How Does the U.S. Government Work? (Flex)

In this class we will learn about the three branches of government, how they work together to create checks and balances, and how the people in the branches are chosen or replaced. Students will be expected to complete homework assignments each week and to engage in discussion on Flipgrid. Students should create an account before the lesson. On Flipgrid student can add to each discussion topic by posting a video response to the question. Students can then interact with each other by responding to other video comments. 

Week 1
In this class students will be introduced to the U.S. government's checks and balances. We will learn about the three branches of government, Executive, Legislative, and Judicial, and how they work together. We will learn about the roles of each branch and how they can affect our every day lives. 
Interactive element: Students will complete the homework and return it by the end of the week. On Flipgrid students will discuss and brainstorms ways that the government can and does affect their everyday lives. 

Week 2
This week we will focus on the Judicial branch, commonly known as the Supreme Court. We will look at the steps for replacing a Supreme Court Justice and the history of the Court.
Interactive element: Students will complete the homework and return it by the end of the week. On Flipgrid we will discuss pros and cons of current topics (i.e. Should a vacant seat be filled during an election year? Should Supreme Court Justices have term limits? etc.)

Week 3
We will focus on the Executive branch. We will learn about the powers of the President as well as the other people in the Executive branch. We will learn how a President is elected, from the primary process through the electoral college and the inauguration. 
Interactive element: Student will complete the homework and return it by the end of the week. On Flipgrid we will discuss the reasons for and against the electoral college, and the history of the presidency. 

Week 4
This week we will learn about the Legislative branch. For Americans, we will find out who our Senators and Representative are. Foreign students will get to adopt a state. We will learn how representatives are elected, how long their terms are and what their job is. 
Interactive element: Students will complete the homework assignment and return it be the end of the week. On Flipgrid we will discuss how US citizens, even younger than voting age, can get involved in politics and reach out to their representatives.