Enrolling Now for 2026-27 School Year.
Enrolling Now for 2026-27 School Year.
Honors American Government Learning Coach Guide Contents Digital Citizenship Unit12 Ideas About Government Unit13 Forming a Constitution Unit14 The Legislative Branch Unit15 The Executive Branch Unit16 The Judicial Branch Unit17 Constitution in Action Unit18 Bill of Rights Unit19 Campaigns and Elections Unit20 American Political Culture Unit21 Public Policy Unit22 Economic Policy Unit23 American Government Wrap-Up Unit24 Part A: Welcome to Honors American Government Part A: Welcome to Honors American Government Welcome Letter Dear Learning Coach, Thank you for partnering with CCA and investing in your learner’s education. This Learning Coach Guide is intended to help you support your learner in their Honors American Government course. Within this guide, you will find the goals, components, and features of the online course. Please take time to read and review this information so you understand how to help your learner interact with all the course’s elements. The Learning Coach Guide also includes information about each of the units in this course. On each page of unit information, you will discover the following: The Unit Overview will tell you what the focus, content, and skills of the unit will be. The Unit Assessment section is a place for you and your learner to preview the graded work in the course. At the start of each unit, work with your learner to look at the unit in edio and find out which types of graded work are in this unit. Write them in the box and use it as a checklist. You can check off each one as your learner completes it. The Unit Materials section tells you the materials your learner will need to complete the activities in this unit. You will also find the materials list repeated within each lesson so that your learner has precisely what they need at the right time. The Unit Discussion Questions are optional questions that you may want to ask your learner during the unit to increase home and school connections about what your learner is studying. In the Unit Notables section, you may find optional activities, career connections, technology tips, or ideas to help your learner if they get stuck. CCA wishes you and your learner a terrific school year! Supporting Your Learner Your role as a Learning Coach is very important. Here are a few ways you can help your learner do their very best in the course. Help your learner know what time guided or live class instruction is scheduled for, and prompt them to attend sessions or watch recordings. Remember, it is okay for your learner to get stuck. Learning new material takes time. Encourage them to take breaks, keep trying, and even ask the teacher for help. Help your learner navigate technology. That may mean helping them type information or upload work into edio. Always encourage your learner to do their very best. Review the course syllabus for your learner’s course. Maintain communication with your learner’s teacher. Part B: Course Information Course Goals In Honors American Government, your learner will develop a detailed understanding of the structures and processes of the American government and political institutions. By the end of the year, your learner will be able to: Evaluate the responsibilities and limitations of representatives at each level of government; Explain the purpose of the Constitution and its lasting value over time; Identify the role of local, state, and national governments in the United States; Analyze how theories of government became codified in the founding documents of the United States; Explain the system of checks and balances within the United States government and how this is achieved through the separation of powers; Describe the differences between federal and unitary systems of government and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each; Identify the structure, powers, and functions of each branch of government, including the houses of Congress, the federal court system, and the various departments of the executive branch; Examine the process of judicial review and the impact it has on legislation and constitutional rights; Identify key civil rights and liberties, as well as the role the federal court system plays in defining them; Explain the steps in the political process regarding the election of representatives, the appointment of judges, and the functioning of the federal bureaucracy; and Identify the rights and responsibilities of American citizens and the ways in which they can influence government processes through civic participation. Course Format Lesson Components: Each day, your learner will spend 45–60 minutes completing an Honors American Government lesson. Some days may take less time, while other days may take a little more time. The lesson does not need to be completed in one sitting. Encourage your learner to take short breaks as they need. This section will help you to understand how your learner’s course is structured in edio. Lesson Bundling: Within the lesson bundles, there are different components your learner will interact with. These components will not be used every day. See example below. 1. Getting Started Lesson: There is one Getting Started lesson in this course. It can be found on Day 1 of Unit 1. This lesson includes important information about the course and contact information for your teacher. 2. Unit Overview: Each unit will include a unit overview. This describes what your learner will learn in the unit and how many assessments the unit will have. 3. Prep for Success: At the beginning of each unit, your learner will find a Prep for Success. This component offers learners tips to be successful in the course, such as study tips, important software information, safety reminders, and more. 4. Knowledge Check: There will be one Knowledge Check in each unit. The Knowledge Check is designed to check prior learning and understanding of key skills and concepts that will be taught in the unit. The Knowledge Check is not a graded assessment. Each lesson has its own components to help guide your learner through the lesson. 1. Lesson Overview: At the beginning of every lesson, your learner will see the lesson overview. This section contains lesson objectives, lesson vocabulary, materials your learner will need for the lesson, and the suggested lesson length. 2. Engage: The first section of the lesson is Engage. In this section, learners will be introduced to the lesson by making a connection to past and present knowledge and will get ready for the lesson’s instruction. 3. Discover: New content and instruction is presented in the Discover section. Your learner will interact with the lesson content through defined vocabulary terms, videos, audio, and Pause and Think activities. Your learner will be able to practice and answer questions as they work through the lesson. 4. Show: Learners will demonstrate what they have learned in the lesson through a series of practice questions. 5. Summary: This section recaps the day’s objectives and prepares learners for a future lesson or assessment. The course includes assignments, current event assignments, and projects. These graded assignments allow your learner to show what they have learned and apply their new skills. All CCA assignments and projects include these components. 1. Assessment Overview: At the beginning of each assessment, your learner will see the assessment overview. This section contains the goals of the assessment, materials your learner will need, the length of the assessment, and directions for completion. 