Government has long been a required course at the senior level in most states in the nation. It is desired that students who take government have a background in American History and World History. In many ways government is a synthesis of many other social studies subjects. Economics is used to study government finance. Sociology is used to study national and state demographics and provide background for understanding the need for government programs. An understanding of history, especially since the American revolution, is beneficial in understanding the evolutionary nature of the American government. At Carmel High School students study the historical development of the current American constitutional government, with an emphasis on the historic roots of democratic and Western European ideas. They study the Bill of Rights along with the American federal and Indiana judicial systems. Nearly a third of the semester course is devoted to the federal executive branch, which spends nearly two trillion dollars a year on programs. The last third of the course is devoted to a study of Indiana and local government.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
Classification: Regular (401)
Prerequisites: Two semesters of United States History
Open to: 12
Credit: 1 RW
This course examines the tripartite organization of government in the United States—the legislative, executive and judicial branches—at the federal, state and local levels. Consideration is given to the relationships between and responsibilities of the three branches, as well as the various governmental levels. Included will be a study of 1) how laws are made by the legislative bodies—Congress, the Indiana General Assembly, county councils, city councils and other representative or regulatory bodies; and 2) administration of the laws by the President, the governor, and various county officials and mayors. Approximately one third of course is devoted to Indiana state and local government.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS, Advanced Placement
Classification: Advanced Placement (401APW)
Prerequisite: Two semesters of US History
Open to: 12
Credit: 1FW
This course will give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. The course will include both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific examples. It also will include the study of various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. politics. Students will become acquainted with a variety of theoretical perspectives and explanations for various behaviors and outcomes. The course will be presented at a college freshman instructional level and students should be highly motivated and possess superior writing skills. While it is not required that students take the appropriate AP exam at the approximate cost of $85.00 it is expected—the focus of the class is to adequately prepare students toward this end. This course satisfies the graduation requirement for a credit in government.
COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS, Advanced Placement
Classification: Advanced Placement (406W)
Prerequisite: United States Government and selection process
Open to: 12
Credit: 1FW
This is an elective course for seniors with a strong interest in the field of political science. Within this challenging curriculum, students will develop an understanding of some of the world’s diverse political structures and practices by studying both specific countries as well as the general concepts used to interpret the political relationships and institutions found in virtually all national polities. General topics covered will include the following: sources of public authority and political power; the relationship between state and society; the relationships between citizens and states; political institutions and frameworks; political change; and the comparative method. The course will follow the national Advanced Placement curriculum in Comparative Government.
This course will satisfy one semester as an elective in Social Studies.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Classification: Regular (403)
Prerequisite: None
Open to: 12
Credit: 1 RW
This course will begin with a study of the mechanics of United States foreign policy decision-making and will apply these theories to current United States foreign policies. A current events approach will be taken in the study of areas of international concern such as United Nations, the Middle East, the Third World, terrorism, and the dissolution of the Cold War. A major portion of the class will be devoted to social science research and writing techniques. An acceptable research paper is required for credit.
This course will satisfy one semester as an elective in Social Studies.
LAW EDUCATION
Classification: Regular (404)
Prerequisite: Two semesters of U.S. history
Open to: 12
Credit: 1 RW
This course is designed to provide students with a practical understanding of law and the legal system and its development, the United States and Indiana constitutions, criminal and juvenile law, consumer law, family law, housing law and individual rights and liberties.
This course does not meet senior graduation requirements in social studies.