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.

Your Learning Goal: I will understand how the U.S. Constitution established federalism and how that system shapes the distribution of power and the role of citizens in government today so that I can better understand how power is shared in our government and how I can participate effectively as a citizen.

Do this: I will: 

• Explain how the Constitution created a federal system by dividing power between national and state governments.

• Evaluate how historical documents (like the Magna Carta, Declaration of Independence, and Articles of Confederation) and enlightenment thinkers’ (Rousseau, Voltaire, Montesquieu) influenced the Constitution's design.

• Analyze how federalism affects real-world issues and decisions that impact citizens at different levels of government.

• Apply my understanding of the creation of the US Constitution to solve one of the two provided scenarios.

Grow from: I will respond to teacher feedback.

Your Learning Goal: I will understand how U.S. elections function and how political parties shape voter behavior, government policies, and democratic participation—both historically and in today’s society—so that I can make informed decisions and evaluate systems of power.

Do this: I will: 

• Explain how the U.S. election process works, including how candidates are nominated, how votes are cast and counted, and how winners are determined at different levels of government.

• Compare the origins, values, and impacts of historical political parties (e.g., Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists) with those of today’s major parties.

• Evaluate the influence of political parties on modern elections, including how they affect voter behavior, campaign strategies, and policy outcomes.

• Apply my understanding of elections and political parties to analyze a recent local or national election, explaining how party dynamics and the election system shaped the outcome.

Grow from: I will respond to teacher feedback.

Your Learning Goal: I will understand the relationship between civil rights and civil liberties, how they are protected, challenged, and interpreted across different levels of government, and how they shape American society, so that I can recognize how these rights affect my daily life and stand up for my freedoms and issues that impact my community and peers.

Do this: I will: 

• Explain the difference between civil rights and civil liberties, and identify examples of each from U.S. history and today.

• Analyze how civil rights and civil liberties impact individuals and the government, using real-life examples.

• Evaluate how the federal, state, and local governments protect or challenge civil rights and liberties through laws, policies, and court decisions.

• Apply my understanding to analyze a current or historical conflict involving civil rights or civil liberties, explaining how it reflects broader issues of justice, equity, and government authority.

Grow from: I will respond to teacher feedback.