Text:

American Government, Bob Jones University Press
Additional Reference Text: Basic American Government, American Textbook Committee

Philosophy:

“Ideas have consequences.”  Good ideas have good consequences, and bad ideas have bad consequences.  R. J. Rushdoony in Law and Liberty (1971) observed, “To have free civil government it is necessary first of all to have free men whose greatest desire is responsible self-government under God.  Not many men are interested in this.”  The instructor believes that the young men and women enrolled in this class are among the faithful few who are interested in learning to live as responsible, free individuals—exercising responsible self-government under God (Galatians 5:22-23). 

Major elements of this course:

1. This course builds upon and continues in the spirit of the previous U.S. History classes, a chief emphasis of which is “. . . to . . . illuminate the American heritage, make clear the connection between constitutionally limited government and individual liberty, and describe as accurately as possible the background, developments, principles, and moral and spiritual framework within which freedom is most likely to exist.”—Clarence B. Carson
2. Constitutional features that receive particular emphasis are federalism, separation of powers, mechanisms for exercising “checks and balances,” and the historical interpretation of Article I, Section 8.
3. In addition to the text, early sources such as The Federalist Papers are consulted as frequently as is practical.
4. Although there will be an economics unit of study in the second semester, basic economic principles that are inseparable from a meaningful study of civil government are incorporated throughout the year.
5. As much as is feasible, local and State governmental officials and issues are included in the class studies and activities.
6. Discussion of current events is a part of nearly every day’s activities.  The national political party conventions and Congressional and Presidential elections will be of major interest during the fall semester.

Daily class rules:

All school policies, as related in the Student/Parent Handbook, regarding conduct, dress code, and readiness for class are in effect.  The intent is that instructor and students work together as good stewards to make good use of the time in each class period.

Students who are speaking should expect to have the full and courteous attention of all their classmates.   Speakers should evidence a mature understanding of the Christian’s responsibility to make all our speech beneficial and edifying to the hearers.

Homework and grading:

Students who work diligently and efficiently during the class times should have a minimal amount of homework.  The assigned reading in the text is considerably less than the typical expectation for college freshmen enrolled in history or government classes. 

To help prepare students for further meaningful study and involvement as responsible citizens (whether in the context of more “formal education” or as “independent adults”), there will be frequent assignments to study specific periodicals and website information related to topics in the textbook.  These specific assignments, though challenging, are intended to whet the appetite of the student for further study, not only during the senior year but also after graduation from high school.   “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”

Grades are based primarily upon students’ demonstrated understanding and retention of information and concepts presented in reading assignments and/or class discussions and lectures.  Like the concepts in the class, most tests are cumulative.

Contact information:

E-mail: jdevries@centralchristianschool.net or jamesdevries@hotmail.com