Description:The first unit contains overarching themes including factors underlying the formation of the United States of America and its system of government. Domestic and foreign influences were catalysts in the foundation of our political system. Unit one identifies important vectors in the beginnings of American culture and society.
Unit two focuses on the United States Constitution as the essential document for the founding of the United States of America as a new nation. Several key ideas and documents that influenced the creation of the Constitution are spanned, as well as an in-depth examination of the Articles as they relate to government and citizens rights and responsibilities, and the continuing effect of the Constitution on contemporary issues.
Examined at the core of unit three are the structure and functionality of the United States government at the local, state, and federal levels. The lessons within are designed to challenge students to recognize cross-governmental similarities and differences, and apply such an understanding to events that significantly impact students’ lives.
The fourth and final unit moves outside of the borders of the United States and considers the impact of the United States system of government on a global scale. The lessons have been designed to engage students with the pertinent issues of world politics, international trade relations, and foreign affairs policies.
Description:Section A: Becoming America:
Four Primary Sources—Underpinnings of the Declaration of Independence
Justice in America
Section B: Declaring Independence:
The Need for Government—A Cinematic and Literary Perspective;
The Need for Laws;
The Need for Authority;
Deciphering the Declaration of Independence;
Section C:
Many Voices, One Government;
Varying Viewpoints—Religion and Loyalists;
Varying Viewpoints—Rebels and Minorities;
Section D: The New, American Government:
Rome vs. Greece—Comparing and Contrasting a Democratic and Republic System of Government;
Interviews with The Fathers;
A Republican Government;
Description:Section A: Causes for The Constitution: Early American Influences—Cause and Effects; Centralized Power Struggle; Government—Federal and Local Constitutional Considerations
Section B: Essence of The Constitution: Inside the Constitutional Convention; Checks and Balances—Separation of Powers; The Judicial Branch; Honorable Mention—The Supreme Court and The Justices; Judicial Review—Marbury v. Madison 1803; The Executive and Legislative Branches; How Congress Works; Right to Privacy—Fourth Amendment of the Constitution;
Section C: The Constitution Today: Causes Then Effects Today; The Bill of Rights, As They Matter Today;
Description:Section A: Local Government: Your Local Government—The Basics; Funding and The Local Government
Section B: State Government: Bills to Laws, Local To State; Making a Representative Government Work For You; Hurricane Katrina—A Local and State Government Conundrum
Section C: Federal Government: Right Person, Right Position; Democracy, Voting, and the Issues That Matter To You; Getting the Vote Out;
Section D: Government At All Levels: The Electoral College—Effective or Defective;
Raising Money for Government Services; Government At All Levels
Description:Section A: The United Nations: The United Nations—Global Governance; The United Nations and The Common Good; The Symbolic United Nations;
Section B: Trading, Foreign Affairs, and Security: United States Government and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA); The Role of Embassies; National Security vs. Your Privacy: The War on Terror and The Constitutionality of the Patriot Act
