Description
American Government and Civics Course Overview
This class is approved by the NCAA.
This live online American Government and Civics class for homeschool high school students explores the structure and function of the United States government while helping students understand the civic responsibilities of American citizens.
Students develop a foundational understanding of how the federal government operates and how the U.S. Constitution shapes the nation’s laws and institutions.
Through weekly readings, class discussions, and current event research, students examine the principles that guide American democracy. The course encourages thoughtful engagement with modern civic issues while building an appreciation for the historical foundations explored in United States History.
Students participate in live class discussions, complete reading assignments, and contribute to current event discussions. The course concludes with a light research project examining each student’s state and local government.
What Students Will Learn in American Government & Civics
- The structure of the United States federal government
- The role of the Constitution in shaping American law and government
- The responsibilities and rights of American citizens
- The functions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches
- The role of political parties and civic participation
- How current events relate to American government and civic life
Learn About the Class
High School Credit
- 0.5 credit
Recommended Grade Level
- Grades 11–12
Prerequisites
Curriculum
BJU Press: American Government, 4th edition student text by Tim Keesee
- ISBN-13: 978-1-62856-424-2
- Publisher: BJU Press
- Copyright Year: 2020
BJU Press: American Government Student Activities, 4th edition
- ISBN-13: 978-1-62856-542-3
- Publisher: BJU Press
- Used for primary source documents and review activities
Students will also create a timeline of major laws, events, and presidents throughout the course. This timeline may be created in a format of the student’s choice, such as a wall display, notebook, or digital project.
Course Outline
- America’s Foundations
- The Articles of Confederation
- The U.S. Constitution
- The Legislative Branch
- The Executive Branch and the Cabinet
- The Judicial Branch
- Party Politics
- America’s Role in the World Today
Estimated Workload
- Approximately 1 hour per day depending on reading speed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a civics class for homeschool students?
Yes. This course serves as a high school American Government and Civics class designed for homeschool students.
What topics are covered in civics?
Students study the Constitution, the structure of the federal government, civic responsibilities, and how citizens participate in American democracy.
Does this class count for high school government credit?
Yes. This one-semester course provides 0.5 high school credit in American Government and Civics. Many students also pair this class with courses such as Economics or World History to build a broader understanding of government, history, and global systems.
