Please note: All dates are subject to change based on a variety of potential factors.  Please keep checking this website for updates.

 Unit 1 will be covered during these weeks.  Unit 1 is a basic introduction to the definitions, basic principles, structures, forms, and systems of government.  Basic governmental philosophies will be discussed in class.  

Unit 2 will be covered during this time period and is a basic introduction to the origins of the government of the United States.  Much of our class coverage will concern itself with the history of the early United States from the American Revolution to the ratification of the Constitution.

Unit 3 on the Constitution will be covered during this period.  Issues such as the Bill of Rights, the compromises within the Constitution, the details of checks and balances, separation of powers, and specific constitutional amendments will be addressed. 

Unit 4, on the Judicial Branch of the government will be the focus of class during these weeks.  Special emphasis will be placed upon learning about the role and functions of the U.S. Supreme Court and how those roles and functions have been applied throughout U.S. history by specific rulings in specific Supreme Court cases. Students will learn about various court cases concerning individual freedoms, civil rights, and due process for American citizens. 

Students will review for, and take their semester exam.

Students will be learn about the Legislative Branch of the American Government (Unit 5) and how the Legislative Branch functions.  Congress will be discussed within the context of the system of checks and balances and the powers given to Congress from Article 1 of the US Constitution. Issues such as gerrymandering and the filibuster will also be discussed.

Unit 6 will be focussed on the role and powers of the Executive Branch of the American Government.  Students will be asked to think about the leadership qualities necessary in a president, the electoral process, and the elements that make up the Executive Branch.