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Amherst Regional High School, Library Entrance
  • Amherst Regional High School
  • 21 Mattoon Street
  • Amherst, MA 01002

  • (413) 362-1700

  • Principal: Mark Jackson

Home >> Academics >> Social Studies >> Democracy and Your Rights

Democracy and Your Rights

Course Description

Democracy and Your Rights 2 Credits

Not Offered in 2012-2013

NOTE: THIS COURSE IS NOT OPEN TO STUDENTS WHO HAVE TAKEN CON LAW OR CON LAW/HONORS.

Is the US government controlled by wealthy special interests? How can your voice make a difference? What rights do you have as a citizen of the United States? Is it possible to protect unpopular groups and individual rights in a system in which the majority rules? In this course students will explore their rights and responsibilities as American citizens. Topics include the structure of our democratic system, the role of political parties and interest groups and current controversies over the rights guaranteed to citizens in the Constitution. Students will be expected to complete short descriptive reading assignments on a regular basis. Research and analytical skills will be developed in small group and individual investigations using historical and contemporary sources. Students will present and defend their understanding of issues in a variety of formats including reflective writing assignments, classroom simulations and debates.

Last Updated: Monday, February 20, 2012

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