Course Description

U.S. Government is the study of the historical backgrounds, governing principles, and institutions of the government of the United States. The focus is on the principles and beliefs upon which the United States was founded and on the structure, functions, and powers of government at the national, state, and local levels. The principles of popular sovereignty, separation of powers, checks and balances, republicanism, federalism, and individual rights will be examined as will the roles of individuals and groups in the American political system. Students will compare the American system of government with other modern systems and assess the strengths and problems associated with the American system.

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Course Objectives

After completing this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the fundamental principles and moral values of American democracy as expressed in the U.S. Constitution and other essential documents of American democracy.
• Formulate and defend positions on the scope and limits of rights and obligations ad democratic citizens, the relationships among them, and how they are secured.
• Formulate and defend positions on what the fundamental values and principles of civil society are including the autonomous sphere of voluntary personal, social, and economic relations that are not part of government, their interdependence, and the meaning and importance of those values and principles for a free society.
• Compare and contrast the unique roles and responsibilities of the three branches of government established by the U.S. Constitution.
• Examine landmark U.S. Supreme Court interpretations of the Constitution and its amendments.
• Evaluate issues regarding campaigns for national, state, and local elective offices.
• Analyze and compare the powers and procedures of national, state, tribal, and local governments.
• Formulate and defend positions on the influence of the media on American political life.
• Analyze the origins, characteristics, and development of different political systems across time, with emphasis on the quest for political democracy, its advances, and its obstacles.
• Analyze the influence of the federal government on the American economy.
• Analyze current events, formulate questions and discuss the impact and implications on their daily lives and futures.

DoDEA U.S. Government and Politics Standards may be viewed by clicking the link.

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Course Outline:

I. Introduction to Government & Politics

II. Roots of the American Constitution

III. Principles of American Government

IV. Institutions of Government

a. Congress

b. Presidency & Executive Branch

c. Judiciary

V. Civil Rights and Liberties

VI. Participation in a Democracy

a. Elections &Voting

b. Political Parties

VII. Economics and American Government

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Textbook

Magruder's American Government, 2008: Pearson-Prentice Hall;

Student Text ISBN 0-13-0365331-5

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