Academics at Champion

U.S. GOVERNMENT
(1 semester - 5 credits - grade 12)

PURPOSE:
To provide the students with a basic understanding of the development of the government of the
United States. To equip students with the means necessary to participate in that government.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Students will be able to:
1.  Explain how a bill becomes a law.
2.  List the three branches of the National Government and the function of each.
3.  Discuss Federalism.
4.  Explain checks and balances within the National government and give examples.
5.  Explain the function of a political party.
6.  Define Gerrymandering and Reapportionment.
7.  Explain the powers of Congress.
8.  Summarize the three ways that Governments are classified.
9.  Explain the basic concepts of democracy.
10.  Explain the powers of the President.
11.  Discuss the 25th Amendment.
12.  Explain Unicameral and Bicameralism.
13.  Explain how stocks and bonds are used to finance businesses.
14.  Explain the Electoral College System.
15.  Explain the need and importance of voting and leadership in our National, State, and Local Governments.
16.  Define Bureaucracy.
17.  Contrast political parties and interest groups.
18.  Identify the types of propaganda and the uses.
19.  Discuss the President’s roles.
20.  Explain the purpose of the Bill of Rights.
21.  Explain the purpose of the 14th Amendment.
22.  Demonstrate the ability to plan ahead and budget their time.
23.  Describe the Truman Doctrine and the Reagan Doctrine.
24.  Explain the difference between civil liberties and civil rights.
25.  Identify and explain the five basic principles contained in the Constitution.
26.  Outline the three major compromises of the constitutional Convention.
27.  Describe the four basic goals of American foreign policy.
28.  Explain the process of Impeachment.
29.  Demonstrate writing skills by writing a report on an issue that can be discussed with arguments for and against.
30.  Demonstrate the ability to answer questions by solving problems, judging information, and drawing conclusions.

MAJOR ACTIVITIES:

1.  Class discussions
2.  Read textbook
3.  Reports
4.  Read and report on news items
5.  Complete tax forms

MAJOR RESOURCE MATERIALS:
1.  Selected text
2.  Library materials
3.  Newspapers
4.  Videos

MEANS OF’ STUDENT EVALUATION:
1.  Written course work
2.  Quizzes and Tests
3.  Reports
4.  Participation