Introduction to American Government

$275.00

With a focus on primary source analysis, critical thinking, and interactive web tools, students will explore the foundations of American Government to become informed and active citizens. Learning activities include regular writing to communicate ideas via discussion forums, online interactive games and simulations, and a mock legislature. Videos and other multimedia materials are widely employed to support learning.

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With a focus on primary source analysis, critical thinking, and interactive web tools, students will explore the foundations of American Government to become informed and active citizens. This is a semester-long middle school course.  Webinars are 50 minutes long. Recordings are available for students who must miss a session.

Topics include:

  • Three branches of federal government
  • The Constitution
  • Elections and voting
  • State and local government
  • Citizenship
  • E-Congress and Bill Writing

Learning activities include regular writing to communicate ideas via discussion forums, online interactive games and simulations, and a mock legislature. Videos and other multimedia materials are widely employed to support learning.

Topics Covered

Why Government?
Precursors/Inspirations to US Government
The Constitution
Bill of Rights/Amendments
The Courts
Civil Rights
The Legislature
Politics and Parties
Making Laws
E-Congress
Presidential Elections
Being President
Powers of the Executive Branch
Local Government
Citizenship

Challenge Level

Aimed at students ready for work appropriate to grades 6 through 10. This is a middle school american government course open to students ages 8 and up who are prepared to investigate and discuss government and civics concepts.

Time Commitment

Most students report spending approximately 3 hours per week on homework outside of the webinar.

Instructor

Headmaster Galahad

Reading List

All reading material is provided online. No book purchase required.

Usually Offered

Fall Semester

Prerequisites

A History of US: 1776 – 1855 or equivalent American history study. Students must be able to read at the 6th grade level or above and be able to write a paragraph independently.

Available Sessions

Fall 2024 Friday 11am Pacific, Fall 2023 Wed 10am Pacific, Fall 2022 Thurs 12pm Pacific, Fall 2021 Tues 12pm Pacific, Fall 2020 Thurs 11am Pacific, Fall 2019 Monday 12pm Pacific, Fall 2018 Monday 10am Pacific, Fall 2017 Monday 11am Pacific