US Government

Course Details

Subject

Social Studies

Approvals

UC , NCAA

Grade Levels

High School

Credits

.5

Pre–Requisites

US History recommended

Course Length

Single Semester: Courses have a maximum duration of 18 weeks per semester.

Required Materials

US Government

Understand how political systems work and how policy decisions shape the nation.

 

What students gain:

• Knowledge of U.S. government structure and processes
• Analytical skills for evaluating political issues
• Understanding of elections, policy, and civic engagement
• Critical thinking about public decision-making

Why it matters:

• Prepares students for informed citizenship
• Builds civic literacy and engagement
• Aligns to national standards

This is a strong choice for students interested in government, law, or public policy.

 

Syllabus Overview
Starting with a basic introduction to the role of government in society and the philosophies at the heart of American democracy, this course provides students with the knowledge needed to be informed and empowered participants in the U.S. political system. Through critical reading activities, feedback-rich instruction, and application-oriented assignments, students develop their capacity to conduct research, analyze sources, make arguments, and take informed action. In written assignments, students address critical questions about U.S. politics and the role of individual Americans in politics and political organizations. In discussion activities, students respond to political opinions, take a position, and defend their own claims. This course is built to state standards and informed by the College, Career, and Civil Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards and the National Standard for Civics and Government.

C3 Framework named explicitly

National Standard for Civics and Government named

Research and source analysis as named skills

Discussion activities with position-taking and claim defense described