United States Government

Responsible citizenship, including civil and political participation is essential to maintain a representative government that truly represents the people of the United States. In this course, students learn about the structure of government and how it shares power at the local, state and federal levels. This course also explores founding principles that inspired the Constitution and Bill of Rights, preserving the freedoms that students experience daily. Students will examine the processes of each branch of government, the election process, and how citizens can impact public policy. The media, interest groups and influential citizens provide examples of how the government can be effected by informed and active participants. Students will examine the U.S. Court system, and become a part of the process by participating in the judicial decision making process. They will also discover ways the United States interacts with countries around the world, through domestic policy, foreign policy and human rights policy. Completion of this course will allow you to act as an informed citizen who is ready to participate in the American democracy!

Major Concepts:

Getting Started

• Getting Started
• Navigation
• Lessons & Assessments

What Is Citizenship?

• Citizenship Introduction
• Natural Rights
• What Is Citizenship?
• Citizens in Action
• Service Project
• Citizenship Review

Foundations

• Foundations Introduction
• Revolutionary Ideas
• The US Constitution and Your State
• The Anti-Federalists
• Federalism
• The Bill of Rights
• Foundations Review
• Foundations Module Exam

Policy and Elections

• Policy and Elections Introduction
• The Legislative Branch
• Public Policy
• The Executive Branch
• Influencing Policy
• Media and Politics
• Elections and Voting
• Policy and Elections Review
• Policy and Elections Module Exam

The Courts and Civil Liberties

• Courts and Civil Liberties Introduction
• The Judicial Branch
• Judicial Review
• The Decision
• Civil Rights
• Comparing Governments
• Foreign Policy
• Courts and Civil Liberties Review
• Courts and Civil Liberties Module Exam
• U.S. Government Final Exam