Government
American Government: Grades 8-
American Government is a seminar class. Students are expected to stay current on news events. Students will be given weekly reading or research assignments and will be expected to actively participate in class discussions.
The goals of this course are:
1. To understand the basic principles of our government as set forth in The US Constitution
2. To understand the functions, powers, and selection of the President
3. To analytically evaluate presidential candidates in order to make a more informed opinion and become actively involved in the presidential process
4. To understand the functions and powers of the US Congress and the Texas Legislature
5. To understand the function of the judicial system
6. To understand basic civil liberties and civil rights guaranteed by The Constitution
7. To make students aware that it is their responsibility, as a good citizen, to monitor their government leaders
8. To encourage students to take an active role in their government.
This course will examine, through research, analysis, and discussion, the framework of the Constitution and how it applies to the executive, judicial and legislative branches as well as private citizens.
Areas to be studied include the presidential selection process, presidential power, Executive Office of the President, structure and procedures within Congress, congressional responsibilities, the powers of Congress, the role of the media, and the role of public opinion.
There will be a special emphasis on the influence of politics and special interest
groups in policy-
This course requires: high school level reading, writing, and analytical skills and access to the Internet.
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