XHSC 0934C Civics: Democracy in America

Lecture Hours: 22
Lab Hours: 11
Credits: .5

Examines the meaning of United States citizenship and the rights and responsibilities associated with it. Allows students to probe multiple layers of issues and to link principles of American democracy to the historical underpinnings of the nation. Stresses as the paramount outcome a strong conceptual basis that fosters responsible citizenship and further learning.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Explain the purpose of government and list ways it is framed by the U.S. Constitution.
Identify the nature and the appeal of the essential principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and explain how they relate to the rule of law and to individual rights.
Diagram the structure and function of federalism and separation of powers in government.
Provide examples of the tension between the Constitution’s protection of individual rights and its promotion of equality and the common good.
Explain how the Constitution is an instrument for change, for resolution of issues, for limitation of government, and for preservation of the values and principles of society.
Cite case law and legislation that protects rights not enumerated in the Constitution.
Diagram the U.S. judicial system, explain its basic principles and describe the role it plays in protecting the rights of citizens.
Apply knowledge of U.S. government and its political system to 1) gather, analyze, and document information from various sources, 2) distinguish facts from opinions, inferences, biases, stereotypes, and persuasive appeals, 3) form opinions and 4) take action as a citizen.
Using the Tribal History/Shared History resources and other primary and secondary source documents, identify and explain the development and mechanisms for the government-to-government relationship between Oregon and the nine federally recognized tribal governments.

Content Outline

The Purpose of Government
The U.S. Constitution and The Declaration of Independence as Expressions of Principles of Government and as a Basis for the Rule Of Law
Individual Rights vs the Common Good
Separation of Powers Between the Three Branches of Government and the System of Checks and Balances
Freedom of Expression and Immigration
Freedom of Speech and Equal Protection Under the Law
Freedom of the Press
Due Process of Law and Limited Government
Due Process of Law for Victims of Crime and for the Accused
The Judicial Process
The Political Power of the People
Limited Government and the Consent of the Governed
Public Response to Broken Contracts of Trust Between Elected Officials and the Voter
Economic Rights
Equal Opportunity for All People
Tribal Governments