United States Constitution and Government traces the nation's history from the pre-colonial period to the present. Students learn about the Native American, European, and African people who lived in America before it became the United States. They examine the beliefs and philosophies that informed the American Revolution and the subsequent formation of the government and political system. Students investigate the economic, cultural, and social motives for the nation's expansion, as well as the conflicting notions of liberty that eventually resulted in civil war. High school completion credit only. Students may earn 0.25-1.0 HS credits. This course may be repeated.
Prerequisites
Students must be enrolled in a Basic Skills class
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge or skills:
1.Describe the physical characteristics, cultural significance, and location of places and regions of the United States.
2.Analyze historical chronology and causal factors that have shaped major events in United States history.
3.Identify the key ideals and principles of the United States, including those in the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and other foundational documents.
4. Define and explain the purposes, organization, and function of governments, laws, and political systems.
5.Increase computer literacy and proficiency in using technology for academic and professional purposes.
- Geography and colonization of early America
- Events leading to the Revolutionary War
- Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation
- United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other historical documents
- Historical speeches and women in American history
- Westward expansion and the impact on indigenous peoples
- Three branches of government
- Government today: President, Vice-President, Chief Justice, Speaker of the House, Senators, and Representatives
- United States political parties and elections
This US History and Government course will satisfy one high school US History credit for HS+ graduation.
Independent study may be approved by instructor on a topic related to US Constitution or government. HS+ students will demonstrate progression by the number of credits earned during the quarter. This course may be repeated
BEdA Program instruction is aligned to the following College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS)
C-D in Reading based on the CCRS Anchors:
•Read closely to determine what the test says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it.
•Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
•Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.
•Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.
•Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
C-D in Writing based on the CCRS Anchors:
•Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
•Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
•Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
•Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
•Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism.