Class Description

The course is a study of the basics of the American political system with some comparisons to other systems.  The course traces the roots of American politics, public policy, issues, and government functions.  Special attention is focused on active Christian engagement in American politics with an emphasis on Justice, Shalom, and Kingdom service.

 

Class Expectations

Textbook:

Macgruder's American Government, 2002 Edition Published by Prentice-Hall

Tests: Every unit will include chapter quizzes worth 50 points each and a unit test worth 100 points.

Daily/Weekly Assignments: Readings and current events (10pts)

Reports/Projects: There will be short research/ presentation assignment periodically. The due dates will be posted under assignments on the Internet site.

National History Day: History Day is an option that seniors may choose in lieu of taking the first semester exam.
More information will be given to the students and due dates will be posted.
National History Day Website: http://www.nationalhistoryday.org/

Final exam: Each semester there will be a final exam worth 15% of the semester grade.

Contact: My e-mail link is at the top of the page.

 

Class Outline

Introduction:

The American Government course is required for all students. Usually taken by 12th graders in the first semester of their senior year. It is a one semester course which complies with the requirements of the Iowa code.

Materials:

The textbook is Macgruder's American Government published by Prentice-Hall, it is the 2002 edition.

Supplemental materials includes articles from the news magazines and the use of Internet resources to follow political and government stories from major newspapers across the US.

Objectives:

1. To develop critically thinking Christian citizens.
2. To help each student develop a set of meaningful personal values and beliefs.
3. To encourage awareness, involvement, and a commitment on the part of the student to situations in the community and the nation.
4. For the student to gain a knowledge of the structure and organization of our governmental system.
5. For the student to begin to understand the philosophy and ideological trends in our government.

Topic Outline:

A. The Christian and the Government/Political Structure

1. Philosophical influences on government
2. Theologians and government
3. Belgic Confession/Contemporary Testimony

B. Dominate Political/Economic Systems

1. Capitalism
2. Socialism
3. Communism

C. Foundations of American Government

1. The great documents - Declaration, Constitution
2. The founding fathers

D. Citizens and Their Government

1. Voting and citizenship
2. Political parties and general elections

E. The Presidency

1. The history
2. The duties/responsibilities
3. The men who held the office/greatness to ???

F. The Congress

1. The structure
2. Legislation/the journey

G. The Supreme Court

1. Structure
2. Importance/neglected

H. Rights and Responsibilities - a guide for citizens

I. State and Local Government

1. Focus on Iowa
2. The county/city government/school boards/etc.

Methods:

See Course Expectations for a more detailed description.

A variety of methods will be utilized including lecture, class discussion and debate, role playing, case studies, videos, and political surveys.

All students who are eligible will be assisted in registering to vote.

Traditional testing and evaluation techniques will be used.