Year at a Glance

Quarter 1:

Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy

The U.S. Constitution arose out of important historical and philosophical ideas, and preferences regarding popular sovereignty and limited government. Compromises were made during the Constitutional Convention and ratification debates, and these compromises have frequently been the source of conflict in the U.S. politics over proper balance between individual freedom, social order, and equality of opportunity.
Project→Tun in summer reading assignment from

Unit 2: Interactions Among Branches of Government

Since power is widely distributed and checks prevent one branch from usurping powers from the others, institutional actors are in a position where they must both compete and cooperate in order to govern.

Quarter 2:

Unit 3: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

Through the U.S. Constitution, but primarily through the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment, citizens and groups have attempted to restrict national and states governments from unduly infringing upon individual rights essential to ordered liberty and from denying equal protection under the law. Likewise, it has sometimes been argued, that these legal protections have been used to block reforms and restrict freedom of others in the name of social order.

Unit 4: American Political Ideologies and Beliefs

American political beliefs are shaped by founding ideals, core values, linkage institutions (e.g. elections, political parties, interest groups, and the medial in all its forms), and the changing demographics of citizens. These beliefs about government, politics, and the individual’s role in the political system influence the creation of public policies.

Semester Exam over Supreme Court Cases

Quarter 3:

Finish Unit 4

Take the U.S & Missouri Constitution Exams, and the Civics Exam

Unit 5: Political Participation

Governing is achieved directly through citizen participation and indirectly through institutions (e.g., political parties, interest groups, and mass media) that inform, organize, and mobilize support to influence government and politics, resulting in interaction between policy processes and other factors of the government.
Paper over Political Parties

Quarter 4:

The EOC & the AP Exam