Government of the United States

This course explores what it means for a government action, policy, or bill to follow the guidelines and strictures of the United States’ Constitution. Beginning with a study of the philosophies and documents that influenced the creation of the Constitution, we then compare different methods of Constitutional interpretation and how they affect action and policy development. This introductory unit lays a foundation for our explorations of the three branches of government, the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments, the interactions between federal and state governments, and the role the public plays in our democratic republic; in each, we return to our inciting question and assess how these features of modern government fit -- or do not fit -- with the vision of the Constitution. As we progress, we highlight the interactions between branches and how the system of checks and balances works in practice. We also apply our growing knowledge to a weekly discussion of current events (focusing on federal activities, foreign affairs, policy in action, and prominent public debates) and how they reflect the purpose and workings of the government. This is not a course designed to instruct students in one single political mindset; instead, it is intended to encourage the students to develop their political understanding and better be able to discuss, analyze, and argue their personal opinions.

Course Website: Government of the United States

Sections and Teachers

Instructor: Holli Manzo

Section dates, meeting times, and tuition are still being determined. Click on instructor name to contact instructor and suggest your course schedule preferences.

Prerequisites

A good working knowledge of the history of the United States is required. This could be fulfilled through US AP History or through some other US History course. If a student has taken neither of these courses, other arrangements might be possible, depending on the student's level of study in the field.

Recommended background

See prerequisites.

Teacher's notes:

A Note on the AP Government and Politics Exam: This is not an AP certified course, and we are not specifically preparing for the AP Government and Politics Exam. However, we will cover a great majority of the information on that test, and will practice analysing and synthesizing that information -- two key skills tested on AP exams. Students who plan on taking the AP test should supplement with an AP preparation book, course, or set of videos to make sure they have sufficient exposure to the variety of questions that could be asked. I have found many free online supplements for the AP Government and Politics course that could fit this role, including materials from College Board, the National Constitution Center, Khan Academy, and several YouTube playlists (such as CrashCourse - Government and Politics). I am certain there are many more out there. I am also available for AP Gov-focused tutorials. As this course continues into early June, AP students may wish to “look ahead” at information covered in the last two units, so that they are fully prepared for the exam.

Textbooks and Materials

This item is required:

Constitution of the United States of America. [Edition or Version: 1], Authors: James Madison et al.

ISBN: None

Publisher's website: Constitution of the United States of America.

Best sources: Online

Other information: Obviously this text is widely available, including many full-text online versions, one of which is linked here. Any version will serve, so long as the student can refer to it easily. Annotated versions, in any form, are welcome but not required. See course description for further details on course materials.

Members: Log in to enroll in courses.

Don’t have an account? Create one now to enroll.

Scholars Online is fully accredited through the Middle States Accreditation Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools.

Hosted on Interserver