Subject: Social Studies

U.S. Government

Master the principles of American democracy with Excel High School’s accredited U.S. Government course. Study the Constitution, branches of government, civil rights, elections, and more—online, at your pace.

Course Type: Standard High School

Credits: 1.0

Course Description

Excel High School’s U.S. Government course offers a comprehensive study of the principles, structures, and processes that define American democracy. Students explore the historical foundations of the U.S. political system, examine the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and analyze the functions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The course also covers federalism, the role of political parties and elections, civil liberties and civil rights, and the impact of domestic and foreign policy decisions. Comparative modules introduce students to other political and economic systems, as well as the organization of state and local governments. Through case studies, landmark Supreme Court decisions, and interactive activities, students develop the skills to critically evaluate government actions, engage in civic life, and understand their role in shaping public policy. This self-paced, online course is designed for 11th-grade students and typically completed in about four months.

Textbook: United States Government, CK-12

Course Objectives

Explain the structure, functions, and foundational principles of the U.S. government, including the roles of the federal, state, and local levels.

Analyze the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other key documents, along with the systems of checks and balances, separation of powers, and federalism.

Evaluate the development and protection of civil liberties and civil rights through legislation and landmark Supreme Court decisions.

Describe the political process in the United States, including elections, political parties, interest groups, media influence, and civic engagement.

Compare political and economic systems globally, understand U.S. foreign policy, and assess how different levels of government impact society and public policy.

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Course Contents

Module Title	Module Topic(s)
Foundations of Government	Examine the purpose of government, explore various forms it can take, and analyze how Enlightenment ideas shaped America’s founding documents.
Origins of American Government	Trace the roots of U.S. government from British political traditions and colonial self-rule to the American Revolution and the Articles of Confederation.
The U.S. Constitution	Study the structure and principles of the Constitution, including separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, and the amendment process.
Federalism	Explore how power is divided between national and state governments, the different types of federalism, and their impact on public policy.
Congress: The Legislative Branch	Learn how the House and Senate create laws, the legislative process from bill to law, and the powers and limits of Congress.
The Presidency	Analyze the President’s constitutional powers, domestic and foreign policy roles, and relationships with the other branches of government.
The Executive Branch at Work	Investigate the federal bureaucracy, executive departments, and agencies, and how executive actions influence national policy.
The Federal Courts and the Judicial Branch	Examine the structure of the federal court system, the role of the Supreme Court, and how landmark cases shape American law.
The Political Process	Understand how political parties, interest groups, media, and public opinion influence nominations, campaigns, and elections.
Civil Liberties	Explore the constitutional foundations of individual freedoms and key court cases that define the limits of government authority.
Civil Rights	Trace the history of civil rights in the U.S., major legal milestones, and ongoing challenges to achieving equality.
Understanding Elections	Learn how federal, state, and local elections operate, the role of the Electoral College, and the factors influencing voter behavior.
Supreme Court Cases	Review landmark Supreme Court decisions, their historical context, and how precedent shapes future rulings.
Making Foreign Policy	Analyze the institutions, goals, and tools of U.S. foreign policy and their effects on global and domestic affairs.
Comparative Political and Economic Systems	Compare political and economic systems worldwide and evaluate their impact on governance and citizens.
Comparative State and Local Government	Examine the structures of state and local governments, their relationship to federal authority, and their role in community life.

Recommended Prerequisites

Carnegie Credits Explained: Our Approach vs. Trimester Credits

Carnegie Credit System
Excel High School follows the Carnegie Credit system, a widely recognized method of measuring student progress based on instructional hours. A single Carnegie credit reflects approximately 120 hours of coursework, typically completed over a full academic year.

Carnegie Credit vs. Trimester Credit
While Carnegie credits are awarded based on total hours over a year, trimester credits divide the school year into three terms. In a trimester system, students complete courses in shorter, intensive sessions, often earning partial credits (e.g., 0.33 or 0.5 per term). In contrast, Excel’s use of Carnegie credits ensures students have ample time to engage deeply with the material and develop a well-rounded understanding at a consistent pace.

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