LISTEN NOW - Each of the Learning Objectives are LINKED to a brief explanation
Unit 1: Foundations of Democracy
The U.S. Constitution arose out of important historical and philosophical ideas and preferences regarding popular sovereignty and limited government. To address competing states’ visions for the allocation of governmental authority, compromises were made during the Constitutional Convention and ratification debates, and these compromises have frequently been the source of debate and negotiation in U.S. politics over the proper balance between federal and state power and between liberty and social order.
Enduring Understandings:
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A balance between governmental power and individual rights has been a hallmark of American political development. (Liberty and Order)
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The Constitution emerged from the debate about weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation as a blueprint for limited government. (Constitutionalism)
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The Constitution creates a complex competitive policy-making process to ensure the people’s will is represented and that freedom is preserved. (Competing policy-making interests)
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Federalism reflects the dynamic distribution of power between national and state governments. (Constitutionalism)
Learning Objectives:
Unit 2: Interaction Among Branches of Government
Because power is widely distributed and checks prevent one branch from usurping powers from the others, institutional actors are in the position where they must both compete and cooperate in order to govern.
Enduring Understandings:
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The republican ideal in the United States is manifested in the structure and operation of the legislative branch. (Constitutionalism)
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The presidency has been enhanced beyond its expressed constitutional powers. (Constitutionalism)
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The design of the judicial branch protects the Court’s independence as a branch of government, and the emergence and use of judicial review remains a powerful judicial practice. (Constitutionalism)
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The federal bureaucracy is a powerful institution implementing federal policies with sometimes-questionable accountability. (Competing policy-making interests)
Learning Objectives:
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Describe the different structures, powers and functions of each house of Congress.
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Explain how the president’s agenda can create tension and frequent confrontations with Congress.
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Explain how presidents have interpreted and justified their use of formal and informal powers.
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Explain how other branches in the government can limit the Supreme Court’s power.
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Explain how the bureaucracy carries out the responsibilities of the federal government.
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Explain how Congress uses its oversight power in its relationship with the executive branch.
Unit 3: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
Through the U.S. Constitution, but primarily through the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment, citizens and groups have attempted to restrict national and state governments from unduly infringing upon individual rights and from denying equal protection under the law. Sometimes the Court had handed down decisions that protect both public order and individual freedom, and at other times the Court has set precedents protecting one at the expense of the other.
Enduring Understandings:
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Provisions of the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights are continually being interpreted to balance the power of government and the civil liberties of individuals. (Liberty and Order)
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Protections of the Bill of Rights have been selectively incorporated by way of the Fourteenth Amendment’s “due process” clause to prevent state infringement of basic liberties. (Liberty and Order)
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The Fourteenth Amendment’s “equal protection clause” as well as other constitutional provisions have often been used to support the advancement of equality. (Civic participation in a representative democracy)
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Public policy promoting civil rights is influenced by citizen-state interactions and constitutional interpretation over time. (Competing policy-making interests)
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The Court’s interpretation of the U.S. Constitution is influenced by the composition of the Court and citizen-state interactions. At times, it has restricted minority rights and, at others, protected them. (Constitutionalism)
Learning Objectives:
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Explain how the U.S. Constitution protects individual liberties and rights.
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Explain the implications of the doctrine of selective incorporation.
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Explain how constitutional provisions have supported and motivated social movements.
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Explain how the government has responded to social movements.
Unit 4: American Political Ideologies and Beliefs
American political beliefs are shaped by founding ideals, core values, and the changing demographics of the citizenry. The beliefs about government, politics, and the individual’s role in the political system influence the creation of ideological trends that span decades impacting public policies.
Enduring Understandings:
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Citizens’ beliefs about government are shaped by the intersection of demographics, political culture, and dynamic social change. (Methods of political analysis)
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Public opinion is measured through scientific polling, and the results of public opinion polls influence public policies and institutions. (Methods of political analysis)
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Widely held political values shape the policy choices available in American politics. (Competing policy-making interests)
Learning Objectives:
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Explain how cultural factors influence political attitudes and socialization.
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Explain the quality and credibility of claims based on public opinion data.
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Explain how ideologies of the two major parties shape policy debates.
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Describe different political ideologies on the role of government in regulating the marketplace.
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Explain how political ideologies vary on the government’s role in regulating the marketplace.
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Explain how political ideologies vary on the role of government in addressing social issues.
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Explain how different ideologies impact policy on social issues.
Unit 5: Political Participation
Governing is achieved directly through citizen participation and indirectly through linkage institutions (e.g. political parties, interest groups, and mass media) that inform, organize, and mobilize support to influence government and politics, resulting in many venues for citizen influence on policy making.
Enduring Understandings:
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Factors associated with political ideology, efficacy, structural barriers, and demographics influence the nature and degree of political participation. (Methods of political analysis)
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Political parties, interest groups, and social movements provide opportunities for participation and influence how people relate to government. (Competing policy-making interests)
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The impact of federal policies on campaigning and electoral rules continues to be contested by both sides of the political spectrum. (Civic participation in a representative democracy)
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The various forms of media provide citizens with political information and influence the ways in which they participate politically. (Civic participation in a representative democracy)
Learning Objectives:
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Describe the voting rights protections in the Constitution and in legislation.
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Explain the roles that individual choice and state laws play in voter turnout in elections.
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Explain the function and impact of political parties on the electorate and the government.
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Explain how structural barriers impact third party and independent candidate success.
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Explain how various political actors influence public policy outcomes.
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Explain how the different processes work in a U.S. presidential election.
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Explain how the Electoral College impacts democratic participation.
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Explain how the different processes work in U.S. Congressional elections.
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Explain how campaign organizations and strategies affect the election process.