Class Syllabus: American Government
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Online
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Course Meeting Times: |
Self-Paced / Online
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Course Description
Do you need to brush-up your knowledge of the American political system? Have you forgotten or feel slightly 'hazy' about the structure of the American government, the details of the Constitution or the exact division of the three branches of government? Are you interested in discovering how our current political parties were formed or the impact of public opinion, mass media and special interests groups on today's American policies? If you answered "yes" to these questions, this online course can be your ideal learning resource.
Rather than focusing on the history of the American federal government, this course is a comprehensive evaluation of how the government is set up and how it works. We will start with a look at how the American government is organized, and then we will focus on American culture and how it forms the environment in which the government functions, and the influences that the citizenry exerts on the policy-making process. Public opinion plays an important role in any republic so we will examine how public opinion is measured and how it contributes to the democratic process.
The citizens of United States enjoy many freedoms and liberties, but, as in all republics, they also live according to a Constitution and an established set of laws. We will examine the balance between freedom and law, and discuss the development of civil liberties. The political participation of Americans, both as individuals and as a part of interest groups influences nearly all functions of the government. We will also take a look at the media's increasingly important role in politics, and how the political parties of the United States work together to create legislation.
The social welfare and safety of Americans is a significant part of the priorities of the federal government. This course will outline the development of important programs that have served as model to other governments throughout the world. In the process, we will also evaluate how public policy is made from several important perspectives: economic, foreign relations, and environmental.
Written with the belief that understanding the foundations of the America system of government is necessary to fully comprehend America's current political system, this self-paced course is appropriate for learners of any age (homeschoolers, high schoolers, college students or just inquisitive people). Our easy-to-understand online format is perfect for those seeking review, extra tutoring, test prep or general educational enhancement. Course Requirements
This course will not require you to have previous experience in any particular area but you should have a high school reading level. No books will be required. Course Goals
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- Why, when, and how the American Government was established
- The structure of the Constitution
- Constitutional meaning to the individual
- The structure of the Legislative Branch
- The organization of the House of Representatives
- The organization of the Senate
- The structure and organization of the Judiciary Branch
- The organization of the state courts
- The organization of the federal courts
- The organization and structure of the Executive Branch
- The role in the political process of public opinion
- The role in the political process of the mass media.
- The role in the political system of Interest Groups
- The role in the political system of Political Parties
- The process of voting and elections
- Introduction to American Economic, Foreign, and public policies |
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| Course Materials
All course material will be provided in the lessons and netlinks. There are no required materials to purchase before taking the class
Grading Policy
Each lesson will include a lesson review quiz along with one or two assignments. Students will successfully complete this course with 70% or better. Lesson Outline
Lesson 1- Introduction to American Government
Lesson 2- The Constitution
Lesson 3 - The Legislative Branch
Lesson 4 - The Judiciary Branch
Lesson 5 - The Executive Branch
Lesson 6 - American Political Culture
Lesson 7 - Public Opinion
Lesson 8 - Elections and Campaigns
Lesson 9 - Interest Groups
Lesson 10 - Civil Liberties
Lesson 11 - Political Participation
Lesson 12 - Political Parties
Lesson 13 - The Media
Lesson 14 - Social Welfare
Lesson 15 - The Policy-Making Process
Lesson 16 - U.S. Economic Policy
Lesson 17 - U.S. Foreign Policy
Lesson 18 - U.S. Environmental Policy
Learning Outcomes By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Summarize the major points of the Bill of Rights and the U.S. Constitution.
- Identify and describe the role and responsibilities of the Legislative Branch, the Judiciary Branch, and the Executive Branch.
- Summarize the power of public opinion and the affects of mass media on politics.
- Identify and describe the major political parties and interest groups, and
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
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