Government, Civics & Critical Thinking (10th-12th) - Fall Semester

Government, Civics & Critical Thinking (10th-12th)

Grades: 10-12

16-week Fall Semester Course

This high school government course will cover the founding and guiding principles that established the United States, the power and function of government, and the political systems within our country. This will be underscored by studying our founding documents, sometimes memorizing key sections and texts. Students will leave this course better understanding the rights and obligations of US citizens.

Each week, students will learn about the founding principles of our government and political system. The end of each class will be devoted to current events, media stories, understanding bias, and defining terms. Students will not only learn about the uniqueness of the United States government, but they will be challenged to become citizens and voters who think critically, know their rights, and advocate well for their families and communities.

This course will cover (but is not limited to):

• Three branches of government powers and function: legislative, judicial, and executive
• Checks & balances
• Role and limits of the federal government 
• Founding fathers and other important historical figures
• Source texts including: The Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers, the US Constitution, Bill of Rights
• Influential US Presidents and speeches
• Constitutional amendment process
• Political parties and voting
• Media and the role of the press
• Freedom of information verses national security
• Landmark and recent cases from the US Supreme Court and other governing bodies 

Contact: Trevor Blackann

[email protected]

Cost: $200

Payment method: Check or Venmo (@Trevor-Blackann-1)

After graduating from Missouri State with a double major in Political Science and Psychology, Trevor moved to Washington, DC where he worked in the United States Congress for 13 years.  As a senior legislative aid in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, Trevor worked for congressmen in leadership. As an aid, he had a hand in crafting legislation while working for Members of Congress who served on the US Appropriations, Transportation, and Agriculture committees. He met his wife, Laura, while they both worked on Capitol Hill. Laura was a Press Secretary and then Communications Director for members of leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Trevor’s first-hand knowledge of the inner workings of government and Laura’s passion for understanding the importance of a free press will ensure this government class is dynamic. Trevor and Laura are both committed to encouraging students to engage in the political process from a biblical worldview. Homework will include podcasts, group projects, memorization and reading in preparation for rich, in-class discussion.