Lesson 1.1 – Ideals of Democracy

What makes a government legitimate? In this lesson, we explore foundational political ideals that influenced the Constitution.

Lesson 1.2 – Types of Democracy

How should power be distributed in a government? In this lesson, we examine different models of democracy—participatory, pluralist, and elite—and explore how each shapes political decision-making in the United States.

Lesson 1.3 – Government Power and Individual Rights

How do we balance liberty and security? In this lesson, we analyze the debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists over the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and how those arguments still echo today.

Lesson 1.4 – Challenges of the Articles of Confederation

Why didn’t our first government last? In this lesson, we investigate the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and how those problems led to the drafting of the Constitution.

Lesson 1.5 – Ratification of the U.S. Constitution

How did the Constitution win approval? In this lesson, we look at the ratification process, the compromises made to secure support, and the promises that shaped the new government.

Lesson 1.6 – Principles of the U.S. Constitution

What keeps government power in check? In this lesson, we explore separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, and other constitutional principles that define the U.S. political system.

Lesson 1.7 – Federalism 

The Relationship Between States and the Federal Government 

Who really holds the power—states or the federal government? In this lesson, we explore how the Constitution divides and shares power between levels of government, and how that balance has shifted over time.

Lesson 1.8 – Changing Federalism 

Federalism in Action

How should federalism work in practice? In this lesson, we study landmark Supreme Court cases and competing views of the Constitution that define the powers of state and federal governments.

Lesson 1.9 – Federalism in Action

How does federalism affect daily life? In this lesson, we examine real-world policy areas where state and federal powers intersect, conflict, or cooperate—and what that means for citizens.

Unit 1 Review 

In this review, we revisit core principles like natural rights, popular sovereignty, and the social contract—then test how they hold up through debates over representation, federal power, and competing theories of democracy.