American Government A: Course Overview and Pacing Guide
Welcome to American Government A at Snake River Opportunities High! This comprehensive course introduces students to the American political system, equipping them with an understanding of the U.S. federal government structure, the roles of various political actors, and the impact of politics on governmental processes.
The course is designed to instill a sense of civic duty and citizen participation through project-based learning across four key themes: Constitution and Federalism, Public Opinion and Media, Elections and Political Parties, and Civil Liberties and Civil Rights.
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by Scott Corgatelli
Constitution and Federalism
U.S. Constitution
The founding document that established federalism
Declaration of Independence
Articulated principles of natural rights
Articles of Confederation
First U.S. government, proved too weak
Magna Carta
Established principles of limited government
This unit focuses on the foundations of U.S. government, exploring how key historical documents influenced the Constitution's development. Students will understand why the Constitution is structured as it is and how it creates federalism—the sharing of power between national and state governments that gives more voice to American citizens.
Students will demonstrate their knowledge through projects such as interactive timelines, comparative government presentations, or "if-then" scenario planning, employing historical and social analysis skills.
Public Opinion and Media
What is Public Opinion?
The attitudes and beliefs held by a significant portion of the population about matters of public concern, directly influencing public policy decisions.
Media's Role
Various forms of communication that disseminate information to the public, playing a crucial role in shaping public opinion through framing, coverage choices, and presentation.
Government Regulation
The question of whether government should impose rules or controls on media content and operation, balancing free speech with public interest.
This unit explores how public opinion influences public policy and the critical role media plays in shaping those opinions. Students will analyze how different media sources present information and consider whether government regulation of media is appropriate in a democratic society.
Projects include media analysis portfolios, public service announcement campaigns, or town hall simulations, all requiring strong literacy and communication skills to effectively analyze and convey information.
Elections and Political Parties
1
Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists
First political factions debating Constitution ratification
2
Two-Party System Emerges
Development of enduring party structure
3
Modern Political Landscape
Contemporary role of parties in elections and governance
This unit examines how elections are conducted in the United States and the evolution of political parties from the Federalists and Anti-Federalists to today's political environment. Students will understand the mechanics of elections and how parties influence the political process.
Through projects like campaign strategy proposals, election reform analyses, or historical analyses of party evolution, students will employ critical thinking and problem-solving skills to understand these complex political systems and propose solutions to challenges.
Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
Civil Liberties
Fundamental freedoms protected by the Bill of Rights that restrain government action against individuals.
Freedom of speech
Freedom of religion
Due process
Right to privacy
Civil Rights
Protections against discrimination based on personal characteristics.
Racial equality
Gender equality
Disability rights
LGBTQ+ rights
This unit focuses on the distinction between civil liberties and civil rights, exploring their historical development and impact on society and government limitations. Students will understand how these rights and liberties have evolved over time and continue to shape American life.
Projects include case study analyses of landmark Supreme Court decisions, advocacy projects for specific rights, or comparative "then and now" analyses, all promoting citizenship and civic engagement.
Project-Based Learning Approach
Learn This
Acquire foundational knowledge about key concepts
Do This
Create projects demonstrating understanding
Grow From
Incorporate feedback to improve
Apply
Transfer knowledge to new contexts
The American Government A course employs a project-based learning approach that encourages deeper understanding and application of concepts. For each key theme, students progress through a cycle of learning, doing, receiving feedback, and growing.
This approach develops critical "Habits of Mind" including Historical and Social Analysis, Literacy and Communication, Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving, and Citizenship and Civic Engagement. These skills prepare students not just for academic success but for active participation in democratic society.
Pacing Guides: Regular and Summer School
1
Regular 24-Day Schedule
Week 1: Constitution and Federalism (Days 1-7)
Week 2: Public Opinion and Media (Days 8-12)
Week 3: Elections and Political Parties (Days 13-18)
Week 4: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights (Days 19-24)
2
Condensed 15-Day Summer Schedule
Constitution and Federalism (Days 1-5)
Public Opinion and Media (Days 6-9)
Elections and Political Parties (Days 10-13)
Civil Liberties and Civil Rights (Days 14-15)
The course offers flexible pacing options to accommodate both regular and summer school schedules. The regular 24-day schedule provides ample time for in-depth exploration of each topic, while the condensed 15-day summer schedule covers the same material in a more intensive format.
Both schedules maintain the same learning objectives and project-based approach, ensuring that all students receive a comprehensive introduction to American government regardless of the timeframe.
Assessment and Rubrics
Surface Knowledge (IP)
Basic recall of facts and definitions
Deep Understanding (M)
Explanation and analysis of concepts
Transfer (M+)
Application to new contexts and problems
Student progress is assessed using detailed rubrics that evaluate three levels of learning: Surface Knowledge (IP), Deep Understanding (M), and Transfer (M+). These rubrics measure both content knowledge and the application of the relevant Habit of Mind for each unit.
Projects are evaluated based on increasing levels of sophistication, from basic information gathering to comprehensive analysis and application. This approach encourages students to move beyond memorization to develop critical thinking skills and civic engagement that will serve them throughout their lives as active citizens.