Many great thinkers and philosophers have asked basic questions about the institution of government for centuries: What is the proper form of government? What form of government serves best? Where or why did government originate? Is government really necessary?

You will most likely be eligible to vote within the next 3 years, and as you wait for that moment perhaps now might be a good time to study and reflect on the American system of government: Why will you vote? Will your vote make a difference? What does government have to do with your life, indirectly or directly?

This course will serve as an introduction to all these questions, an to the fundamentals of the American system. Perhaps as well it may help to provide some guidance and answers about politics and government to aid you in your future decisions.

Course Objectives: 

Students will:

• Demonstrate mastery of key economic principles such as scarcity, effective decision-making, voluntary exchange, and market principles.

• Demonstrate mastery of a core of knowledge about the structure, function, and purpose of government and the role of the citizen in American democracy.

• Read and interpret primary and secondary sources.

• Develop an awareness of current economic trends.

• Develop organizational and essay writing-skills.

• Complete a required research project.

• Develop an awareness of current events in the content areas being studied.

• Utilize computer technology to facilitate learning.

There will be approximately eight chapter tests this semester and a Final Examination. Grades will be based on homework, quizzes, test scores, debates, simulations, and a research paper.