Week 1
Lesson 1
Human Nature and Natural Rights
This week we learn about how rights developed over time.  Class includes discussions about the Divine Rights of Kings, Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights, Social Contract, Locke versus Hobbes and some fun activities.  Assignment:  Create your own Government.
 Week 2
Lesson 2
Direct and Representative Democracy
In this class we discuss the origins of democracy and how it developed over time.  Students will learn about Direct Democracy and Representative Democracy along with theories of government.  Students will be given a role play project on a town meeting for next class to illustrate concepts.
 Week 3
Lesson 3
Town Meeting and Strength and Weaknesses of Democracy.
As a group we will do our "Twin Cheeks" Role Play and then discuss the problems associated with democracy. HW:  Current Event
 Week 4
Lesson 4
Propaganda and Media Bias
Students will discuss their chosen government related current event and as a class we will explore media bias and look at tools that will help us make informed media choices.
 Week 5
Lesson 5
National Debt and National Deficit
In this class we learn about the national debt and deficit. We will discuss how the government bring in revenue and debt ceilings.  We will also examine taxes, and entitlement programs. 
 Week 6
Lesson 6
The Road to the American Revolution
Students will start at the French and Indian War and examine how and why American colonists declared War on Great Britain.  Topics include  Sugar Act, Molasses Act, Stamp Act, Stamp Act Congress, Boston Tea Party, Boston Massacre, Intolerable Acts and more. 
 Week 7
Lesson 7
The Road to the American Revolution Continued.
Today we will watch an interactive video on the American Revolution and complete an Escape Room together.
 Week 8
Lesson 8
Articles of Confederation
As a group we will discuss the successes and weaknesses of America's first constitution.  We will also discuss how Native Americans influenced our first government.
 Week 9
Lesson 9
Federalists and Anti-Federalists
Today students will learn about the ideological divide that led to the development of the US Constitution.  Students will examine the characteristics of both groups and complete a project on the Federalist and Anti-Federalist papers.
 Week 10
Lesson 10
US Constitution
Students will discuss ratification and provisions of the US Constitution.  Including a discussion on The Bill of Rights.
 Week 11
Lesson 11
The Electoral College and Voting Systems
Students will learn the history of the electoral college.  We will look at its strengths and weaknesses.  Students will choose to debate for or against the electoral college. 
 Week 12
Lesson 12
The Electoral College and Voting Systems Cont.
As a class we will hold our debate and then learn about different voting systems such as First Past the Post and Proportional/Quota Voting
 Week 13
Lesson 13
Federalism
Students will learn about Government Powers and contrast with England's Unitary System.  HW:  Watching a UK Question Hour
 Week 14
Lesson 14
Bill of Rights
Students will go over the First 10 Amendments and the 14th in the Bill of Rights.  This will get us ready for Part II which is focused partially on Landmark Supreme Court Cases.