Click on our current unit to get to documents, videos, and other websites we are using in class.
Citizenship
How does someone become a citizen in the United States? What responsibilities and duties do citizens have? And what does the first amendment have to do with my rights as a US citizen? These qeustions and more will be explored in this unit.
Foundations of American Government
In this unit, we will examine the founding documents and historical events that led up to the creation of the US Government. We will look at how these events and documents shaped the US into the country it is today.
The Political Process
The Political Process is all about how people run for government office- from local elections like Mayor and town council, to large elections like the Presidential and US Congress elections. How can you become a politician and what can you do to influence politics? Check out this unit to find out!
State and Local Government
What is the difference between national, state, and local laws? Who makes them and who enforces them on each of the levels? Can Virginia write a law that conflicts with a national law? Can Harrisonburg declare independance from Virginia? In this unit, we will look at Virginia's and Harrisonburg's governments.
National Government
The founding fathers divided powers of government between different layers- national and state powers. In this unit, we will look at the three branches of the national government- the Executive (President), Legislative (US Congress), and Judicial (Courts) branches will be explored, with empahsis on the first two branches.
The Judicial System
This unit is all about the court systems- criminal and civil courts. We will look at what happens when someone breaks the law or what happens when someone feels they have not been treated fairly. Be ready to answer the question "What is justice, and is our Judicial System just?"
Public Policy
Can you influence laws that are made? Yes! Even though you can't vote until you are 18, there are a lot of ways you can influence Public Policy (laws) without voting. You will practice some of them in this unit.
Personal Finance
Can you balance a budget? How do you decide what to spend your money on? What about when you are older and have to pay for a car, house, insurance, kids??? I know it seems like your day of independance from your family will never come, but soon enough you will be on your own and will need to provide for yourself without going in to debt. Can you do it?
Economics
In this set of 3 units, we will look at how money is made and spent in the United States. Throughout our studies, we will look at different types of businesses and see that it can be risky to start your own, but it can pay off really well. We will also examine the role the government plays in the US economy.
Cumulative Review
Time to put everything we learned throughout the year together and study for the SOL. We will review with different games in class, but use this page to study yourself as well.