Politics and US Government

Politics and US Government is a high school class that focuses on: 

  • Political theories of the western tradition, with historical examples. 

  • The political antecedents and influences of the US political system. 

  • The Structure of the US political system. 

  • Topics that affect the U.S. political system 

  • With a special focus on historical texts of political writing. 

  • The First 16 weeks focuses on political theories, topics, and systems throughout history. 

  • Second 16 weeks focuses on the structure of the US Government and the historical situations in which it was formed, and topics that affect the U.S. political system (e.g., geography, population, economics, ideology, lobbyists, media, internet).  

Participatory Requirements: 

  • Weekly online Zoom class session 

  • Weekly discussion topic based on primary source reading 

  • Weekly quiz 

  • 1 Historical political philosopher paper that examines the life and thought or actions of a political figure or political philosopher from history (e.g., Caesar, James Madison, Lincoln, Churchill, etc.). 

  • 1 Persuasive/Position paper on about the STRUCTURE of the U.S. Government (rather than a controversial political position) OR primary source analysis paper from an approved list of sources. 

Required Books: 

  • On Politics: A History of Political Thought, Alan Ryan (New Paperback around $30, used copies are fine.) 

  • Essential Texts in Political Philosophy, Steven Cahn, 2nd edition preferred (a used copy of the 2nd edition is much cheaper!: $6-$15 compared to $50-$80 for a copy of the latest edition). 

  • A copy of the U.S. Constitution (online or print acceptable). 

Please see the course calendar for meeting time. All class sessions will be recorded.

NOTE: Required Texts are not provided. 

Class size is limited to 50 students.