Expected Outcome:
The purpose of a civics course is threefold. First, you will come to understand the foundations and principles upon which the United States was built and continues to thrive. Secondly, you will learn to examine and critique the positive and negative aspects of our government and life in general, so that you may, thirdly, contribute to the development and betterment of American society. Civics is your life because you participate in aspects of this course everyday. From attending a public school to driving on state highways, all connect to what we will examine throughout the year.
Course Description:
The course will center on a core theme-the tensions of democracy. As we move through the units, we will continually be examining the conflicts inherent in democracy and the ways in which our political and social systems are designed to respond to and remedy them. Prior to every unit, you will receive a unit outline that provides a schedule of due dates, homework, notable assignments, and required reading.
Course Objectives:
Students will:
- Gain an understanding of the philosophical and historical bases of American democracy.
- Recognize the role of citizens in a democracy and various avenues of participation within the American system of government.
- Improve their abilities to write and speak persuasively.
- Develop a critical eye from which to examine propaganda, current events, and personal opinion.
- Gain applicable political, economic, and geographical skills and knowledge.
- Work effectively with others to produce products and solve problems.
- Effectively use analytical skills of evaluation, cause and effect, compare and contrast.
Major Content Topics
- Foundations of Government
- Origins of Government
- Principles of Government
- Forms of Government
- Concepts of Democracy
- Constitution
- Rights and Responsibilities
- Fundamental Freedoms
- Individual and Civil Rights
- Civic Responsibilities
- US Political Systems
- Electoral Process
- Political Parties and Interest Groups
- Mass Media
- Voter Behavior
- Legislative Branch
- Congress
- Powers of Congress
- Congress in Action
- Executive Branch
- 8 Roles of Presidency
- Bureaucracy
- Economic Policy
- Foreign Policy and Defense
- Judicial Branch
- Federal Court System
- US Legal System
- Civil Liberties
- Economics
- Comparative Economic Systems
- Macroeconomics
- Microeconomics
- Trade and Investment
- Geography
- Five Themes
- Physical Geography
- Global Citizenship
- Current Issues
Resources
The required primary text for this class is Prentice Hall Magruder’s American Government, 2007 Edition. However, in order to be successful for this class you will need supplementary materials such as a binder, a notebook, and pens or pencils. Please see the Class Information page for more detailed information about required materials.
