Course Outline
Unit 1 - Foundations of American GovernmentI. Principles of Government A. Government defined – origins and why we have governments B. Forms of government – confederate, unitary, and federal C. Basic concepts of democracy |
| II. Origins of American Government A. Political beginnings B. Examination of the Declaration of Independence C. Need for change – Sharps’ Rebellion D. Writing the Constitution E. Ratifying the Constitution F. The beginning of political parties |
| III. The Constitution A. Six basic principles B. How to formally amend the Constitution C. Informal amendments |
| IV. Federalism A. Federalism – the division of power B. Necessary and Proper Clause C. Full Faith and Credit Clause |
Unit 2 - Political BehaviorV. Political Parties A. Parties and why have them? B. Why a two-party system? C. Eras of party domination D. Major differences between the parties |
| VI. Voters and Voter Behavior A. History of voter qualifications B. Voter qualifications today C. Suffrage and Civil Rights D. Who votes and who doesn’t |
| VII. Mass Media and Public Opinion A. What is public opinion and how is it formed? B. How is public opinion measured? C. The role of the mass media |
| VIII. Interest Groups A. What are interest groups? B. Types of interest groups C. How do interest groups influence the government? |
Unit 3 - The Legislative BranchIX. The Legislative Branch A. The House of Representatives B. The Senate C. Immunities of members of Congress |
| X. Powers of Congress A. Expressed Powers of Congress B. Inherent Powers of Congress C. Implied Powers of Congress D. Nonlegislative Powers |
| XI. Congress in Action A. How Congress is organized B. Committees in Congress C. How a bill becomes law D. Different types of bills E. Why so few bills become law |
Unit 4 - Executive BranchXII. Executive Branch A. Roles of the President B. Presidential succession and the vice presidency C. The Electoral College D. Problems with the Electoral College E. What’s good with the Electoral College? F. Reforming the Electoral College |
| XIII. The Presidency in Action A. The growth of Executive Power B. Executive Powers C. Diplomatic and military powers D. Legislative Powers E. Judicial Powers |
Unit 5 - The Judicial BranchXIV. The Federal Court System A. Jurisdiction – original , appellate, concurrent B. The Supreme Court C. How the Court shapes national policy D. Limitations on the Court |
| XV. Civil Liberties – The First Amendment Freedoms A. Freedom of religion B. Freedom of speech and press C. Freedom of assembly and petition |
| XVI. Civil Liberties – Protecting Individual Rights A. Freedom and security of the person B. Rights of the accused C. Punishment |