First Quarter
Chapter #1 Introducing Government in America
What are the purposes of government?
What principles guide different types of government?
Topics of Focus:
-Principles, Functions and the Traditional Theory of Democracy
-Pluralism, Hyperpluralism and Elitism
-Public Policy
-Political Participation Through (however not limited to) Voting
-Sovereignty
-Institutions and Linkage Institutions
-Political Engagement Differences Between Young and Old
Chapter #2 The Constitution
What influenced the development of our government institutions?
Why and how did the colonists declare independence?
How does the United States Constitution structure government and divide power between the national and state governments?
Why and how has the U.S. Constitution been amended and interpreted throughout our history?
-Topics of Focus:
-The Constitutional Convention including the New Jersey Plan, the Virginia Plan and the Connecticut Compromise
-The Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
-The Madisonian Model and Avoidance of Majority Tyranny
-John Locke and Natural Rights
-Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists
-Participatory Democracy vs. Pluralism vs. Elitism
-The Bill of Rights and Subsequent Amendments
Chapter #3 Federalism
Why and how is power divided and shared among national, state, and local governments?
How does federalism promote democracy and civic participation?
Chapter #12 Congress
What is the structure and organization of Congress?
How have the powers of Congress changed over time?
How does the separation of powers influence the work of Congress?
How does a bill become a law?
How does the government raise and allocate money?
What factors influence congressional decision making?
Chapter #13 The Presidency
What are the powers and roles of the president?
How have the powers and roles of the president changed over time?
What are the key components of presidential leadership?
What are the structure and function of the executive branch?