Students in eighth grade social studies conduct a focused, in-depth investigation of the structures and functions of America’s government and economic systems.  Students explore the characteristics of government at the federal, state, and local levels, including an analysis of historical roots, citizens’ rights and responsibilities, the process of political decision-making, and aspects of the courts and legal systems. Students also study essentials of economics, highlighted by a comparative investigation of various economic systems, classic economic principles, how the U.S. economy works, and the relationship of government to the economy. This course is based on Standards of Learning from the Virginia Department of Education and prepares students for an SOL test on Civics and Economics.