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 is an introduction to the American government. It will explore the history leading up to the U.S. Constitution and American core beliefs. A close look at the U.S. Constitution will be undertaken including Articles I, II and III as well as the 10th, 12th and 22nd Amendments. Students will become familiar with the concepts of separation of powers, checks and balances, popular sovereignty, and federalism. Federalist Paper No. 10, McCulloch v. Maryland and Marbury v. Madison will also be introduced.
Total classes: 11
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th
Suggested credit: One full semester Civics, American Government, or Social Studies
Description
This course is an introduction to the American government. It will explore the history leading up to the U.S. Constitution and American core beliefs. A close look at the U.S. Constitution will be undertaken including Articles I, II and III as well as the 10th, 12th and 22nd Amendments. Students will become familiar with the concepts of separation of powers, checks and balances, popular sovereignty, and federalism. Federalist Paper No. 10, McCulloch v. Maryland and Marbury v. Madison will also be introduced.
Outline
Week One: Constitutional Ideals
Week Two: Federalism
Weeks Three and Four: The Legislative Branch
Weeks Five and Six: The Executive Branch
Weeks Seven and Eight: The Judicial Branch
Week Nine: Political Parties
Week Ten: Review
Materials and Homework
Course Materials: All materials will be provided free by the instructor.
Homework: Homework will include weekly questions and answers. Also, some videos will be assigned. Homework should take a student one to two hours a week to complete. There will also be a final project, which the students will share with other students on Week 11.
