History of the Constitution:  the time period between 1763 and 1789, which includes the American Revolution, the Articles of Confederation, the Critical Period, the writing and ratification of the Constitution

Basic definitions and principles of government, in general
Outline of the US Constitution (Articles), formal amendment, informal amendment

October

Federalism (the specific relationship between the national government and the states)
(This is a difficult unit that, it is hoped, introduces students to reasoning skills and mastery of complex interrelated information.)

November

The legislative branch I:  structure (numbers, qualifications, elections, etc.)
The legislative branch II:  powers of Congress

Continue:  the powers of Congress and how those powers are used with the national government today
If possible, begin the unit on how Congress works (The Legislative Branch III), but this is often not possible before the beginning of the second semester.

January

How Congress Works (either begin or continue):  Congress in session, the work of committees, how a bill becomes a law.

February

The Presidency: Structure, form, powers, duties, the Electoral College, presidential succession.  Also the function of the executive branch, project on executive branch agency

March

The Supreme Court, Federal court system:  structure and function of US courts, judges, judicial offices.  Important Supreme Court cases, a comparison of federal and state courts and federal vs. state law.  Overview of trials, the legal system, basic legislative terminology.

April

The Bill of Rights and other amendments:  a lengthy and specific overview of the various rights of American citizens.  Some theory but also lots of specific, real-world examples.  Also an overview of other amendments not previously covered, specifically the “suffrage” amendments.

Illinois government:  An overview of Illinois government and how it works in the context of itself and the US government.
Miscellaneous:  other specific requirements for graduation from an Illinois high school, like some flag etiquette.