Principles of American Democracy

2703 CA

This semester-long course discusses types of governments, focusing on the American form of government. Throughout the course, students will learn about a variety of topics. Topics in this course include:

• International governments
• Philosophers that influenced the development of government
• A history of government types
• The rise of democracy
• The structure and organization of the United States government
• The importance of the U.S Constitution
• The three branches of government
• How bills become law
• American political parties
• Voting and elections
• Citizenship and civic responsibilities

After completing the course, students should be able to answer a variety of questions relating to government and demonstrate a number of social studies skills.

OBJECTIVES

• Understand the history of government
• Answer the question "What is the American form of government?"
• Identify American values associated with the American form of government
• Recognize the importance of the American Founding Fathers
• Identify unalienable rights
• Understand the importance of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights
• Identify the importance of checks and balances
• Understand how candidates are nominated and elected to public office
• Understand the importance of voting and civic responsibility
• Use social studies terminology appropriately
• Transform information from one form to another
• Demonstrate good writing skills