Middle School

Purpose and functions of government, the three branches of government (Legislative, Executive, Judicial), separation of powers and checks and balances, federalism (national vs. state government roles), the rule of law and due process, the Constitution (Preamble, Articles, Amendments), the Bill of Rights and individual freedoms, the Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers and Anti-Federalist viewpoints, landmark Supreme Court cases (e.g., Marbury v. Madison, Brown v. Board of Education), how elections work (Electoral College, popular vote), political parties and their role in government, voting rights and amendments (15th, 19th, 26th), campaigns, debates, and the role of media, differences between primaries, general elections, and midterms, types of government around the world (democracy, monarchy, authoritarianism, theocracy), major political ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, communism), global political leaders and movements (e.g., decolonization, Arab Spring, environmental activism), comparative government systems (e.g., parliamentary vs. presidential), the role of major international organizations (United Nations, World Bank, IMF, WTO, European Union), global alliances and blocs such as NATO, BRICS, the G7, and ASEAN, human rights and international law (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Criminal Court), and global challenges such as international conflict, diplomacy, climate policy, immigration, and trade. 

Students will be expected to know and understand major political theories, concepts, systems of government, political leaders, prominent debates, ongoing and recent military conflicts, landmark legal decisions, and other topics from the above categories. About half the questions in this category will be about American government and politics, and the other half will cover global government and politics. 

Ex: You see a news report about a leader who has complete power over a country, makes all the laws, and does not allow elections. What type of government is this an example of? 

A: Dictatorship 

High School

The foundations and purposes of government, including the social contract and different forms of governance; the three branches of government (Legislative, Executive, Judicial) and their specific functions; separation of powers and checks and balances in the U.S. system; federalism and the balance of power between national and state governments; the rule of law, due process, and civil liberties; an in-depth study of the U.S. Constitution (Preamble, Articles, Amendments), with a focus on the Bill of Rights and its role in protecting individual freedoms; the Declaration of Independence and its philosophical influences; the Federalist Papers vs. Anti-Federalist perspectives and their influence on the ratification debate; key Supreme Court cases, such as Marbury v. Madison, Brown v. Board of Education, Roe v. Wade, and Citizens United v. FEC; the electoral process, including the Electoral College, primaries, and general elections; the structure and influence of political parties, voting rights and amendments (15th, 19th, 24th, 26th), the role of campaigns, debates, and media in elections; and a comparison of different political ideologies and systems globally.

Students should be able to identify key constitutional principles, major court cases, political ideologies, and election processes. They should also be able to explain how different systems of government function, analyze political arguments, recognize the impact of landmark legislation and global institutions, and apply concepts like federalism and checks and balances to real-world scenarios. 

Ex: A group of lawmakers wants to pass a law that is not directly mentioned in the Constitution, but they argue that a certain clause allows them to do so because it is necessary for carrying out their responsibilities. What is the name of this constitutional clause? 

A: The Necessary and Proper Clause.