NC 216: American Government

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Summer 2022
Credits: 0
Total Contact Hours: 60
Lecture Hours : 60
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 120
Prerequisite: Placement by a high school counselor.
Transferable to CSU: No
Transferable to UC: No
Grading Method: Non-Credit Course

Catalog Course Description

In this course, students will develop a deeper understanding of the institutions of the American government. They will compare the contemporary systems of government and analyze the history and changing interpretations of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the current state of the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches of government. An emphasis is placed on analyzing the relationship among federal, state, and local governments, with particular attention paid to important historical documents such as the Federalist Papers. This course format will include activity-based investigations with hands-on activities, concepts, and applications compliant with the adopted California State History and Social Sciences Standards to meet the minimum course requirements for high school graduation. 60 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • Trace historical events culminating in The Constitutional Convention.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of basic theories of government.
  • Define broad principles of The Constitution.
  • Discuss the role and process of the legislative and executive branch of government.
  • Identify the role of the judicial branch of government, the court system, selected landmark cases in government.
  • Identify attributes of domestic and foreign policy and their effect and consequences.
  • Identify the role of the cabinet departments and independent agencies.
  • Compare the various structures and roles of state, county, and local governments with the United States government.
  • Recognize the role of the citizen in the electoral process.

Major Course Content

  1. American Political Culture
  2. The Constitution
  3. Federalism
  4. Congress
  5. The Presidency
  6. The Federal Courts
  7. Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
  8. Political Parties
  9. Interest Groups
  10. Elections
  11. Public Opinion
  12. The Media

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Instructor supplied material

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Essays and short response writings

Examples of Outside Assignments

Daily homework and answer review questions

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture