Course Description

How the American people govern themselves at national, state and local levels of government is the basis for this course (ODE). Students will be provided an in-depth study of the American Government system based on the Ohio Department of Education Learning Standards. Students will study the historical roots of the American federal system, how the system has changed over time, and how it compares to other forms of government. Students will also study the institutions of the US Government including: the Presidency, Congress, and the Supreme Court. They will develop an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Other integral course concepts include: political parties, voting, interest groups, and the impact of the media on government. These topics and more will be explored in a student-centered, blended learning classroom setting.

Students will be expected to work efficiently and cooperatively in both small groups and independently in order to gain the needed knowledge and to complete a number of different activities. Students will also be expected to respectfully participate in small and whole group discussions, along with the completion of research based projects. There will be a large emphasis on reading and writing, critical thinking, and technology skills in nearly every lesson.