Learn the fundamentals of our American democratic republic -- Get a detailed study of our founding documents -- Explore the function of our government at the federal, state, and local levels. (This course fulfills many states' high school government education requirements!)
How to get the most out of American Democracy and Government with Ed Rivet:
- First, carefully read the course details below.
- Course material provided free by the instructor.
- Prepare a course notebook for note-taking during reading and lectures. Students may want to print the "thumbnail" version of the Powerpoint in advance of the class so they can take notes along side the Powerpoint.
- Complete the homework.
- If you need review, go back and watch the recording again and/or go over the PowerPoint.
- If you'd like to expand the course into a full semester, Mr. Rivet provides an additional reading list below. Students can read books (approved by their parents) and turn in a written or oral report(s) to their parents for additional credit.
- Once the course is completed to the parent's satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in and printed for your records. Make sure to record your grades (HSC does not provide recordkeeping services).
Total Classes: 12
Duration: 55 minutes
Prerequisite: None
Suggested Grade Level: 9th to 12th grade
Suggested Credit: 1 full semester American Government
Course Outline:
Class 1 - Forms of Government- Understanding Liberty
Class 2 - The U.S. Constitution - Article 1, Congress
Class 3 - The U.S. Constitution - Articles 2 & 3, Executive & Judicial Branch
Class 4 - The U.S. Constitution - Articles 4-7
Class 5 - Amendments to the Constitution - Bill of Rights & Beyond
Class 6 - Constitutional Amendments Completed
Class 7 - The Executive Branch
Class 8 - The Legislative Branch - Part 1
Class 9 - Legislative Branch - Part 2, Judicial Branch Part 1
Class 10 - The Committee will come to order!
Class 11 - Legislative Committee 2 & Judicial Branch Part 2
Class 12 - State & Local Government
Course Description: This course covers the fundamentals of our American democratic republic, with a detailed study of our founding documents, the function of our government at the federal, state and local levels. The course features a very popular "mock committee" exercise where students serve as a committee trying to craft legislation.
Course Materials: Free online and printable resources provided by the instructor.
Homework: Reading, quizzes, essay questions, and online research. Expect 1 to 3 hours each week on homework, which is graded by the instructor.
Answer Key: An answer key booklet is not included with this course, but a grading guide is included to help parents mark student assignments.
- Teacher: Edward Rivet