbols, holidays, and celebrations.

Grade 2 (5.1.2)

• 5.1.2.A – Identify the purpose of government.
• 5.1.2.B – Identify the importance of rules and laws.
• 5.1.2.C – Identify the importance of respect for others.
• 5.1.2.D – Identify national symbols and holidays.

Grade 3 (5.1.3)

• 5.1.3.A – Explain the purposes of government.
• 5.1.3.B – Explain why rules and laws are important.
• 5.1.3.C – Describe the principles shaping government (fairness, equality, respect).
• 5.1.3.D – Identify key ideas in significant documents (e.g., Declaration of Independence).

Grade 4 (5.1.4)

• 5.1.4.A – Understand rule of law.
• 5.1.4.B – Describe basic purposes of government at different levels.
• 5.1.4.C – Describe principles shaping local, state, and national government.
• 5.1.4.F – Identify state and national symbols and holidays.

Grade 5 (5.1.5)

• 5.1.5.A – Understand rule of law in protecting rights and the common good.
• 5.1.5.B – Describe purposes of government in community, state, and nation.
• 5.1.5.C – Describe principles shaping government (liberty, democracy, justice, equality).
• 5.1.5.F – Explain significance of state/national symbols and holidays.

5.2 Rights & Responsibilities of Citizenship (Grades K–5)

Kindergarten–Grade 2

• 5.2.K–2.A – Identify classroom and community responsibilities.
• 5.2.K–2.B – Identify qualities of good citizenship (honesty, responsibility, respect).
• 5.2.K–2.C – Identify ways citizens participate in school and community.

Grades 3–5

• 5.2.3–5.A – Identify individual rights and responsibilities.
• 5.2.3–5.B – Describe qualities of good citizenship.
• 5.2.3–5.C – Explain how citizens participate in government and community.
• 5.2.3–5.D – Describe conflict‑resolution strategies in school and community.

5.3 How Government Works (Grades K–5)

Kindergarten–Grade 2

• 5.3.K–2.A – Identify leaders in the home, school, and community.
• 5.3.K–2.B – Identify services provided by local government.
• 5.3.K–2.C – Identify positions of authority and why they exist.

Grades 3–5

• 5.3.3–5.A – Identify the role of local, state, and national government.
• 5.3.3–5.B – Identify the role of elected officials.
• 5.3.3–5.C – Describe how government provides services and solves problems.
• 5.3.3–5.D – Explain how voting and elections work.

5.4 How International Relationships Work (Grades K–5)

K–2

• 5.4.K–2.A – Identify ways communities work together.

3–5

• 5.4.3–5.A – Describe how communities cooperate to solve problems.
• 5.4.3–5.B – Identify how global connections affect daily life.