In US Government, instructional time should focus on four critical areas: (1) designing, analyzing and applying a financial plan based on short and long-term financial goals; (2) analyzing strategic spending, saving, and investment options to achieve the objectives of diversification, liquidity, income, and growth (PFL); (3) researching, formulating positions, and engaging in appropriate civic participation to address local, state, or national issues or policies; and (4) describing purposes, origins, structures and limitations of government and (5) analyzing how public policy – domestic and foreign – is developed at all levels. These concepts and associated skills are aligned with the Colorado Academic Standards for social studies, incorporating 21st Century skills and post-secondary and workforce readiness competencies.