What are we currently studying in

American Government?

Weeks of May 22nd and May 29th

Students will test over political parties, interest groups, and voting on May 22nd.  We will begin our LAST unit on May 23rd.  In this unit we will study public opinion, including what influences our opinions and how opinion is measured.  We will also study the role of the media in government.

Week of May 15th

This week we are studying political parties. Students will understand the purposes and functions of parties, the reasons why the U.S. has a two party system, the significance of third parties, and the differences between Republicans and Democrats.

Week of May 8th

We will begin our study of ways that citizens can participate in government this week.  We will begin by studying voting and voting behavior.

Week of May 1st

This week we will conclude our study of the judicial branch.  Our focus will be on the Supreme Court, including some of its significant decisions.  We will also work to understand the difference between judicial activism and judicial restraint.  The test is scheduled for Friday.

Week of April 24

We will conclude our study of the executive branch mid-week.  We will then begin our study of the Supreme Court.

Week of April 17

We will study the Electoral College, including how it works, its strengths and weaknesses, and proposals to change it.  We will also study the White House Office and the Executive Office of the President.

Weeks of April 3 and 10

We will conclude our study of the U.S. Congress.  Students in 2nd block will test on Friday.  4th Block students will test on Tuesday.  Once students have finished taking the MEAP test, we will begin our study of the Executive Branch.

Week of March 20

We will study the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate.

Weeks of March 6 and March 13

We will conclude our study of the first amendment and study the rights of the accused.  We will also study the Civil Rights Movement and the steps that the government has taken to eliminate discrimination.  Later in the week of the 13th, we will begin our study of the legislative branch.

Week of February 27

Students will test over the structure of the Constitution and federalism on Monday, February 27.  On Tuesday, Feb. 28th, we will begin our study of citizenship and rights and responsibilities.  We will begin by focusing our attention on the first amendment freedoms (religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.)

Week of February 20

This week we will study the relationship between the national government and the states.  The test is Monday, February 27.

Week of February 13

This week we will study the amendment process and the federal relationship.

Week of February 6

This week we will conclude our study of the development of the U.S. Constitution.  The test will be Wednesday.  Thursday we will study the structure and principles of the Constitution.

Week of January 30

This week we will study the revolutionary era and understand how it influenced the content of the U.S. Constitution.  Specifically, we will study the First and Second Continental Congress, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitutional Convention.

Weeks of January 16 and 23

Students will understand the purposes of government, the different types of government that exist around the world, and how economic systems and political systems are related.  Toward the end of the second week, students will begin their study of the origins of the American system of government.  The first test is scheduled for Thursday, January 26.