(1) The benchmark for social studies content standard 2 for a student at the end of grade 8 is the ability to:

(a) describe the purpose of government and how the powers of government are acquired, maintained and used;

(b) identify and describe basic features of the political system in the United States and identify representative leaders from various levels (e.g., local, state, tribal, federal, branches of government) ;

(c) identify the significance of tribal sovereignty and Montana tribal governments' relationships to local, state, and federal governments;

(d) analyze and explain governmental mechanisms used to meet the needs of citizens, manage conflict, and establish order and security;

(e) identify and explain the basic principles of democracy (e.g., Bill of Rights, individual rights, common good, equal opportunity, equal protection of the laws, majority rule) ;

(f) explain conditions, actions, and motivations that contribute to conflict and cooperation within and among groups and nations (e.g., discrimination, peer interaction, trade agreements) ; and

(g) explain the need for laws and policies governing technology and explore solutions to problems that arise from technological advancements.