Students will study the history of the U.S. from the early colonial period through Reconstruction. Historical content focuses on the political, economic, and social events and issues related to the colonial and revolutionary eras, the creation and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, challenges of the young Republic, westward expansion, sectionalism, Civil War, and Reconstruction. Students describe the physical characteristics of the U.S. and their impact on population distribution and settlement patterns in the past and present. Students analyze the various economic factors that influenced the development of colonial America and the early years of the Republic and identify the origins of the free enterprise system. Students examine the American beliefs and principles, including limited government, checks and balances, federalism, separation of powers, and individual rights reflected in the U.S. Constitution and other historical documents. Students evaluate the impact of Supreme Court cases and major reform movements of the nineteenth century and examine the rights and responsibilities of citizens of the U.S., as well as the importance of effective leadership in a democratic society. Students evaluate the impact of scientific discoveries and technological innovations on the development of the U.S. Students use critical-thinking skills, including identifying bias in written, oral, and visual material.