Monday, May 21
4:22 pm    School is out for today

Do you want to understand how our government works?  Are you interested in following this year’s congressional and presidential elections?  This course examines the origins and practices of American government and political institutions in detail.  Topics to be explored include the three branches of government, the federal system of divided power, the electoral process, and the way power is wielded to achieve political aims.  The 2012 election process will be incorporated into course activities.  Grade level readings of both primary and secondary sources will be used.  Students will complete several research projects, make regular oral presentations, participate in numerous debates, and complete individualized outside reading assignments.  Position papers on pending legislative and election issues will be included as well as quizzes on political and government terminology, structure and issues.