10-809-122Introduction to American Government
Course Information
Description
This course introduces American political processes and institutions, focusing on rights and responsibilities of citizens and the process of participatory democracy. Learners will explore the following: the complexity of the separation of powers and checks and balances; the role of the media, interest groups, political parties and public opinion in the political process; and the role of state and national government in our federal system.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Explore American political culture
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify characteristics of American political culture
    describe the sources and influences of political socialization

  2. Explore citizenship responsibilities
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify types of political participation
    assess one’s own level of political participation

  3. Explore the evolution of the U.S. Constitution
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify thinkers and ideas that influenced the development of the U.S. Constitution
    discuss the significance of the theory of social contract in the American political system
    assess different forms of government for their degree of control, individual liberty and equality
    compare the characteristics of direct democracy and representative democracy
    differentiate between delegated, implied, and reserved powers
    describe the limitations of democratic government

  4. Analyze civil liberties and civil rights
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    differentiate between civil rights and civil liberties
    analyze amendments and landmark Supreme Court cases relating to civil liberties and/or civil rights
    explore current issues related to civil liberties and/or civil rights

  5. Analyze the election process in the United States
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    explain the nomination process
    explain the electoral college
    explain the general election process
    identify the role of the citizen in the election process
    describe the campaign process
    identify factors that influence voting behavior

  6. Explain the role of interest groups and political parties
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    explore the American political party system
    identify the types of interest groups
    identify interest group actions to influence policy and election campaigns
    compare the relationship between majority rule and minority rights
    explore the impact of gerrymandering

  7. Assess the influence of public opinion and media in the political process
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    identify examples of how the media sets the political agenda
    identify examples of misinformation and bias
    discuss the role of public opinion in the American political process
    assess public opinion polls

  8. Summarize the functions of American Government
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    explain the principles of separation of powers
    identify examples of checks and balances
    summarize the functions of the legislative branch
    summarize the functions of the executive branch
    summarize the functions of the judicial branch

  9. Analyze the relationship between American federalism and states’ rights
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral, Written, Graphic and/or Skill Assessment
    Criteria
    discuss American federalism and state powers
    identify examples of exclusive, concurrent, and reserved powers
    analyze how federal and state government interact in policy areas
    assess how funding influences the relationship between federal and state governments