Civics is a required course within the Social Studies Dept. Students generally take civics in 9th grade and will earn 1/2 credit for successful completion of the course.

Textbooks:

• Honors Text:
  Magruder's American Government
  Companion Site
• College Prep Text:

Units Of Study

Unit 1: Foundations

DE Standard Addressed: Civics Standard One 9-12a : Students will analyze the ways in which the structure and purposes of different governments around the world reflect differing ideologies, cultures, values, and histories.

Essential Question: What is the relationship between the political culture and experiences of a country and the form and structure of its government?

Key Terms/Concepts:

Unit 2: Understanding the US Constitution

DE Standard Addressed: Civics Standard Two 9-12b : Students will understand that the functioning of the government is a dynamic process which combines the formal balances of power incorporated in the Constitution with traditions, precedents, and interpretations which have evolved over the past 200 years.

Essential Questions:

1. What problems would arise if a government failed to adapt to changing needs and desires of the people?
2. To what extent do the structures and traditional processes of government minimize the dangers of change?

Key Terms/Concepts:

Unit 3: Political Parties & American Politics

DE Standard Addressed: Civics Standard Two 9-12a : Students will examine and analyze the extra-Constitutional role that political parties play in American politics.

Essential Questions:

1. To what extent are political parties necessary to democracy? Why do two political parties dominate in America but other democracies have more?
2. Under what conditions might political parties evolve or collapse?

Key Terms/Concepts:

Unit 4: Citizenship in Our Democracy

DE Standard Addressed: Civics Standard Three 9-12a : Students will understand that citizens are individually responsible for keeping themselves informed about public policy issues on the local, state, and federal levels; participating in the civic process; and upholding the laws of the land.

Essential Question: What are the consequences of citizens not participating in democracy?

Key Terms/Concepts:

Unit 5: Participating in Our Democracy

DE Standard Addressed: Civics Standard Four 9-12a : Students will develop and employ the skills necessary to work with government programs and agencies.

Essential Questions: How should private citizens and interest groups most effectively communicate with government?

Key Terms/Concepts:

Unit 6: Citizens in Action

DE Standard Addressed: Civics Standard Four 9-12b : Students will understand the process of working within a political party, a commission engaged in examining public policy, or a citizen's group.

Essential Question: How should groups engaged in political activities organize to accomplish their goals?

Key Terms/Concepts:

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