American Government

Course Overview

Unit 1—Basic Principles of American Government

• Chapters 1-2—Defining Government in America

1.       Role of Government

2.      Foundations of American Government

3.      Writing the Constitution

• Chapter 3—The US Constitution

1.       Basic Principles

2.      Amendment Process

3.      Flexibility

• Chapter 4—Federalism

1.       Separation of Powers

2.      Federalism in Practice

• Chapters 20-21—State & Local Government

1.       Governing the States

2.      Governing America ’s Communities

Unit 2—Branches of American Government

• Chapters 5-6—The Congress

1.       Duties and Powers

2.      Organization and the Legislative Process

• Chapters 7-10—The Presidency

1.       Duties and Powers

2.      The Executive Branch

3.      Policy at Home and Abroad

• Chapters 11-12—The Courts

1.       The Court System

2.      Landmark Cases and the Legal System

Unit 3—American Political Process

• Chapters 16-17—Public Influence on Government

1.       Public Opinion

2.      Interest Groups

• Chapters 18-19—Politics and Elections

1.       Roles and Activities of Political Parties

2.      The Electoral Process

Unit 4—Rights & Responsibilities

• Chapter 13—Freedoms in America

1.       The Bill of Rights

2.      Fundamental Freedoms

• Chapter 14-15—Protecting Rights & Freedoms

1.       Assuring Individual Rights

2.      Protecting Civil Rights