C3_FRAMEWORK_SOCIAL_STUDIEShigh school
Civics and Government: Foundations
An introduction to the foundations of political science, theoretical frameworks of governance, and the mechanics of public policy. Develops the civic reasoning skills needed to understand how governments work, why they make the choices they do, and how citizens can participate effectively.
3units
9topics
135questions
~3hours
Course Units
Learning objectives
- Explain the major philosophical traditions that underpin modern democratic governance
- Compare and contrast the political theories of Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Rawls
- Distinguish between normative and empirical approaches in political science
- Analyze how Enlightenment ideas shaped constitutional government
- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of social contract theory as a justification for government authority
Topics in this unit
Learning objectives
- Compare parliamentary, presidential, and hybrid systems of government
- Explain how political economy frameworks analyze the interaction of markets and states
- Describe the stages of the public policy cycle from agenda setting to evaluation
- Evaluate the role of interest groups and institutions in shaping policy outcomes
- Analyze how electoral systems influence the number and behavior of political parties in a democracy
Topics in this unit
Learning objectives
- Explain the principles of constitutionalism including separation of powers, federalism, and judicial review
- Analyze how constitutional protections safeguard civil rights and civil liberties
- Evaluate the responsibilities of citizens in sustaining democratic institutions
- Assess how public policy translates constitutional principles into government action
- Explain how landmark Supreme Court cases have expanded or limited the interpretation of constitutional rights over time
Topics in this unit