STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 I.      Identify and evaluate competing theories of American democracy.

 II.     Analyze theoretical, historical and legal background of American democracy.

 III.    Examine the Constitutional Convention and relevant historical events of the era.

 IV.     Identify basic principles and philosophy of the Constitution and examine the impact of these principles on the political system.

 V.      Examine the constitutional, historical, legal basis of federalism and cover recent issues of controversy in the federal system.

 VI.     Identify major controversies and important Supreme Court rulings, based on the Constitution and its Amendments, which affect civil rights and civil liberties, including problems of women and minorities.

 VII.    Examine the nature of public opinion, political socialization, changes in American democracy, methods of measuring public opinion, and the media's impact on public opinion.

 VIII.   Analyze the roles and structures of the party system and evaluate the development of the American two party system.

 IX.     Identify the types, functions, and operations of interest groups in the American political system.

 X       Examine the purpose and process of the American electoral system.

 XI.     Describe and evaluate the structure, powers, and functions of Congress.

 XII.    Describe and evaluate the structure, powers, and functions of President.

 XIII.   Describe and evaluate the structure, powers, and functions of Judicial System.

 XIV.    Describe and evaluate the structure, powers, and functions of Federal Bureaucracy.

 XV.     Identify the interrelations among the three branches of government.

 XVI.    Describe and evaluate the content of selected foreign and domestic policies and the role of institutions in shaping policy.

 XVII.   Write and speak clearly and logically in presentations and essays about topics related to American Government.

 XVIII.  Demonstrate the ability to select and apply contemporary forms of technology to solve problems or compile information in the study of American Government.

 XIX.    Read, analyze and apply to new situations, written material related to the study of American Government.

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I.      Bases of American Democracy

         A.      Historical Background

         B.      Underlying Ideas

 II.     Constitution

         A.      Basic Features

         B.      Development

 III.    Federalism

         A.      Constitutional Structure

         B.      Contemporary Federalism

 IV.     Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

         A.      Constitutional Amendments

         B.      Laws and Judicial Interpretations

 V.      Public Opinion

         A.      Opinion and Policy

         B.      Media Impact

 VI.     Political Parties

         A.      Organization

         B.      Activities

 VII.    Interest Groups

         A.      Functions

         B.      Operations

 VIII.   Elections

         A.      Purpose

         B.      Process

 IX.     Congress

         A.      Powers and Functions

         B.      Relations with the Other Branches

 X       President

         A.      Powers and Functions

         B.      Relations with the Other Branches

 XI.     Judiciary

         A.      Powers and Functions

         B.      Relations with the Other Branches

 XII.    Bureaucracy

         A.      Powers and Functions

         B.      Relations with the Other Branches

 XIII.   Policy: Processes and Outcomes

         A.      Powers and Functions

         B.      Relations with the Other Branches