This course introduces students to the constitutional foundations and governing institutions of the federal government. Throughout the course, students address common political themes, such as the nature and scope of governance, democracy, and patterns of political behavior.
Introduction to American National Government/The Constitution
- Describe the methods of changing the Constitution.
- Identify the important policies and processes of American government.
- Explain the importance of participation to democracy.
- Identify the core principles of the Constitution.
- Explain how the ratification debate structured the nature of our democracy.
Civil Liberties and Rights/The Courts
- Describe civil liberties found in the Bill of Rights.
- Identify the struggles of diverse people toward achieving their civil rights.
- Explain the importance of the United States Supreme Court.
- Identify the powers and limits of the court system.
- Describe the structure of the federal court system.
- Identify the influence of public policies on civil liberties and civil rights.
Congress/The Presidency
- Explain the structure and organization of Congress.
- Describe the role of Congress in the American political system.
- Summarize the various roles of the president.
- Describe the evolution of presidential power.
- Explain how a bill becomes a law.
The Federal Bureaucracy/Public Policy
- Describe the influence of the federal bureaucracy on the American political system.
- Summarize the role of the federal bureaucracy on creating and implementing regulations.
- Compare the three main types of public policy.
- Describe how the political process affects public policy.
Political Participation and Elections
- Summarize factors that affect elections.
- Explain how the Electoral College frames presidential elections.
- Identify the roles of the American citizen in the political system.
