American Government

This course covers American Government from its beginnings in the colonies to current present-day history-in-the-making.  It not only presents the historical evolution of the United States Democratic processes, but it also relates governmental concepts to our contemporary world. American Government begins with the emergence of 17th Century democracy, the philosophy of the social contract, fresh U.S. political ideals and immersion into the theories of power and politics in America. The course goes on to illuminate the U.S. Constitution from its creation to its most current amendments, as well as taking a look at the great importance and legacy of its Bill of Rights along with Judicial interpretations of prominent portions of the document.  American Government also explores the concept of Federalism and the balance of powers at both the national and state levels.  Finally, the course covers substantial exploration in civil liberties, human rights, public opinion, political parties, electoral processes, and special interest groups (among other things) while journeying through the three branches of the national government as well as state and local entities.   

Upon successful completion of this American Government course, you will be able to master the following actions: 

• Identify and interpret the events leading to the creation of the United States of America. 
• Recognize and interpret the contribution of enlightened thought to the Founders’ ideologies as exemplified in the foundation of the United States of America.  
• Apply how the people and their participation are critical in a representative democracy. 
• Comprehend and evaluate the dynamic system of federalism as a central issue in the study of American government.  
• Apply a conceptual understanding of the historical development of the United States Constitution and its evolution through today. 
• Identify and summarize the history and ongoing movements in civil liberties and civil rights. 
• Categorize interest groups and social movements as well as describing how they affect political socialization and public opinion. 
• Recognize and measure how the three branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial) engage in the model of separation of powers – a source of our government’s strength, and at times, a basis of conflict. Detect how checks and balances, closely related to the notion of separation of powers, affects each governmental branch.  
• Relate how the Executive Branch works under the auspice of the Presidency. 
• Recall and interpret the history, development, election and current modalities of the Legislative Branch made up by Congress (House of Representatives and Senate). 
• Recognize how political parties, campaigns, elections, voting, media, and technology all intersect and affect historical and contemporary politics in the United States. 
• Identify our responsibilities as a citizen and recognize how civic participation is critical for a democratic system to survive.  
• Compare and contrast the structures of the federal, state, and local governments.  
• Identify, describe, and analyze the national system of bureaucracy in the United States. 
• Recall the importance, power, process, and current issues facing the judicial branch and the Supreme Court of the United States. 
• Identify and apply the various United States policies including economic policy, domestic policy, and foreign policy. 

Title: McGraw Hill - American Democracy Now, 8th Edition, by Harrison, Brigid

If you are struggling with a term or concept, you can utilize the links below to search for the concept or term to find additional resources and explanations.

Quizlet - Virtual Flash Cards

American Government Merlot.org

Civics and Government PBS.org

Khan Academy

Course Hero

United State Congress

United States House of Representatives

United States Senate

Library of Congress

The White House

Supreme Court of the United States

Lecture videos and extra resource videos have automatic closed captioning. These captions are generated by computer algorithms. To utilize closed captioning, you can click on the CC button at the bottom of a video.

Gateway Education is committed to the belief that every individual should have an equal opportunity in education. Gateway Education seeks to assure access by providing accommodations to individuals with a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA). Accommodation includes, but is not limited to: aids or modification to courses, materials, or testing; and other services that allow better access by individuals with disabilities.

Individuals requesting accommodation should submit a request in writing or in an alternative format appropriate for their limitations. The request should include documentation of the disability, including information with recommendations of appropriate accommodation. Once eligibility has been established, accommodations must be requested on a course-by-course basis.

Requests can sent to the student services department at [email protected]