What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 2 - 3
The United States has no king, no monarch, no Tsar. The framers of the U.S. government created a system of checks on government power by separating that power among the 3 branches of government. Come explore the origins of the separation of powers doctrine. The class will apply real world examples of how that separation works. We’ll examine how these checks have affected issues such as civil rights, immigration, and the ability to wage war. We’ll look at the impeachment process and learn how Congress can remove government officials from the President to judges. Class discussion is encouraged so students can critically examine how the doctrine has been applied. No prior experience or knowledge is needed.
Learning Goals
You'll learn about the origins of the separation of powers doctrine.
You will learn how checks and balances work.
Students will learn how the doctrine was put in place by our framers and how it has been implemented.
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Juris Doctor in Political Science and Government from SUNY at Buffalo School of Law
Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Government from SUNY at Albany
⚖️ LAWYER/JUDGE
🌟 LAW/COLLEGE Professor
👮🏼♀️ FORMER PROSECUTOR
🧑🎓 JURIS DOCTORATE SUNY at BUFFALO
📜 B.S. SUNY at ALBANY
🚑 EMT/FIREFIGHTER
I am a judge, a former federal prosecutor, policy counsel, refugee officer, and college and law school professor. My bachelor's degree is from the State University of New York at Albany in Political Science and History, with a minor in Economics. I also earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Buffalo.
I was the former Deputy Chief Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), focusing on National Security cases and counter-terrorism. I was also the technology attorney and National Security and Litigation Division Counsel for DHS in Washington, DC. I’ve worked as a historian and researcher providing advice to the National Archives and to the DHS History/Law Library in Washington, DC. I have lived and worked in Africa and Asia, processing refugees seeking to come to the United States. I am also volunteer firefighter and licensed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
I strive to teach social studies, civics, and history in a way that inspires and entertains while fostering curiosity and critical thinking. As a proud father of three, I’ve spent the past couple of years getting used to the post-Covid homeschool experience.
I love teaching and Outschool allows me to share my passions for various subjects with young minds. I've taught (as a guest) both middle, elementary, and high school social studies, government civics, technology, and history. I’ve taught at the University of Maryland and am currently an adjunct law professor at Catholic University School of Law in Washington, DC. I have also taught at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, in Brunswick, Georgia and have published in several academic legal journals and publications
I see history as a way of understanding the past, processing the present, and helping to shape the future. Students in my class will experience a world war from the perspective of a conscript. They’ll see the New York City skyline through the eyes of a young immigrant arriving on a steamship at Ellis Island. They'll experience life in a refugee camp in Kenya from someone who lived there. I bring history to life by telling the stories of those who lived it. I present real-life examples of how our government works and affects our lives.
Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$20
per classMeets once
55 min
Completed by 16 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-9
1-5 learners per class