Civics & Government
11th - 12th grade

This is a one semester class. Students learn how power and responsibility are shared and limited by government, the place of law in the American constitutional system, and which rights the American government guarantees its citizens. Students also examine how the world is organized politically and how civic participation in the American political system compares to that in other societies around the world today.

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Unit 1: Civic Life, Politics, and Government
Students are introduced to the concepts of government, politics, and civic life. They examine why government and politics are necessary, and what purposes government should serve. They learn the essential characteristics of limited and unlimited government, the nature and purposes of constitutions, and alternative ways of organizing constitutional governments.
 
Unit 2: The Foundations of the American Political System, Part 1 
Students learn about the American idea of constitutional government, the ideals behind the Declaration of Independence, the purpose of the Articles of Confederation, and the creation of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
 
Unit 3: The Foundations of the American Political System, Part 2 
Students learn how power and responsibility are distributed, shared, and limited by the U.S. Constitution. They also learn the organization and responsibilities of national government and the system of checks and balances that limits power. They examine the place of law in the American constitutional system and learn about the amendments to the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights.
 
Unit 4: State Government 
Students learn about the division of powers of the state government, state constitutions, the organization and responsibilities of the state legislature, the responsibilities of state officials, and the role of the state courts. Students also examine local and county governments.
 
Unit 5: City Government 
Students learn about different forms of city government. They also examine how and why the local, state, and federal governments work together.
 
Unit 6: Political Parties 
Students learn the history and advantages of America’s two political parties, examining their organization, committees, and finances. They also learn about primary and general elections as well as the history of voting and voting rights.
 
REQUIRED:

1. 5 “POLITICAL HOURS” in campaigning OR in teacher-approved, politically-related activities, such as attending city council or board of supervisors meetings, participating in political rallies, or outside educational/training events. For those satisfying this requirement by campaigning: Students can work for any candidate of any political party. Working in campaigns is a very valuable experience!

2. Give one five to seven minute oral presentation on a major political issue, social issue, or the life of a founding father.

3. Compose one letter to a federal legislator or state legislator in regards to an issue.

4. Compose and send one email to a federal legislator or state legislator in regards to an issue.

5. Make one phone call to a federal legislator’s office or a state legislator’s office regarding a bill or an issue.

6. Memorize the preamble to the Constitution, the summaries of the articles of the Constitution, and summaries of the amendments to the Constitution.

7. Memorize the names of their mayors, legislators, Supreme Court Justices, and other key political figures, as well as basic political facts. Students will be repeatedly quizzed on these names and facts throughout the semester.

9. Complete online research on designated issues.

10. Additional short assignments given by the teacher.