This course will begin with an examination of the foundations of American government but through readings, discussion, and research, students will explore our system of government. The structure and function of the government will be analyzed on a national, state, and local level. Throughout the course we will focus on how citizens can play an active role in our government and show how individuals, through civic participation, can shape our society.
Unit | Timeframe | Big Ideas (Statements or Essential Questions) | Major Learning Experiences from Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
Media | September | What is bias? How can you find good sources of information about current events ? | Conversations in "the public sphere", interest groups, propaganda, being a "critical consumer" of information, bias in the news, verifying sources |
Review of Government Basics | October | How is the U.S. government organized? | foundations of democracy, the US Constitution, three branches of government |
Congress | November | How is a law created? How can normal citizens influence this process? | The Congress, functions and duties, the legislative process, membership, current issues Describe groups that influence Congress Complete a research project about current bills in Congress |
Executive Branch | December | How much power does the president have over our country? How do the people elect their leaders? | The Presidency, functions and duties, the cabinet (members, departments, responsibilities), current issues Research project- elections |
Judicial Branch | January | How can the Supreme Court influence the laws? | The Supreme Court and the Federal Court System, the justices, functions and duties, legal rights/protections provided by the Constitution, major case precedents, current issues Look at examples of precedent court cases Research a current case being deliberated and describe what impact the ruling would have |
Bill of Rights | February | What are your rights while living in this country? | Learn Bill of Rights Use example cases to understand how the rights are applied in modern life Create a presentation of rights- shareable for friends and family |
Immigration Law | March-April | Who is a citizen? What are the rights of immigrants in the U.S.? | Learn different types of legal immigration to the U.S. (including TPS, refugees, asylum) Describe U.S. policy for undocumented immigration Process for citizenship Project- narratives of immigration experience |
State Government and Federalism | April-May | How can laws differ between states? | The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, current members, functions and duties, current issues Research specific examples of federalism. How do the federal and state governments overlap, how is MA law different from neighboring states, how does that impact effectiveness of laws |
(Juniors only) | June | How does the government of Waltham affect me? | Individualized research project based on local interests (about department of Waltham government) |