Describe and analyze the events and ideas leading to the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution (The examples here are just guidelines- please go in any direction you feel is appropriate. For example-how were countries governed at the time these documents were written? What was the role of average citizens/non-citizens in government? What world events were going on at the time? What ideas and philosophies were being discussed? Why does the Constitution look the way it does? – clue: collapse of the Articles…….)

Describe what a federal system of government is, how it can be structured, and what its functions are and can be (so explore federalism for this question).

Articulate the concepts of “separation of powers” and “checks and balances” and explain their differences. Make sure that you use specific examples (for example, while the House can accuse/impeach the president, only the Senate can remove via conviction….).

Articulate what you consider to be the key processes in government and governance in the US political system (for example- how a bill becomes a law; the Electoral College; voting and political parties; redistricting; judicial review; impeachment; civil rights and liberties; and tensions in the democratic process- these are just a few of many examples and again go in whatever direction you think is appropriate).

Analyze and describe the role of government in your daily life, and comment on the general role of government on our lives. Use specific examples to strengthen your answer.

Demonstrate that you understand the rights, responsibilities, and privileges necessary to become informed participating community members via articulating the primary rights, responsibilities, and privileges necessary to become an informed participating community member of the USA.