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Government Courses

US Government
Teacher: TBD

Learners strive to understand the institutions of American government. Learners compare modern government systems and explore the dynamic origins and developments of founding US principles and documents. Learners examine the US Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the current system and functions of the US government. Emphasizing the relationship among local, state and federal government, while disseminating and explicating important historical documents and events. The function of the course is to promote civic literacy as students prepare to vote, participate in community activities, and assume the roles of responsible US citizens.

Learners will explain the fundamental principles and moral values of American democracy as expressed in the U.S. Constitution and other essential documents of the US. Learners will describe the systems of separated and shared powers.  Learners will understand that the Bill of Rights limits the powers of the federal government and state governments. Learners will discuss the individual’s legal obligations to obey the law, serve as a juror, and pay taxes. Learners will explain how one becomes a citizen of the United States, including the process of naturalization. Learners will analyze the unique roles and responsibilities of the three branches of government as established by the U.S. Constitution. Learners will discuss eligibility for office and lengths of terms of representatives and senators; election to office; the roles of the House and Senate in impeachment proceedings; the role of the vice president; the enumerated legislative powers; and the process by which a bill becomes a law. Learners will discuss the Constitution as it relates to the executive branch, judicial power. Explain the process through which the Constitution can be amended. Learners will identify their current representatives in the legislative branch of the national government. Learners will summarize landmark U.S. Supreme Court interpretations of the Constitution and its amendments. Learners will understand the changing interpretations of the Bill of Rights over time, including interpretations of the basic freedoms articulated in the First Amendment and the due process. Learners will evaluate issues regarding campaigns for national, state, and local elective offices. Evaluate the roles of polls, campaign advertising, and the controversies over campaign funding.  Learners will describe the means that citizens use to participate in the political process. Learners will analyze the election process and the function of the Electoral College. Learners will understand the scope of presidential power and decision-making.  Learners will evaluate and take and defend positions on the influence of the media on American political life. Learners formulate questions about and defend their analyses of tensions within our constitutional democracy and the importance of maintaining a balance between the following concepts: majority rule and individual rights; liberty and equality; state and national authority in a federal system; civil disobedience and the rule of law; freedom of the press and the right to a fair trial; the relationship of religion and government.

Learners will trace the rise of the U.S. to its role as a world power. Learners will evaluate the major political, social, economic, technological, and cultural developments of the US, during the industrial revolution.  Learners will evaluate the issues and conflicts that occurred during these periods, in order to determine whether or not these solutions were beneficial to the US.

(UC a-g credit )