Fostering academic excellence and biblical virtue to equip students for lives as local and global Christian servants.

U.S. Government (Civics) and Economics

Course Catalog ID:
3650
Subject Categories:
Government, Social Studies / Social Science
Description

The course will begin with a study of the historic foundations of the American system including the founding documents. Students will then explore the three branches of American government and their roles. Building on this, students will be introduced to the American political and electoral process, along with the rights and responsibilities of American citizens. Next, students will investigate the nature of the relationship between government and economy, including a comparative consideration of differing political-economic systems. In so doing, the student will be introduced to the fundamentals of economics, and how the different types of economics systems attempt to answer the basic economic questions. Particular attention will be given to the role of supply and demand, pricing, competition and entrepreneurship, business and labor, banking and financial markets, taxes and spending, fiscal policy, and trade in a free-enterprise system attempting to meet the challenges of an increasing globalized economy. Finally, students will look at the role of state and local governments as they interact with the national government.

Prerequisites
Grade Levels*:
9, 10, 11, 12
* Enrollment restricted based on Date of Birth and Grad Year (whichever is more limiting). Enrollment outside these levels requires written concurrence from TPS Support.
Notes and Conditions

Curriculum: This course is designed based on review of U.S. Government and Economics courses in the United States, to meet the high school graduation requirements for those states. In order to meet the content requirements for graduation, the student will use the highly-regarded Marauder’s American Government as the primary text. This will be supplemented with the eText version of Economics and additional primary and secondary sources.

California A-G: This course has CA A-G approval.

“This course was so good! We read many documents about the government, economy, and economic history of the United States. In the beginning of the year we traversed through the Constitution and studied it thoroughly. I really liked learning about the Constitution and what the founders of the country originally intended the government to be like. In a society where people who have never even read the Constitution before are voting or directing the government, I think it is very important to know exactly what it says and how to interpret it. I also enjoyed learning how to approach what is going on in the world today and how to think about those situations from multiple viewpoints. The second semester was focused on the economy of the United States, which I enjoyed learning about because the teacher gave a really good introduction to economics and the history of the economy.”

Madeleine F
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Student

“U.S. Government (Civics) and Economics is an excellent class for those wanting to learn more behind the history of the American government and the mechanics of the American economy. I particularly found the second semester involving the study of our economy to be most fascinating as I got to learn the hidden specifics behind what controls the market and how each element affects the other. The teacher was, as always, phenomenal this year. I will never forget him, and Lord willing, I will never forget what he taught me.”

Daniel M
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Student

“TPS U.S. Government (Civics) and Economics gave an excellent overview of confusing concepts. This course taught me how to think about government and economics in a smart way. The continual rereading of the constitution showed me the foundation of our government and how it should look today. I also learned to consider far reaching economic effects instead of accepting the simplest answer. I fully recommend this course!”

Faith B
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Student

“This is a wonderful course that dives into the way the United States has set up its government and the history that led to its current position. We read the constitution multiple times over the year to always point back to our nation’s founding documents. The teacher leads the class in insightful discussions that often stir conversations. This class is a great option for students looking to not only find out about government and economics but actively participate in discussions about it as well.”

Ruby S
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Student

“I recommend this U.S. Government and Economics class because the teacher looks at real life events and applies them to the American economy and governmental systems. He assigns great resources which clearly explain U.S. capitalism, investment, and trade. I came away from his class with a better understanding of how the government functions on the federal and state levels, the boom and bust cycle of an economy, and the reasons for efficiency and inefficiency in a society’s trade and money systems. All very good knowledge to have in the real world!”

Sarah H
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Student

“You won’t find a teacher like this one anywhere else. He somehow makes the study of government procedure and the economy exciting. I believe that I now have a grasp on the U.S. Constitution that most Americans never get in their lifetime. If you want to understand the real foundations of American Government, the men and disputes that brought us to where we are now (this will surprise you), and how the American economic system works, this is the class for you!”

Luke W
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Student

“This course was excellent! The teacher provided incredibly eye-opening insights into both historic and current governmental and economic events, giving a wonderful coverage of what I need to know to be an informed U.S. citizen who thinks and acts with discernment.”

Nicole S
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Student

“An understanding of U.S. government is incredibly important for every U.S. citizen. This course provides a solid foundation in both government and economics without ever being dry or boring.”

Philip J
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Student

“The teacher presents government and economics in quite an applicable format. He saves time to discuss the governmental and economical events of today, which helps bridge the gap between what we are learning and how we can apply that to our actual lives.”

Jenna S
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Student

“I never thought this class would teach me so much about the way the world is working today. In a practical way, economics has helped me put more thought into decisions involving my spending and jobs. The government portion, on the other hand, has done very well at laying out the function of our government for me. However, I mostly enjoyed this class because of the discussions of present day events, as we talked about the best ways they should be handled. All in all, it has been very insightful and fun.”

Reilly K
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Student
Reviews from Students and Parents