Process

This course is a two-semester course for upper level high school students. Students will learn not only how local, state, and national governments are structured, but means of participating in and influencing government at each level. Throughout the course we will study the institutions, groups, beliefs and ideas that make up American politics. Special attention will be directed toward learning how to analyze primary source documents.

The U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence will be studied in detail, supplemented by parts of the Federalist Papers. There will be a special emphasis on the judicial system. Students will survey famous historical cases such as Marbury v. Madison, Dred Scott v. Sanford, Brown v. Board of Education, and Roe v. Wade, as well as important current cases and issues. This course is highly interactive. During the semester students will participate in a variety of simulations and debates, which will help them to master the material. Students need to purchase the textbook prior to the first day of class. This class is designed to prepare students to take the Clep test for government.  Students who pass the clep test can receive college credit.