Civics Online Single Semester
Civics is the study of citizenship and government. This one-semester course provides students with a basic understanding of civic life, politics, and government, and a short history of government’s foundation and development in this country. Students learn how power and responsibility are shared and limited by government, the impact American politics has on world affairs, the place of law in the American constitutional system, and which rights the American government guarantees its citizens. Students also examine how the world is organized politically and how civic participation in the American political system compares to that in other societies around the world today.
Unit 1: Civic Life, Politics, and Government
Students are introduced to the concepts of government, politics, and civic life. They examine why government and politics are necessary, and what purposes government should serve. They learn the essential characteristics of limited and unlimited government, the nature and purposes of constitutions, and alternative ways of organizing constitutional governments.
Unit 2: The Foundations of the American Political System, Part 1
Students learn about the American idea of constitutional government, the ideals behind the Declaration of Independence, the purpose of the Articles of Confederation, and the creation of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Unit 3: The Foundations of the American Political System, Part 2
Students learn how power and responsibility are distributed, shared, and limited by the U.S. Constitution. They also learn the organization and responsibilities of national government and the system of checks and balances that limits power. They examine the place of law in the American constitutional system and learn about the amendments to the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights.
Unit 4: State Government
Students learn about the division of powers of the state government, state constitutions, the organization and responsibilities of the state legislature, the responsibilities of state officials, and the role of the state courts. Students also examine local and county governments.
Unit 5: City Government
Students learn about different forms of city government. They also examine how and why the local, state, and federal governments work together.
Unit 6: Political Parties
Students learn the history and advantages of America’s two political parties, examining their organization, committees, and finances. They also learn about primary and general elections as well as the history of voting and voting rights.