AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

Course Description:

The system of government in the United States is complex.  It is also an all-pervading social force which plays a meaningful part in our daily lives.  This course considers the ways in which it is organized, the ways it is controlled by the people, and the ways it functions.  By examining the basic concepts, the structure, and the people involved, the students will view their government in a less complicated way.  The emphasis in this course is in understanding the three branches of America’s government and the rights and responsibilities of American citizens in a democratic nation.

Course Outline:

Below is a brief outline of the major topics to be covered in this course:

• Foundations of Government

• The Beginnings of American Government

• The Constitution

• The Legislative Branch

• The Executive Branch--The Presidency and Vice Presidency

• The Executive Branch at Work

• The Judicial Branch

• Protecting Civil Liberties

• Citizenship and Civil Rights

• Government By the People

• Elections