American Government
Inside Washington

Course Description: In this web-based course, students join six teenagers as they travel around the United States in a recreational vehicle named "Washington." The teens, called the "Insiders," travel to five cities to collect information about the Constitution, the federal bureaucracy, and the three branches of government. As the "Insiders" gather information, they pass it along to the student. While exploring the country, the "Insiders" also learn about a variety of public policy issues, from teen pregnancy to affirmative action. The "Insiders" interview ordinary Americans about their opinions, offer Web sites, and present information about the issues.

The students must select five issues and complete five projects, in which they will have to make the same kind of decisions expected of voting-age Americans. Basic computer skills are recommended.

Course Contents:
Student will learn about:

• Philosophy of the Constitutional Convention
• History of the Constitutional Convention
• The Great Compromise
• Congressional Committees and Their Functions
• Congressional Positions
• Congressional Powers
• How Laws Are Made
• Evolution of the Federal Bureaucracy
• American Foreign Policy Formation
• Civil Service
• Federal Spending
• American Legal Tradition
• Due Process
• American Criminal Law
• Twentieth-century Law
• The Office of the President
• Becoming the President
• Assisting the President
• Presidential Powers

For more information, click here.