Civics & Economics
EQ: Are the needs and wants of Americans best met by the current political and market structures?
Together, these required courses are designed to give students a fundamental exposure to both civics and economics, while also demonstrating how the two are integrated. Major areas of emphasis will be comparisons of command and market economies, comparative government, and the role of the individual in society. Service learning, reading, writing, and research skills will be addressed throughout the course. (NOTE: THERE ARE HONORS LEVEL VERSIONS OF THESE COURSES AVAILABLE THAT ARE RUN FOR COLLEGE CREDIT, CLICK HERE TO EMAIL TEACHERS FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HONORS GOVERNMENT OR HONORS ECONOMICS.) Click on the unit name or picture to bring you to an example of the Civics course or an Economics resource page.
EQs: Are United States citizens benefiting from being a republic? How should people govern themselves?
Unit Overview: This unit is designed to cover the forms of government, basic political vocabulary, and major historical documents and thinkers. The focus of this unit is the foundations of American government.
EQ: How do decisions made by executive agencies impact individuals and groups outside the government?
Unit Overview: This unit covers the role and responsibilities of the President and Vice President, as well as federal executive agencies and their respective secretaries. Concepts covered include the order of presidential succession, the powers of the President as prescribed by the Constitution and checks to presidential power. The presidential nomination and election process, as well as American citizens’ voting process will also be covered.
EQ: What influences legislation and public policy? What purpose do interest groups serve in the democratic process? How does public opinion influence government? What powers does the Constitution give the Legislative branch?
Unit Overview:
This unit provides an overview of the powers and limitations of the federal legislative branch. Concepts covered include the powers of Congress as prescribed by the Constitution, as well as other branches’ checks on its power. Students will identify current Congressional members and leadership, examine the process in which a bill becomes a law and understand the major differences between the Senate and House of Representatives.
EQ: What powers does the Constitution give the Judicial Branch? How are the powers of the judicial branch unique among the three branches of government?
Unit Overview: This unit provides an overview of the powers and limitations of the federal judicial branch. Concepts covered include the powers of the Supreme Court and Federal Courts as prescribed by the Constitution, as well as other branches’ checks on its power. Students will identify current SCOTUS members and leadership, examine the process in which a case comes before the Supreme Court and understand the process of Supreme Court decisions. This unit also includes an examination of some of the most important Supreme Court cases, and how their precedent has directed future cases.
EQ: How is the role of state government different than the federal government in meeting the needs of specific demographics? How can you be a contributing citizen to your town? How do local governments meet the needs of the people?
Unit Overview: This unit is designed to cover New Hampshire government, and how it compares to the workings of the federal government. This unit is also designed to cover how an individual affects change in our political system.
EQ: Are producers and consumers limited in a market economy?
This unit looks at understanding the basics of economics from a broader perspective.
EQ: How do you best compete in our “market” economy?
This unit focuses on students exploring the immediate role of the economic communities around theme.
EQ: How much can America control its economy?
This unit focuses on the flow of economic resources: capital and human.
EQ: How do your economic choices affect your future? How well will you live?
In this unit, students will explore the individual's role in the economy.
