- Grand Prairie High School
- Government
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United States Government (One-Half Credit)
Recommended Grade 12
In United States Government, the focus is on the principles and beliefs upon which the United States was founded and on the structure, functions, and powers of government at the national, state, and local levels. This course is the culmination of the civic and governmental content and concepts studied from kindergarten through required secondary courses. Students learn major political ideas and forms of government in history. A significant focus of the course is on the U.S. Constitution, its underlying principles and ideas, and the form of government it created. Students analyze major concepts of republicanism, federalism, checks and balances, separation of powers, popular sovereignty, and individual rights and compare the U.S. system of government with other political systems. Students identify the role of government in the U.S. free enterprise system and examine the strategic importance of places to the United States. Students analyze the impact of individuals, political parties, interest groups, and the media on the American political system, evaluate the importance of voluntary individual participation in a constitutional republic, and analyze the rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Students examine the relationship between governmental policies and the culture of the United States. Students identify examples of government policies that encourage scientific research and use critical-thinking skills to create a product on a contemporary government issue.
Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. Government and Politics (One-Half Credit)
Content requirements: Content requirements for Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. Government and Politics are prescribed in the College Board Publication Advanced Placement Course in U.S. Government and Politics, published by The College Board.
Students will study Constitutional underpinnings, civil liberties and civil rights, political culture and socialization, citizen participation and influence, political institutions and policy making that are the foundation of modern U.S. government and politics. They will interpret classic and contemporary political writings and apply pertinent Supreme Court rulings to enduring social and political issues in this country.