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.
Learn the fundamentals of our American Democratic Republic. Get a detailed study of our founding documents, learn the functionality of our government, and what it means in today’s world. (This course fulfills many states’ high school government education requirements!)
Total classes: 12
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th
Suggested credit: 1 full semester American Government. For a full year, follow in the spring semester with Political Philosophies & Systems (8 weeks) and Supreme Court Landmark Cases (6 weeks)
Description
This course covers the fundamentals of our American democratic republic, has a detailed study of our founding documents and explores the function of our government. Landmark cases will be discussed and the concepts taught in this course will be linked to current events.
Outline
Class 1 – Nation’s Ideals of Limited Government, Natural Rights, Popular Sovereignty and Social Contract; The Declaration of Independence
Class 2 – The Articles of Confederation, the Constitutional Compromises and Federalist Papers 10, 51, 70 and Brutus No. 1
Class 3 – The Legislative Branch. Article I (trustee, delegate politico)
Class 4 – The Legislative Branch (cont’d), Article I
Class 5 – The Executive Branch and the Formal and Informal Powers of the President, Article II
Class 6 – The Judicial Branch, Article III and Marbury v. Madison
Class 7 – The Bill of Rights (including landmark cases)
Class 8 – The Bill of Rights (including landmark cases), cont’d.
Class 9 – The Civil Rights Amendments
Class 10 – Linkage Institutions (parties, interest groups, elections and media)
Class 11 – Roe v. Wade
Class 12 – Review
Materials and Homework
Course Materials: Free online and printable resources provided by the instructor.
Homework: Reading, quizzes, essay questions, and online research. Expect 1 to 3 hours each week on homework, which is graded by the instructor.
