Grade 11 – U.S. Government & Comparative Politics (Honors)
Course Overview
This year-long Honors course combines the study of U.S. Government with Comparative Government and Politics. The first semester focuses on the constitutional foundations, institutions, and ideologies that shape American political life. The second semester expands globally to analyze different political systems, regimes, and institutions through comparative frameworks. This dual approach prepares students for AP-level content and civic literacy while fostering global awareness and analytical skills.
Students engage in primary source analysis, Supreme Court case briefs, comparative political research, simulations, and debates. Emphasis is placed on the evaluation of institutional structures, civic responsibility, political ideologies, and global political developments. Instruction aligns with College Board frameworks and Florida's civic benchmarks.
Semester Breakdown
| Semester | Focus | Units Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | U.S. Government & Politics |
1. Constitutionalism, Liberty, and Order 2. Interactions Among Branches of Government 3. Civil Liberties and Civil Rights 4. American Political Ideologies and Beliefs 5. Political Participation |
| Semester 2 | Comparative Government & Politics |
6. Political Systems, Regimes, and Governments 7. Political Institutions 8. Political Culture and Participation 9. Party and Electoral Systems and Citizen Organizations 10. Political and Economic Changes and Development |
Instructional Methods
Instruction emphasizes critical thinking, comparative analysis, and civic engagement. Methods include document-based questions (DBQs), simulations of legislative and court procedures, comparative case studies (e.g., UK, Nigeria, Mexico, Iran, Russia, China), student-led debates, and media literacy analysis. Students conduct research projects and multimedia presentations addressing global political issues.
Assessment & Grading
| Assessment Category | Weight |
|---|---|
| Exams & DBQs | 30% |
| Research Projects | 25% |
| Simulations & Debates | 15% |
| Quizzes & Case Briefs | 15% |
| Participation & Current Events | 15% |
Academic Vocabulary & Key Concepts
| Category | Key Terms | Application |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Government | Federalism, Checks & Balances, Due Process | Used in court simulations and legislative research |
| Civil Rights | Equal Protection, Incorporation Doctrine | Applied to landmark cases and debates |
| Comparative Systems | Authoritarianism, Unitary State, Sovereignty | Analyzed across case studies of 6 AP countries |
| Political Behavior | Voter Turnout, Political Efficacy, Interest Groups | Examined through polls and media evaluation |
Florida Standards Alignment
- SS.912.C.1.1–1.9: Analyze the structure and interpretation of the U.S. Constitution
- SS.912.C.2.1–2.12: Examine the role of citizens, elections, and political parties
- SS.912.C.3.1–3.14: Explore the three branches of government and their functions
- SS.912.C.4.1–4.3: Evaluate global political systems and international organizations