Illinois Learning Standards (ILS) State Goal 14: "Understand political systems, with an emphasis on the United States." Students who meet the standard understand "basic principles of the United States government," "the structures and functions of the political systems of Illinois, the United States, and other nations," "election processes and responsibilities of citizens," "the roles and influences of individuals and interest groups in the political systems of Illinois, the United States, and other nations," "United States foreign policy as it relates to other nations and international issues," and "the development of United States political ideas and traditions." Under the goal are 6 Learning Standards, each linked to 5 developmentally-appropriate performance standards.