Exploring American Government: Understanding Our Democratic System

Welcome to Exploring American Government! In this interactive and engaging course, we'll delve into the foundations and principles of the United States government. From the Constitution to the branches of government and the rights of citizens, we'll explore how our democratic system operates and its significance in shaping our nation.

Week to Week Topics and Lessons:

🇺🇸(January 8th): Introduction to American Government
Overview of the U.S. Constitution
Exploring the Bill of Rights
Understanding the three branches of government

🇺🇸(January 15th): Legislative Branch: Congress in Action
Detailed study of the House of Representatives and the Senate
The legislative process: how a bill becomes a law
Role-playing activities: simulate debates and create mock legislation

🇺🇸(January 22nd): Executive Branch: The Presidency and Beyond
Examining the role and powers of the President
Understanding the Executive Departments and their functions
Case studies on significant presidential decisions and their impact

🇺🇸(January 29th): Judicial Branch: Exploring the Supreme Court
Unpacking the role of the Supreme Court in interpreting laws
Landmark Supreme Court cases and their significance
Debate and discussions on contemporary legal issues

🇺🇸(February 5th): Citizens' Rights and Responsibilities
Exploring individual rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution
Examining the responsibilities of citizens in a democratic society
Analyzing current events and their connection to constitutional principles
This course aims to empower learners with a comprehensive understanding of the American government system while fostering critical thinking and civic engagement. Join us as we embark on this enlightening journey into the heart of American governance!

🇺🇸 (February 12th): Political Parties and Elections
Understanding the role of political parties in the U.S. political landscape
Exploring the election process: primaries, caucuses, and general elections
Analyzing past elections and their impact on policies

🇺🇸(February 19th): Federalism: States and National Government Relations
Investigating the division of powers between the federal and state governments
Examining conflicts and cooperation between state and federal laws
Case studies on federalism's influence on contemporary issues

 🇺🇸(February 26th): Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
In-depth study of civil liberties: freedom of speech, religion, and more
Exploring civil rights movements and their impact on American society
Analyzing current civil rights challenges and legal debates

🇺🇸 (March 4th): Checks and Balances in Action
Investigating how the three branches of government interact and check each other's powers
Case studies on instances where checks and balances were influential
Simulating scenarios demonstrating the system's effectiveness

🇺🇸(March 11th): Evolution of American Government
Tracing the historical evolution of the U.S. government
Exploring amendments and changes to the Constitution
Discussing potential future changes and challenges in American governance

This expanded course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the American government system, offering insights into its evolution, challenges, and the role of citizens within it. Students will engage in discussions, activities, and critical analyses throughout the sessions, fostering a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of our democratic system.


Note: Lesson plans and topics are subject to modifications based on class dynamics and learner interests. We will use NearPod during our lessons, the link and code will be posted prior to the start of class. 

All learning materials is pulled from the following textbook: "How the U.S. Government Works: A Simple Guide to Our Democracy for Kids" by Syl Sobel