Week 1
Lesson 1
Magna Carta and the Iroquois Confederacy: Beginnings of Democracy
In this lesson, we will explore:
* Introduction to the Magna Carta and its significance in establishing principles of limited government and the rule of law
* Examination of the Iroquois Confederacy and its influence on the development of democratic principles among Native American tribes
* Discussion of how these historical documents and institutions laid the groundwork for democratic governance in the United States
 Week 2
Lesson 2
Federalist Versus Antifederalists, Articles of Confederation & the Virginia Plan
In this lesson, we will explore:
* Analysis of the Federalist and Antifederalist debates surrounding the ratification of the US Constitution
* Examination of the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a stronger central government
* Exploration of the Virginia Plan and other proposals for representation in the federal government during the Constitutional Convention
 Week 3
Lesson 3
The Constitution and The Preamble: Purpose
In this lesson, we will explore:
* Overview of the US Constitution and its main components, including the Preamble, Articles, and Amendments
* Analysis of the purposes outlined in the Preamble, such as establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, and promoting the general welfare
* Discussion of the principles of federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances embodied in the Constitution
 Week 4
Lesson 4
Three Branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial
In this lesson, we will explore:
* Examination of the powers and responsibilities of each branch of the federal government as outlined in the Constitution
* Analysis of the system of checks and balances designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful
* Discussion of contemporary examples illustrating the interplay between the three branches of government and the effectiveness of checks and balances
 Week 5
Lesson 5
Elections
In this lesson, we will explore:
* Overview of the electoral process for selecting the President, Senators, and Representatives in the United States
* Examination of the Electoral College system and its role in electing the President
* Analysis of congressional elections and the role of political parties, campaign finance, and voter turnout
 Week 6
Lesson 6
Bill to Law
In this lesson, we will explore:
* Step-by-step analysis of how a bill becomes a law in the United States, including introduction, committee review, floor debate, and presidential approval
* Discussion of the role of interest groups, lobbyists, and public opinion in shaping the legislative process
* Exploration of the challenges and compromises involved in the legislative process
 Week 7
Lesson 7
Our Protections:  Bill of Rights
In this lesson, we will explore:
* Overview of the Bill of Rights and its importance in protecting individual liberties and limiting the powers of the federal government
* Analysis of each amendment in the Bill of Rights and its relevance to contemporary issues such as freedom of speech, religion, and due process
* Discussion of landmark Supreme Court cases interpreting the Bill of Rights and their impact on American society
 Week 8
Lesson 8
Changes and Amendments
In this lesson, we will explore:
* Examination of the process of amending the US Constitution and the significance of the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments
* Analysis of key amendments addressing civil rights and liberties, including the 13th, 14th, and 19th Amendments
* Discussion of the evolving interpretation of constitutional rights and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice for marginalized groups in American society