This is our catalog of courses. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
This course will present students with an in-depth look at the foundations, institution, organization, operation, and policies of the United States’ government. Part One will focus exclusively on the American political system. In particular, students will study the language of the U.S. Constitution and the theories upon which it was founded, including federalism and the separation of powers, the organization, functions, and interdependency of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, the evolution and function of the American Party System, voting, and elections in the United States, including the campaign process and various social and economic policies.
Total classes: 12
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th
Suggested credit: 1 full semester Government
Description
This course will present students with an in-depth look at the foundations, institution, organization, operation, and policies of the United States’ government. Part One will focus exclusively on the American political system. In particular, students will study the language of the U.S. Constitution and the theories upon which it was founded, including federalism and the separation of powers, the organization, functions, and interdependency of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, the evolution and function of the American Party System, voting, and elections in the United States, including the campaign process and various social and economic policies.
This course closely follows the AP United States and Politics curriculum. Students are encouraged to take the AP or CLEP test after the completion of this two-part course.
Outline
Unit One
The purposes of government
Theories of democratic government
The first attempt at government: The Articles of Incorporation
Key constitutional underpinnings including separation of powers, checks and balances and federalism
The Anti-Federalists’ fears
Unit Two
The Executive Branch
The Legislative Branch
The Judicial Branch and Marbury v. Madison
Unit Three
Political parties and platforms
The evolution of the American Party System
The nature of modern political campaigns
What does it mean to be a citizen
The electoral process and electoral college
Different types of elections
Roles that party organizations, PACs and money play in campaigns
Unit Four
The Policy-Making Process
Social Welfare Policy
Materials and Homework
Course Materials: All materials provided free. Students will be reading the United States Constitution and other foundational documents, portions of the Federalist Papers, landmark Supreme Court cases, and other relevant materials provided by the instructor.
Homework: Expect to spend roughly two hours a week outside of class reading the assigned weekly course materials, completing automated quizzes (for immediate feedback), and writing an occasional essay. There will be a final exam at the end of the semester.
