Texas TEKS 7.16

7.16 is a TEKS knowledge and skills statement. These are the student expectations under it.

• 7.16.A

  identify different points of view of political parties and interest groups on important Texas issues, past and present

• 7.16.B

  describe the importance of free speech and press in a democratic society.

01

What Students Need to Do

Students compare how political parties and interest groups view major Texas issues from different time periods. They identify each group’s position, goals, reasons, and evidence. They explain how open debate and independent reporting help Texans make informed decisions.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

Students can read short sources, identify the speaker, and accurately summarize each viewpoint without inserting their own opinion. They can compare positions and explain how free speech and a free press support public debate and government accountability.

03

Common Misconceptions

Students may assume political parties and interest groups serve the same purpose. They may confuse a viewpoint with a proven fact or assume every group member agrees. Some think free speech prevents criticism or that a free press must remain neutral on every issue.

04

How to Assess It

Give a party platform excerpt and an interest group statement about Texas water policy. Ask students to name each viewpoint, compare them, and explain how free speech and press help Texans judge the issue.

1. 01

   Give pairs source cards from Texas party platforms and advocacy groups, then have them sort cards by issue, position, and supporting reason.

2. 02

   Ask, "Should a newspaper publish an unpopular view?" Students write a claim, cite a democratic benefit, and answer one counterargument.

3. 03

   Run a viewpoint match game where teams pair anonymous statements with a party or interest group and justify each match with wording.

4. 04

   Compare a Texas news report and editorial on the same issue, then mark facts, opinions, and voices included or missing.

• 8.21

  Citizenship. The student understands the importance of the expression of different points of view in a constitutional republic. The student is expected to:

• 7.17

  Citizenship. The student understands the importance of effective leadership in a democratic society. The student is expected to:

• 4.15

  Citizenship. The student understands the importance of active individual participation in the democratic process. The student is expected to:

• 5.17

  Citizenship. The student understands the importance of individual participation in the democratic process at the local, state, and national levels. The student ...