Unit 1. World Government and Economic Systems 

OAS Standard USG 1. The student will compare the formation of contemporary governments in terms of access, use and justification of power.

Suggested Instructional Time:  2 weeks (one semester course); 3 weeks (one year course) 

Driving Question:

Essential Questions:

Supporting Questions:

• How has modern limited government developed to counter historic unlimited government?          

• What is government’s duty to the individual?

• To what extent does power impact individuals and society? 

• How do limited and unlimited governments differ?

• Why are external institutions, such as elections and the media, important to democracy?

• How did the differing points of view lead to compromises in the Constitution?

• How does government respond to the needs of its citizens?

• How does the Constitution protect economic rights of entrepreneurs and free trade?  

Unit 2. Historic Foundations of the American Republic 

OAS Standard USG 2. The student will describe the historical and philosophical foundations of the republican system of government in the United States.

Suggested Instructional Time: 2 weeks (one semester course); 3 weeks (one year course) 

Driving Question:

Essential Questions:

Supporting Questions:

• What historical and philosophical factors fostered the development of the republican form of government in the United States?       

• How does conflict influence decisions and actions?

• To what extent does culture determine history? 

• How has America’s heritage influenced the development of its system of government?

• How did the Declaration of Independence influence the framers of the Constitution to protect Americans' rights and liberties? 

• How did differing points of view between Federalists and Anti-Federalists lead to compromises in the Constitution?

• How has the Bill of Rights been defined, applied, and expanded during America’s history? 

Unit 3. Principles of the Constitution 

OAS Standard USG 3. The student will analyze the fundamental principles the American system of government resulting in a republic, as established in the Constitution of the United States, the supreme law of the land.

Suggested Instructional Time: 3 weeks (one semester course); 6 weeks (one year course) 

Driving Question:

Essential Questions:

Supporting Questions:

• What fundamental principles contributed to our system of government and its Constitution?          

• What is government’s duty to the individual?

• How does conflict influence decisions and actions?

• How do civic rights and responsibilities maintain democracies?

• To what extent does power impact individuals and society? 

• How are the needs of the minority protected by government and the Constitution?

• How does the Constitution recognize tribal sovereignty?

• To what extent does the American system of government separate, balance, and check power?  

• How does the 14th amendment guarantee all citizens their civil liberties?

• How do the landmark court cases protect civil rights and liberties? 

Unit 4. Branches of the American Government 

OAS Standard USG 4. The student will examine the Constitution of the United States by comparing the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government as they address the needs of the public.

Suggested Instructional Time: 4-5 weeks (one semester course); 8 weeks (one year course) 

Driving Question:

Essential Questions:

Supporting Questions:

• How do the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the United States government address the needs of American citizens?       

• How does conflict influence decisions and actions?

• To what extent does power impact individuals and society?

• What is government’s duty to the individual? 

• How does the Preamble to the Constitution express the core principles of American society?

• Why are separate branches of government important to our system of government?

• How do the differing roles of congress and the president impact the legislative process and public policy?

• Why is the bureaucracy important to implementing public policy?

• How do court decisions impact the function of government? 

Unit 5. Civic Participation 

OAS Standard USG 5. The student will be able to evaluate the significance of civic participation in order to ensure the preservation of our constitutional government.

Suggested Instructional Time: 3 weeks (one semester course); 6 weeks (one year course) 

Driving Question:

Essential Questions:

Supporting Questions:

• How does civic participation ensure the preservation of our constitutional government?

• How do civic rights and responsibilities maintain democracies?

• What is government’s duty to the individual?

• How do needs motivate individuals and society?

• Why is civic engagement important to democracy?

• How do political parties, interest groups, mass media, public opinion, and campaign funding impact the political process?

• How have the political parties been defined and changed throughout America’s history?

• Why is mass media important to the exchange of ideas in a democracy?

• What was the original intent and contemporary use of the Electoral College?

Unit 6. Public Policy in the Modern Era 

OAS Standard USG 6. The student will examine the United States public policy formation process.

Suggested Instructional Time: 3 weeks (one semester course); 5 weeks (one year course) 

Driving Question:

Essential Questions:

Supporting Questions:

• How does public policy and the process of its formation impact citizens?     

• What is government’s duty to the individual?

• To what extent does power impact individuals and society?

• Why is public policy important to American citizens?

• How do domestic policy programs attempt to meet the needs of citizens?

• How do the differing points of view over fiscal and monetary policy affect government operations?

• How has the budget process been defined, applied, and changed over time?

• How do foreign policy, international alliances, and organizations impact American interests in the world?