Class Overview

This course surveys the structure and operation of the American federal government, the state government of Georgia and American local government. Topics to be covered include the Constitution, American political culture, party and group politics, the Congress, the Presidency, and the Court.  Civic education must provide students with a foundation of core knowledge in democracy and federalism while exposing students to current issues and events. It is the goal of this course to enable students to become active participants in the political process, even prior to reaching voting age. Students must develop the capacity to make judgments, form reasoned opinions, and propose appropriate civic actions based on the resulting values of such thinking. The result of this course is enthusiastic participation in government at the local, state, and national levels. The best citizen is an informed citizen.