The student will demonstrate understanding of the structure and functions of government and politics in the United States. The student will evaluate how the United States government has maintained a balance between protecting rights and maintaining order.
Students can then identify contemporary issues where similar concerns arise.
They also can visit a court to see the legal system in action, or hold a mock trials on one issue. The student will evaluate the interdependent relationship of United States politics and government to world affairs. Have students use internet resources to identify the goals of key international alliances and organizations, then evaluate their value to the United States. Students can then construct arguments and debate whether or not our country should remain a member of these organizations. The student will compare and evaluate the effectiveness of the United States system of government and various other national and international political systems.