U.S. Government and Civics

Do you want to learn more about your local, state, and national government? Maybe you’ve even wondered how you could get involved in local government and make changes in your community. If so, this is the course for you. By definition, Social Studies courses have the primary goal of preparing active citizens, but this course will place special emphasis on what makes an active citizen and the many ways that all people can exercise their civic duties.

Students will engage in the study of civic processes, rules, and laws; examine civic and political institutions; and apply civic virtues and democratic principles. Students will also study the structure and function of federal, state, and local governments in the United States. Students will participate in a civics project which will allow them to practice affecting change in their communities and taking informed action.

Acknowledgements

Please Note: This course contains an end-of-course proctored exam. Instructions for students to identify an appropriate adult proctor are included in the course lessons.

Course Objectives

What does it mean to be a citizen?
How could I take part in civic life?
How do laws both shape and reflect characteristics of a society?
In what ways does the American political system provide for choice and opportunities for participation?
Are deliberation and compromise necessary for political decision-making?

Additional Requirements

None