High School Honors U.S. Government Online

Description:

This course provides students with a practical understanding of the principles and procedures of government. The course begins by establishing the origins and founding principles of the American government. After a rigorous review of the Constitution and its Amendments, students investigate the development and extension of civil rights and liberties. Lessons also introduce influential Supreme Court decisions to demonstrate the impact and importance of constitutional rights. The course builds on this foundation by guiding students through the function of government today and the role of citizens in the civic process and culminates in an examination of public policy and the roles of citizens and organizations in promoting policy approaches.

Textbook: United States Government – © Excel Education Systems, Inc. - 2020

Course objectives:

• Investigate the founding principles that guided the establishment of the U.S. government.
• Analyze the civil rights and liberties that are granted to United States citizens.
• Understand the structures and procedures of local, state, and federal governments.
• Discover how you can participate in government by voting, running for office, meeting civic obligations, and petitioning your representatives.

Contents:

Semester A
Module 1: Political Theory/U.S. Constitution
America’s Foundation
The Founding Fathers
The Federalist Papers

Module 2: The Constitution
Limiting the Role of Government
Amending the Constitution
Freedoms Guaranteed by Bill of Rights

Module 3: The Federalist System
Checks and Balances
Federalism
Limits on National and State Governments

Semester B

Module 4: Three Branches of Government
Structure/Functions of the Branches
Presidential Election Procedures
Court Cases and Guaranteed Rights

Module 5: Governmental Policies
Fiscal and Regulatory Policies
Government and Free Enterprise
Policies and their Effects

Module 6: The Political Process
Voting and Public Office
Political Parties/Electoral Process
Rights and Obligations of Citizens

Grade Weighting
Unit Quizzes.................................40%
Writing Assignments..................30%
Mid-Term/Final Exams................30%
Total..................................................100%

Grading Scale
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F = under 59%