The primary objective of this required one-semester course is to prepare the student for decision-making within the framework of the American political system. The course begins with an overview of basic concepts found in all political systems, the philosophical background which led to our constitutional development, and the basic concepts found in the Constitution. The executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the federal government, including current issues of interest such as foreign affairs, will be studied. In addition, students study the fields of civil rights and liberties, political parties and suffrage, the Texas Constitution, and state and local government.

AP

The United States Government Advanced Placement course is designed to provide students with an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific case studies. Students will also engage in an in-depth study of the various institutions, groups, beliefs and ideas that constitute the U.S. political system. Students are guided to use specific information critically to evaluate general propositions about government and politics, as well as to present basic data relevant to government and politics in sustained written arguments. This course of study is the equivalent of a college introductory course and is available to seniors interested in taking the Advanced Placement examination in U.S. Government.

• Prerequisite: U.S. History and World History.
  

Teachers: Natalie Woodward, Dyce McCulloch, Mitchell Cutsinger, Theresa Douglas, Kirk Eaton, Patricia Charron