American Government Curriculum Companion

While the federal government often gets the spotlight, state and local governments have a huge impact on our daily lives—from public schools and roads to police departments and local laws. But how do these levels of government work, and how do they interact with the national government? In this episode of The American Government Curriculum Companion, we explore the structure and responsibilities of state and local governments across the United States. We’ll examine the powers reserved to the states by the Constitution, how state legislatures and governors function, and how local governments manage communities through councils, mayors, and other officials. We’ll also look at how state and local governments raise revenue, make laws, and provide essential services to citizens. This episode is designed to accompany our unit plan on State and Local Government for our complete Civics and American Government Curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms. Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in Civics & Government, along with US History, World History, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.

The United States doesn't operate in a vacuum—its government must constantly interact with other nations, navigate global conflicts, and promote national interests abroad. But how is foreign policy made, and how does America's system of government compare to others around the world? In this episode of The American Government Curriculum Companion, we explore how the U.S. government shapes and carries out foreign policy through diplomacy, alliances, trade agreements, and military action. We’ll look at the roles of the president, Congress, and key agencies in managing international relations. Then, we’ll shift gears to examine comparative government systems, analyzing how democracies, authoritarian regimes, monarchies, and other systems function in contrast to the American model. This episode is designed to accompany our unit plan on Foreign Policy and Comparative Government for our complete Civics and American Government Curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms. Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in Civics & Government, along with US History, World History, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.

The U.S. Constitution doesn’t just set up the government—it also guarantees essential freedoms to every citizen. But what are those rights, and how are they protected in everyday life? In this episode of The American Government Curriculum Companion, we explore the concept of civil liberties and how they are secured by the Bill of Rights and other constitutional amendments. We’ll break down freedoms like speech, religion, and the press, as well as protections against unreasonable searches, self-incrimination, and cruel and unusual punishment. We’ll also examine how the courts have interpreted these rights over time and the balance between individual freedom and public safety. This episode is designed to accompany our unit plan on Civil Liberties for our complete Civics and American Government Curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms. Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in Civics & Government, along with US History, World History, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.

The Judicial Branch plays a crucial role in American democracy, interpreting laws and ensuring they align with the Constitution. But how does the Supreme Court decide cases, and what power does it and other courts have over the other branches of government? In this episode of The American Government Curriculum Companion, we dive into the structure and function of the Judicial Branch. We’ll explore the role of the federal court system, the process of judicial review, and how landmark Supreme Court decisions have shaped American law and society. We’ll also discuss how justices are appointed, the influence of legal precedent, and the ways the courts act as a check on the other branches of government. This episode is designed to accompany our unit plan on the Judicial Branch of Government for our complete Civics and American Government Curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms. Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in Civics & Government, along with US History, World History, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.

The Executive Branch is responsible for enforcing the laws of the United States, but the president’s role goes far beyond signing bills and making speeches. From leading the military to shaping foreign policy, the president has a powerful and complex job—but what exactly are the limits of executive power? In this episode of The American Government Curriculum Companion, we explore the structure and function of the Executive Branch. We’ll break down the president’s roles as Commander-in-Chief, Chief Diplomat, and Chief Executive, as well as the responsibilities of the vice president and the president’s cabinet. We’ll also discuss executive orders, the role of federal agencies, and the system of checks and balances that keeps presidential power in check This episode is designed to accompany our unit plan on the Executive Branch of Government for our complete Civics and American Government Curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms. Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in Civics & Government, along with US History, World History, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.

Congress is at the heart of American democracy, writing and passing the laws that shape the nation. But how does the lawmaking process actually work, and what powers does Congress have? In this episode of The American Government Curriculum Companion, we take a closer look at the structure and function of the Legislative Branch. We’ll explore the roles of the House of Representatives and the Senate, how a bill becomes a law, and the key powers granted to Congress by the Constitution. We’ll also discuss the influence of committees, filibusters, lobbying, and the checks and balances that keep legislative power in check. This episode is designed to accompany our unit plan on the Legislative Branch of Government for our complete Civics and American Government Curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms. Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in Civics & Government, along with US History, World History, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.

Every election season, candidates flood the airwaves with ads, participate in debates, and rally support—but what really goes on behind the scenes of American elections? How do campaign finance laws shape political races, and why does the Electoral College determine the winner instead of the popular vote? In this episode of The American Government Curriculum Companion, we review the election process in the United States. We’ll explore how campaign finance laws influence fundraising and spending, break down how the Electoral College works (and why it’s often debated), and examine the impact of gerrymandering on congressional districts. Finally, we’ll discuss the role of media in elections, including the rise of misinformation and “fake news,” and how voters can think critically about political messaging. This episode is designed to accompany our unit plan on Campaigns and Elections for our complete Civics and American Government Curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms. Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in Civics & Government, along with US History, World History, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.

Political parties play a major role in shaping elections, policies, and government leadership in the United States. But what do these parties actually do, and how do they influence the political process? In this episode of The American Government Curriculum Companion, we explore the foundations of political ideology and the political spectrum, from conservative to liberal and everything in between. We’ll also examine the role of political parties in American democracy, including how they nominate candidates, run campaigns, and organize at the local, state, and national levels. Finally, we’ll discuss the impact of third parties, party platforms, and how political ideology shapes government decisions. This episode is designed to accompany our unit plan on Political Parties and Ideology for our complete Civics and American Government Curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms. Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in Civics & Government, along with US History, World History, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.

The United States wasn’t always governed by the Constitution we know today. In fact, the nation’s first attempt at government—the Articles of Confederation—was a system that struggled to hold the young country together. So how did the Founding Fathers create a stronger government while balancing power between the states and federal authority? And how has the Constitution shaped how life is like in America today?  In this episode of The American Government Curriculum Companion, we explore the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the events that led to the Constitutional Convention of 1787. We’ll break down the key debates between large and small states, examine the Virginia and New Jersey Plans, and discuss the Great Compromise and the Three-Fifths Compromise. Finally, we’ll take a closer look at the structure of the U.S. Constitution itself—its guiding principles, the separation of powers, and the framework that continues to govern the country today. This episode is designed to accompany our unit plan on America's Constitution for our complete Civics and American Government Curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms. Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in Civics & Government, along with US History, World History, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.

The American system of government didn’t come about overnight. It was built upon centuries of ideas and influences from civilizations that came before it. But where did these ideas come from, and how did they shape the founding principles of the United States? In this episode of The American Government Curriculum Companion, we review the historical foundations of American government, starting with the democratic principles of Ancient Athens and the republic of Ancient Rome. We’ll then examine the impact of key English documents, such as the Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights, and how they introduced concepts like limited government and individual rights. Finally, we’ll discuss the Enlightenment thinkers—John Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau—whose ideas on natural rights, separation of powers, and the social contract became the backbone of American democracy. This episode is designed to accompany our unit plan on the Foundations of American Government for our complete Civics and American Government Curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms. Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in Civics & Government, along with US History, World History, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.

Government is one of the most fundamental aspects of our society. It shapes our laws, culture, and everyday life. But what exactly is a government, and why do societies establish them? In this episode of The American Government Curriculum Companion, we review the origins and purpose of government, examining key theories on how governments first formed and why they continue to exist. We’ll also break down different types of government—such as democracies, monarchies, dictatorships, and republics—highlighting how they function in the modern world. Lastly, we’ll discuss the defining characteristics of democracy and why it has become one of the most influential forms of governance. This episode is designed to accompany our unit plan on the Introduction to Government for our complete Civics and American Government Curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms. Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in Civics & Government, along with US History, World History, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.