Major Concepts/Content: The United States government course is a required one semester course designed to Provide students with essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to the nation's government and its historical development. The students review the purpose and function of government that they studied in eighth and eleventh grade. Major emphasis is on the structure of the federal government, political responsibility and participation, and state and local government. Some attention is given to economic systems and alternative political systems. Comparison with the host nation's government is encouraged as a part of the program. 

Major Instructional Activities: Instructional activities will be provided using the content of government course. Students participate in group activities, debates, parliamentary procedures, and simulation activities that enhance learning the functions of the federal government. Visits to the host nation's governmental institutions and agencies should be made to study comparisons, similarities, and differences of governments. Oral and written reports, research, and individual projects will be required. 

Major Evaluative Techniques: Evaluation will be comprised of essay tests, reports, assessment of participation in class discussions and group projects, and assessment of individual projects. Unit and chapter tests will be used for evaluation.  

Essential Objectives: Upon completion of the United States government course, students should be able to:

• Compare different political systems.
• Explain the content of the U.S. Constitution.
• Identify the rights guaranteed by the Amendments.
• Describe the branches and functions of the government.
• Describe the functions of the political parties.
• Outline the law-making process.
• Describe the functioning of special interest groups.
• Examine current social, economic, and political problems.
• Describe the role of state and local government.

Last Revised: July 20, 2005