American Government A

Course Description

This course introduces students to the American political system. The course examines the structure and operation of the institutions of the U.S. federal government; deepens students' awareness of the role of citizens, interest groups, political parties, and politicians within the American political system; builds an understanding of the role of politics and strategy in the operation of government; and understand how they impact the processes that occur within the system. Further, the course explores and instills a sense of civic duty and citizen participation. It will examine the structure and operation of the institutions of the U.S. federal government; deepen students' awareness of the role of citizens, interest groups, political parties, and politicians within the American political system; build an understanding of the role of politics and strategy in the operation of government; and understand how they impact the processes that occur within the system. Further, the course explores and instills a sense of civic duty and citizen participation.

Constitution and Federalism

Learn this: I will learn the background of the US Constitution, why it is structured the way it is and how and why it creates Federalism.

Do this: I will create a project that shows that I know:

the role of the Magna Carta, Declaration of Independence, and Articles of Confederation in the development of the US. Constitution.
how the US Constitution created federalism.
how federalism works and how it gives more voice to the American citizen.

Grow from: I will respond to teacher feedback.

Public Opinion and Media

Learn this: I will learn that public opinion influences public policy:

Do this: I will create a project that shows that I know:

What is public opinion and why is public opinion important?
How media is used to shape public opinion.
Whether the government should be used to regulate media and control what media is able to put out?

Grow from: I will respond to teacher feedback.

Elections and Political Parties

Learn this: I will learn how elections are run in the United States

Do this: I will create a project that shows that I know about:

the background of political parties in the United States beginning with the Federalists and Anti-Federalists.
the role of political parties in today's political environment.
when and how elections are run and conducted.

Grow from: I will respond to teacher feedback.

Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

Learn this: I will learn how the development of rights and liberties have changed my life.

Do this: I will create a project that shows that I know:

the difference between a civil right and civil liberty.
how our civil liberties developed.
how our civil rights being developed.
how have the development of our civil rights and civil liberties affected society and limited government.

Grow from: I will respond to teacher feedback.

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