This comprehensive course offers high school learners an engaging, in-depth exploration of the American political system. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and an interactive simulation, students will study the foundational principles of American democracy as expressed in the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other essential documents. Learners will examine the structure and function of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government, along with the role of political parties, interest groups, the media, and non-governmental organizations. The course places a strong emphasis on how these institutions interact, the balance of powers, and the impact of public participation in shaping policy.

The highlight of the course is an immersive simulation where students will take on roles within the government (such as members of Congress, executive branch officials, or interest group leaders) and navigate real-world policy-making. This course is designed for learners new to U.S. government but interested in understanding how it works through both theoretical study and practical application.

This 14-week course is designed to not only teach the principles of American democracy but also to engage learners through hands-on activities, simulations, and interactive discussions.

In addition, the class offers the invaluable opportunity for learners to engage in educated and respectful discourse on key issues, emphasizing the importance of backing opinions with facts and sound reasoning. It is designed to foster an environment where all viewpoints can be explored with civility and mutual respect. This approach not only enhances the quality of discussions but also instills a vital life skill of informed analysis and discourse.

By employing their critical thinking abilities, they will closely examine the inner workings, structures, and policies of different governments, allowing them to draw their own informed conclusions. This empowering experience will encourage learners to think independently, critically evaluate information, and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in the diverse array of political systems we encounter on a global scale.

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Topics Covered:
- The constitutional foundation of the U.S. government, including how the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Federalist Papers shape the government’s structure and protect individual rights.
- The roles and responsibilities of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, as well as their interdependence and checks and balances.
- The influence of political parties, interest groups, the media, and the electorate on policymaking and governance.
- The policymaking process from drafting legislation to its approval or rejection.
- Comparative political systems and how they differ from the U.S. system.

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-REFUND POLICY: I understand the appeal of booking in advance to secure a spot in classes, but I also acknowledge that circumstances may change. If you need to withdraw your learner for any reason up to ten days before the class's start date, I will gladly issue a full refund. Please don't hesitate to contact me in such cases. For inquiries regarding sibling discounts, please reach out for further assistance

-In this class, active participation plays a crucial role in fostering meaningful engagement and learning. Learners are strongly encouraged to actively contribute to discussions, share their perspectives, and ask questions. Additionally, to promote critical thinking and facilitate in-class interactions, it's important to use the chat feature sparingly. While the chat is suitable for quick questions or clarifications, lengthy answers or discussions are best reserved for our face-to-face interactions.

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Each week, learners will find all required materials posted in the classroom, with most being digital-friendly and a select few requiring printing.  For those who prefer not to print, digital documents can be accessed through Google Drive or PDFs will be available to view on your device. Although I aim to provide enough in-class time for all topics and activities, given time limits, several brief assignments will require independent completion. Understanding learners' busy lives, I provide ample time, at least one week, for the completion of each task and extended notice for projects.

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Note on Teaching Style and Learner Participation:
This class thrives on active student interaction and participation. The teaching methods, including simulations and critical thinking activities, are designed to engage and inspire. However, the success of these interactive sessions largely depends on learner involvement. Should active participation prove challenging, we may transition to a lecture format to ensure all essential material is thoroughly covered. I encourage all learners to join in, share their thoughts, and contribute to a dynamic learning environment, making the educational journey enriching for everyone.