Course Description
American Government deals with civics, national, state and local governments; historical and philosophical bases for today's governmental systems; and the students role within that system. Most material deals with the federal level of the government, with a unit of study devoted to state and local government and another to basic economic concepts. Government and political vocabulary is also a focus of the course.

The content covered in this class is divided into six different units, each lasting approximately 3 weeks. They are:

  1. Foundations of American Government
  2. Civil Rights
  3. Presidential Elections / Electoral College
  4. State and Local Government
  5. Voting Behavior and Political Parties

Personal Code: In conjunction with our study of the Constitution, students will be creating a personal code to share with others, in an effort to create a coherent, thoughtful, and public declaration of principles that they hope to live by.

Political Vocabulary: In addition to the main units of study shown above, students will be challenged weekly to learn, and to use a number of political terms that will help equip them for the ongoing discussion of current governmental issues that responsible citizens of a democracy require. The list, selected from E.D. Hirsch's Dictionary of Cultural Literacy , deals with language used in the daily discourse about our nation, government, and world. Students will receive lists of terms, definitions, examples, and opportunities for review in preparation of each week's quiz. See schedule of terms and quizzes and online review activities.

Current Events: Understanding the government around you requires an understanding of the current world around you. Consequently, this class will also devote a significant amount of time to learning about and discussing current events that help shape our current public policy. Students are encouraged to be active consumers of the daily news, through whatever sources are available, to create a changing and varied view of the world events that shape our democracy. Editorial cartoons are often used to introduce and discuss events of the day.

Finals: A cumulative course final will also be taken on the last day of class, covering (potentially) all the material presented since the first day of class. Students will have ample opportunities and guidance to identify key concepts to help them study and learn the material. A "Political Vocabulary Final", separate from the course final, will also be given in the closing days of the course. Political Vocabulary REVIEW >>>

Textbooks & Resources:

 

Efforts are made to ensure the information on this page is complete, current, and accurate. However, changes in programs and policies do occur. Questions about specific information on this site should be directed to the Columbia High School office at (509) 493-1970. Original materials on this page copyright White Salmon Valley School District, and may not be duplicated without permission. Please contact the webmaster for pemissions, or with questions, problems, corrections, or suggestions regarding this page or site.