Introduction to the American Government prepares students to identify, understand, and work to resolve problems that confront them, their communities, the nation, and the world. To accomplish these tasks and work effectively as citizens, students need to learn about the role that economics, geography, history and sociopolitical concepts have played in the development of their own society and societies around the world. As students progress through public schools in Maryland, they should develop the knowledge and skills to understand and cope with change, resolve conflict, analyze issues and appreciate diversity in a representative democracy. In this course, students study the purpose, forms, and types of political and economic structures, the three branches of government, the development and implementation of domestic and foreign policy, the role of economic and geography on national, state and local government, and the responsibilities of being an effective citizen. Students engage in analysis and interpretation of documents, events, and issues that affect individuals and groups and the functioning of government. Imbedded activities and resources help low literacy learners. Students analyze primary source documents, policy evaluation, problem-solving decision making, and data use. Students may take the first half-credit of the course without taking the second half-credit but may not take the second half-credit of the course without taking the first half-credit.
