Foundation Civics

Civics is a required course for graduation. The focus of this course is to prepare students to participate in exercising their political responsibilities as thoughtful and informed citizens. Civics provides a basis for understanding the rights and responsibilities for being an American citizen and a framework for competent and responsible participation. Emphasis is placed on the historical development of government and political systems, and the importance of the rule of law; the United States Constitution; Federal, State and local government structure; and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. This course also prepares you to take the U.S. and Illinois Constitution Tests which are also a graduation requirement.

In this course, you will actively investigate local, state and national issues, read and participate in discussions, and develop informed arguments using a variety of writing forms.

Specifically, the course aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the following:

The ideals and beliefs shared by Americans and the meaning of citizenship.
The historical, cultural, and philosophical foundations of the U.S. government system.
The U.S. Constitution and the components and balances of the federal government.
The importance and relevance of the Bill of Rights and amendments in the past and today
The role and development of political parties and the election process in our two-party system.
State and local government in order to understand how public policy is formed and why it is important to participate in local government.