Location: Folsom
Day & Time: Thursday 9:00-10:10
Grade: 9th-12th
Mentor: Frizzle Frizzle
Email: inspiredbyamg@gmail.com
 
US Government & Civics
 
US Government and Civics is an engaging, year-long high school course that brings the Constitution and American democracy to life.  Designed to meet California History–Social Science standards, this course challenges students to think critically about how government works, why it matters, and how citizens shape the nation's future.  Students explore the foundations, structure, powers, and responsibilities of the United States government while developing the knowledge and skills needed for informed, active citizenship.
 
Throughout the year, students dive into topics such as the Constitution, federalism, separation of powers, civil liberties, civil rights, elections, public policy, media literacy, landmark Supreme Court cases, and the role of citizens in a constitutional republic.  Rather than simply memorizing facts, students investigate real constitutional questions, debate modern political issues, analyze historical and current events, and apply constitutional principles to the challenges facing America today.
 
Students work with primary and secondary sources, engage in meaningful discussions, participate in simulations and debates, and strengthen their abilities in critical thinking, communication, research, and civic responsibility.  This course encourages students not only to understand government, but to experience the importance of civic participation firsthand.
 
Students will have the opportunity to apply to the Founding Forward’s Spirit of America program in Valley Forge, PA, during our Spring Break.
 
Outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Explain the philosophical and historical foundations of the United States government.
Analyze the structure and functions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Evaluate the rights and responsibilities protected by the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Interpret landmark Supreme Court decisions and their impact on American society.
Examine the role of political parties, elections, media, and public opinion in democracy.
Analyze contemporary political and constitutional issues using evidence-based reasoning.
Conduct research using primary and secondary historical sources.
Engage respectfully in debate, discussion, simulations, and civic participation activities.
Demonstrate understanding of federal, state, and local government systems.
Apply civic knowledge and constitutional principles to real-world situations.
 
Class Activities:
Students will participate in a wide variety of interactive and thought-provoking activities designed to make government meaningful and relevant.  Coursework includes collaborative discussions, constitutional debates, mock elections, Supreme Court simulations, legislative activities, current-events analysis, and hands-on civic-engagement projects.  Students will regularly examine primary source documents, political cartoons, speeches, Supreme Court opinions, campaign materials, and media sources to sharpen critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning skills. 
 
The course also includes research projects, presentations, reflective writing, simulations of democratic processes, and opportunities for students to connect constitutional principles to the modern world.  This class emphasizes active participation, respectful civil discourse, and the development of informed, responsible citizens prepared to engage with their communities and the nation.
 
Materials:
Students should come prepared daily with a notebook or binder for class notes and assignments, writing utensils, and access to the instructor-provided course readings and materials.  Regular access to a laptop, or other internet-capable device, for research, document analysis, presentations, and classroom activities.  Students also need access to printing supplies or basic presentation materials for projects and assignments.
 
Economics Enrollment Information:
Students are strongly encouraged to also enroll in the Tuesday Economics course. Together, the US Government and Economics fulfill the California high school graduation requirements for civics/government and economics instruction as outlined in the California History–Social Science Framework and state graduation standards.
 
“What is memorized is easily forgotten, what is understood is never forgotten.”  ~Dr. Adler

All classes are full-year classes. Students enrolled in a Fall Semester class will automatically enroll for the Spring Semester in December to ensure their place in the class. Pricing is per semester.