Civics

American Government

Course Description

This class explores the foundations of American government and how our system of democracy works. Although not required as a prerequisite, those having already completed American History will find this course to be the logical continuation of the study of our national heritage. Dissecting the dynamics that led to the call for American independence and the history behind the great documents of our nation’s founding—the Declaration, the Articles of Confederation, The Federalist Papers, the Constitution—are essential to being able to discuss and evaluate our present social and political landscape. Famous speeches, newspaper articles, political cartoons, and other selected documents are used to make the course come alive. Story-telling of famous and not so famous incidents is a cornerstone of the pedagogy. Students are challenged to analyze arguments, movements, and political slogans.

Major Topics

Revolutionary Thought and the Founding Fathers
Common Sense, and the Declaration of Independence
Articles of Confederation, Federalist Papers, and Constitution
The Amendments and the Bill of Rights
Elections and the Electoral College
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
The Federal Bureaucracy
Judicial Branch
Historically Important Court Cases
Presidential Profiles
Politics in the Pelican State

Course Highlights

dissecting the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution
research by students on prominent politicians through student reports
evaluation of speeches of famous politicians
dynamic movies like John Adams and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
discussion of political themes presented in clips from popular movies,

Required Materials

The Story of the Constitution,
Common Sense,
All the King's Men,
Plunkitt of Tammany Hall,
The Free Exercise Thereof (IWE Resource Binder)