The Government Studies requirement may be met with successful completion of either of the following courses. The courses below address the Government Studies competencies.
This course is designed for learners capable of college level work, follows the description put forward by the College Board, and prepares them to take the Advanced Placement exam. In Advanced Placement (AP) United States Government & Politics, learners become knowledgeable about the political structure and function of the government, U.S. political process, issues confronting Americans, and the responsibilities of being active participants in a democratic republic. A summer reading list or assignment may be required prior to the course. The class follows the advanced placement course description, and uses appropriate materials as set forth by the College Board. The AP exam is strongly encouraged.
The learner will have the opportunity to delve deeply into the political process of specific public policies and the economic impact of those decisions. The learner will have the option of selecting a strand of interest for the semester and, through that specific lens, they will analyze specific political processes. Some suggested strands for inquiry include, but are not limited to, issues centered around health, law enforcement and criminal justice, education, environment and natural resources, arts and communication, hunger and malnutrition, disease, trade, migration, and terrorism.
In United States Government and Civics, learners become knowledgeable about the founding documents and philosophies that are the foundation of our representative democracy. Learners will examine the political structure and function of the government, United States political processes, issues confronting Americans, and the responsibilities of being an active participant in a representative democracy. They will also learn to identify the influence of media on our political system and public opinion.
United States Legal System examines the legal system that is a part of American representative democracy process. It is designed to answer such questions as:
What is law?
What is its social function?
How does law work?
What is the political structure of government?
What is the function of the government?
United States Legal Systems covers topics such as statutes, common law principles, court decisions, and regulatory and constitutional laws dealing with public issues such as education, pollution, highway safety, poverty, civil rights and problems directly concerning youth. The course provides practical information and problem-solving opportunities that develop the knowledge and skills needed to survive in a law-saturated society.