Course Description: American Government

God gave human government for the purpose of protecting life and property. James Madison in the Federalist Papers said, “If men were angels, no government would be necessary, and if government were made up of angels no limits on its power would be necessary.”

This course is designed to show how his statement helped to shape the U.S. Constitution. Our aim is to facilitate each student’s understanding of the political development of the United States.

This class will provide students with the skills they need in order to take on the responsibilities of citizenship (or residency) and to participate in the political processes of the United States. Students will be encouraged to become informed and active United States citizens. This is a great challenge. As John Adams observed in 1787, “The people in America now have the best opportunity and the greatest trust in their hands, that God ever committed to so small a number, since the transgression of the first pair; if they betray their trust, their guilt will merit even greater punishment than other nations have suffered, and the indignation of Heaven.

Syllabus:

Semester One:

• God’s Purpose for the Institution of Government
• Christian Beginnings in America & The Meaning of Democracy
• The Constitutional Convention
• Constitutional Cornerstones
• Congress

Semester Two:

• The Party System & Campaigns and Elections
• The Presidency
• The Judiciary
• Civil Rights and Civil Responsibilities
• Mock Trial
• Federalism