The major purpose of this course is to analyze United States’ system of government and the historical background, fundamental concepts and principles that underlie American democracy. The course covers the development of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Federalism. It also includes a study of political parties, voting and voting behavior, and elections at the national, state, and local levels. The course will analyze the influence of special interest groups and the role of the media in shaping public opinion. Additional emphasis is placed on the role and the responsibilities of the three branches of government at the national, state, and local levels. This course will summarize landmark court decisions in terms of civil rights and civil liberties and will also study complex contemporary issues that confront national, state, and local governments such as immigration, race, abortion, gender, sexual orientation, and disabilities.

In this course, students will know and be able to:
• Explain concepts of due process and equal protection.
• Trace the development, role, and influence of American political parties from Washington’s
administration to the present.
• Explain the importance of the natural rights philosophy in the creation of American constitutional
government.
• Apply the economic concept of benefit-cost analysis to political decision-making.
• Trace the application and evolution of the “due process clause” as found in the Fifth and Fourteenth
Amendments.
• Assess the process used by Americans of diverse cultures or interest groups in securing the principles
of democracy and individual rights.
• Examine how the conflict between the values of national self-interest and human rights influence and
shape foreign policy.
• Apply the principles of democracy, civic values, and citizen rights and responsibilities to
contemporary issues, such as the environment, voter participation, and health issues.
• Use the principles of democracy, American civic values and citizen rights and responsibilities to
develop a plan to address a community issue.