United States Government Honors Online

​From the origins of democracy through our nation’s public policies, students will take part in a more rigorous semester long study of the principles and procedures of the United States’ government. Students begin by taking an in-depth look at the creation of the Constitution and analyze the Amendments contained therein. Supreme Court cases that have challenged what our constitutional rights are and their lasting impact is the next topic covered in the course. Students then study the structure and duties of our government, including writing an informative essay about a federal agency. Students then explore the duties of an American citizen and finally examine the various public policies our government is responsible for. From writing about the purpose of government to analyzing landmark Supreme Court decisions, students are better equipped to understand how the federal, state, and local governments work as well as how citizens should engage with each other in today’s society. Throughout this Honors course, students continuously analyze primary and secondary sources, including political cartoons, essays, and judicial opinions. Projects such as creating a political cartoon and taking part in a debate about voter ID laws encourage students to perform throughout the course at a higher level.