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The Constitution and American Government

J.F. Parcher

Let me ask you a questions.; When someone says the word government, what generally happens soon after?   

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Let me ask you a questions.; When someone says the word government, what generally happens soon after?   

In today’s political climate, it seems almost impossible to get accurate, unbiased information about the principles that formed our nation’s system of government without starting a fight.

This course will talk all about the creation of the constitution using actual quotes from the very men who wrote it. It’ll guide you through each part of the constitution article by article and explain to you how this document lays out the foundation for our government and its function. It will also go through each of the 27 amendments to the constitution, telling you all about how they affect you personally.

Think of this course like a grand tour of our nation and its most important places. During it you’ll visit the battlefields of the American Revolution, Independence Hall in Philadelphia, The Capitol, White House, and the Supreme Court, and to the National Archives where the Bill of Rights and amendments sit today.

This course was originally designed for teachers looking to pass their government requirements or for candidates for citizenship, but it's also great for students studying for the AP exam, and of course, anyone who wants to learn more about our nation and its history.

I hope you’ll consider taking this course, and also hope you enjoy taking it as much as I enjoyed making it. Thank you.  

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What's inside

Learning objective

Demonstrate an understanding of what the constitution says and how it outlines the structure of the our government. students will also be able to speak with authority about the three branches of government and their responsibilities, the history of the u.s. leading up to the constitution, and how the bill of rights protects your freedoms.

Syllabus

Students will learn about the important events, places, personalities, and philosphies that led to the Constitution.
The American Revolution
The Articles of Confederation
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The Call for a Convention
The Constitutional Convention

This quiz covers the historical background leading up to the writing of the Constitution 

We The People : The Preamble
"A Congress of the United States..." The Legislative Branch
"Vested in a President" The Executive Branch
"Vested in a President" The Executive Branch, Part 2
"The Judicial Power..." The Judical Branch

The quiz covers the Preamble and the three branches of the federal government

"Full Faith and Credit..." Article IV
"Shall propose Amendments" Article V
"All debts..and engagements.." Article VI
Ratification: Article VII

This quiz covers Articles 4-7 of the Constitution

The Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights, Part II
Amendments 11-27

The quiz discusses the Bill of Rights and the last 17 amendments of the Constitution

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive analysis of the principles underlying the U.S. Constitution
Outlines the structure and responsibilities of the three branches of government
Examines the historical events leading up to the creation of the Constitution
Explores the 27 Amendments to the Constitution, explaining their impact on individuals
Emphasizes critical thinking by guiding learners through the Constitution's articles and amendments
Designed to prepare learners for the American history and government sections of the AP exam

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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for The Constitution and American Government. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete The Constitution and American Government will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Teacher
Teachers educate students at various levels. This course is designed specifically for teachers in the field, as it will aid them in meeting government requirements for teaching. Additionally, it will provide teachers with the resources and knowledge to teach about the Constitution in their classrooms.
Political Scientist
Political scientists study political systems and political behavior. This course would be particularly useful for a student wishing to enter into this field as it is a good foundation for graduate study in political science. Furthermore, an understanding of the Constitution is crucial to understanding political science.
Legislator
Legislators make laws and policies for their constituents. This course would be very helpful for students or professionals in this field, as it will provide insights into the history, structure, and interpretation of the Constitution. Such a course would support strong and effective lawmaking.
Historian
Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past. A course on the Constitution and American Government would be a great foundation for a student wishing to study history at the graduate level. Furthermore, some History departments require coursework on the constitution to complete a degree.
Political Consultant
Political consultants advise candidates and political parties on strategy and messaging. This course would be useful for students and career professionals in this field, as it will provide a deep understanding of the Constitution and its impact on political campaigns. Such knowledge would allow them to provide astute advice on navigating the intricacies of constitutional law during campaigns.
Public Administrator
Public administrators work in government agencies to implement and manage public policies. This course would be useful for students and professionals in this field, as it will provide a deep understanding of the constitutional principles that guide public administration. Such knowledge would empower them to make decisions that align with the constitution when carrying out their duties.
Journalist
Journalists research, analyze, and report on news and current events. This course would be useful for students and professionals in this field, as it will provide a deep understanding of the Constitution and its impact on society. Such knowledge would provide opportunities to write insightful news pieces on constitutional issues.
Archivist
Archivists preserve and manage historical records. This course would be useful for students and professionals in this field, as it covers the history and significance of the Constitution. Understanding these aspects would allow archivists to better preserve and manage constitutional records.
Museum curator
Museum curators oversee the collections and exhibits of museums. This course would be helpful for students and professionals in this field, as it will provide a comprehensive understanding of the history and significance of the Constitution. Such knowledge would support the development of engaging and educational exhibits on the Constitution.
Judge
Judges preside over court cases and make legal decisions. This course may be useful for students or professionals in this field as it will provide a comprehensive understanding of the Constitution and its interpretation. Such knowledge would help judges make informed, legally sound decisions.
Librarian
Librarians help people find and access information. This course may be helpful for students and professionals in this field, as it will provide an understanding of the history and significance of the Constitution. Such knowledge would allow them to better serve patrons seeking information on the Constitution and related topics.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. This course may be useful for students and professionals in this field, as it will provide an understanding of the legal environment in which nonprofits operate. Such knowledge would assist in adhering to constitutional principles while managing a nonprofit organization.
Policy Analyst
Policy analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on public policy issues. This course would be helpful for students or career professionals in this field to gain a deep understanding of the Constitution, which is crucial for making policy recommendations that align with the nation's legal framework.
Lawyer
Lawyers advise and represent clients in courts, before government agencies, and in private matters. This course could be helpful for a student or career professional in this field as it provides a foundation in constitutional law. An understanding of the Constitution is crucial for lawyers wishing to practice in the US.
Paralegal
Paralegals assist lawyers with legal research, case preparation, and other legal tasks. This course could be beneficial as it would allow paralegals to gain a deeper understanding of the Constitution. Such knowledge could help paralegals better understand and support legal matters.

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Constitution and American Government.
Transcription of the Constitution of the United States. It provides the full text of the Constitution, including all 27 amendments.
Collection of 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. The essays were originally published in newspapers in New York in 1787 and 1788. They were written to promote the ratification of the Constitution.
Collection of essays written by opponents of the Constitution. The essays were originally published in newspapers in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts in 1787 and 1788. They argued that the Constitution would create a too powerful central government.
Provides a comprehensive look at the Bill of Rights. It includes the text of the Bill of Rights, as well as the debates and discussions that led to its adoption.
Provides a clear and concise explanation of the Bill of Rights. It is written in a non-technical style and is accessible to a general audience.
Provides an overview of the Constitution. It covers the history of the Constitution, the structure of the government, and the rights and freedoms of citizens.
Provides a comprehensive overview of constitutional law. It covers the major areas of constitutional law, including freedom of speech, religion, and the press.
Provides a theoretical analysis of the Constitution. It examines the relationship between the Constitution and American democracy.
Examines the role of the Constitution in foreign affairs. It covers topics such as the President's powers in foreign policy and the role of Congress in declaring war.
Provides a guide to environmental law. It covers topics such as air pollution, water pollution, and climate change.

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