This government course is quick and engaging (4 weeks). Students will not sit through the long, boring, endless lectures of government classes from a bygone era. Instead, lessons will be interactive, informative, and lively. Each week classes will have a clear outline and easy to follow objectives. The curriculum is aligned with current United States Government standards and will be sure to help your student maximize their potential in a online setting. 

Students will learn all of the major functions of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of government. The course will begin with how the President of the United States elected into office, and end with the checks and balances on each branch. The course will be divided into 4 parts of study. Each unit will be made available online to students on the class page. Students will find links to lectures, power-points, notes, assignments, reading material, and primary sources. I will also use google forms, docs, slides, discussion, and short videos to show examples of the topics. We will use fun games, quizzes, and interactive activities to help learn the topics. No textbook will be required and all reading material will be provided to students through the Outschool class page. Assessments will be assigned throughout the course and a progress report will be made available each week. Feedback will be provided on assignments and students will have opportunities to ask for help. Any student needing help or having a question may send a message through Outschool and it will be answered in a timely manner. Optional 'Zoom Office Hours may be established if any student feels they need additional help. Students will gain access to helpful websites, books, and other resources they can use to learn US government. This course is useful for homeschooled students, part-time hybrid students, or even students wanting learning support to compliment their own government class at school. 

Week 1:
Executive Branch: Students will learn the powers given to the president, how that power is limited, and how the president is assisted by other members of the executive branch. 

Week 2: 
Legislative Branch: Students will learn how Congress, in cooperation with the president, make the laws of the United States. They will also learn the powers of Congress, how expressed powers of Congress differ from implied powers, and how and why is each chamber of Congress is organized into a series of committees and subcommittees.

Week 3: 
Judicial Branch: Students will learn how the courts interpret the law, and the impact rulings of the U.S. Supreme Court have on Americans. They will also learn the structure, role, and jurisdiction of U.S. District Courts compared to that of U.S. Courts of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Last, students will examine how the U.S. Supreme Court accept cases and issue rulings.

Week 4:
Checks and Balances:  Students will learn why our the founders choose a Federal system and how the U.S. Constitution places limits on the government’s power. Students will examine the checks on each branch and the purpose of these balances.