2. Plan: In the Plan section, learners will be introduced to the assignment or project. Learners may be provided with a review of content from the previous lessons, strategies for completing the activity, graphic organizers, and grading rubrics. 3. Do: Learners put their plan into action and work to complete the assignment or project successfully. This section also provides the grading expectations and/or rubric the teacher will use to grade the work. 4. Reflect: In Reflect, learners will think back to the work they completed. They will reflect upon the experience and analyze how well they completed the task. These moments of reflection are important and allow learners to think about their learning and their work habits. In addition to assignments and projects, this course also includes quizzes and tests. Quiz Review: Before a quiz, learners will have the opportunity to review the content they will be assessed on in a quiz. Quiz: A quiz may be given at the end of a topic or the end of a unit. Test Review: Before a test, learners will have the opportunity to review the content they will be assessed on in the test. Test: A test will assess learning across topics or at the end of a unit. Course Features This course includes and uses unique features such as: Current Events: Current Events Assignments which will allow learners the opportunity to apply the content and concepts learned in the course to relevant real-world situations. They will utilize a balanced and bias-free news media website called “AllSides” to conduct research and complete current event assignments that allow them to display their understanding of course content. This may also involve the analysis of current trends in political processes in the United States such as the steps in a presidential or congressional campaign. Primary Source Analysis: Primary Source Analysis, which involves assignments focused on the analysis and interpretation of primary source documents such as the Declaration of Independence. These assignments will teach learners how to read and interpret primary sources. Projects: Learners will complete projects throughout the course that allow them to dive deeper into the concepts they learn in some units. For example, learners will complete a project that allows them to research the daily schedule of the United States President and the immense responsibilities they must fulfill on a daily basis. Part C: Unit Information Digital Citizenship Unit Unit Overview Digital media and technology are evolving at a rapid pace. This unit introduces skills to help your learner use technology to improve online communication as well as to understand the differences in types of digital media. It includes lessons that discuss different types of information your learner may find online, both for this class and as a digital media consumer. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How does the type of story you are reading help you determine the accuracy of the information? How can digital citizens analyze online information for bias and check its accuracy? How did this unit help you understand fact and opinion? Unit Notables Learners will identify ways to engage in active listening in both online and face-to-face communication. Learners will explore the difference between fact and opinion and learn to evaluate a news story for bias as well as misinformation by applying critical thinking skills analysis. Kit Materials none Household Materials Ideas About Government Unit Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will learn how ideas about the nature and purpose of government shaped the ideas of colonial leaders. The writing of the Declaration of Independence set the colonies on a path to becoming a new nation with a new government. In this unit, learners will learn key concepts about governments and the ideas that influence the United States government. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions What are some important Enlightenment ideas that influenced the Declaration of Independence? How are government systems classified into specific types? What was the most interesting influence on American government that you learned about in this lesson? Unit Notables In this unit, your learner will be introduced to primary source analysis strategies and important tips about how to interpret and provide more context for historical sources they encounter. This will include a primary source analysis assignment involving the Declaration of Independence. If they struggle with this process, you can assist them by reminding them to review the document analysis steps provided for them in the assignment lesson. Kit Materials none Household Materials Forming a Constitution Unit Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will focus on the development of the first U.S. government under the Articles of Confederation and the eventual push for the development of the Constitution of the United States. Your learner will examine how the need for a new national government led to debate and compromise among the states’ delegates and the eventual ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Learners will show what they learned by completing a test at the end of the unit. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions What were some of the main weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation? What were some of the main debates at the Constitutional Convention? Which compromise at the Constitutional Convention did you find most interesting? Unit Notables In this unit, your learner will be introduced to the first set of current events assignments and will specifically research topics relating to the Constitution of the United States. They will also participate in a discussion assignment regarding the current event that they analyze for this current event. You can assist your leaner by helping them to select notable current news stories relating to the topic of the assignment. Kit Materials none Household Materials The Legislative Branch Unit Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will study how the Founders structured the legislative branch to reflect the will of the people and to create laws for the United States. Learners will explore the differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate. They will also learn about the responsibilities, functions, and powers of Congress and how laws are created. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions What are some of the structures and powers of the House of Representatives and Senate? How does Congress reapportion representation and what is the impact of gerrymandering on this process? What aspect of the legislative process did you find most interesting? Unit Notables In this unit, your learner will complete an assignment in which they research and identify the members of Pennsylvania’s General Assembly that represent them at the state level. Learners will have the opportunity to experience the lawmaking process in Pennsylvania by engaging in a simulation that mirrors the legislative procedure. You may assist them by helping them to craft persuasive arguments in favor their legislative proposal. Kit Materials none Household Materials The Executive Branch Unit Unit Overview Your learner will examine the constitutional role of the executive branch and how the president fulfills the task of executing laws and enacting policies. Your learner will explore how the president manages the vast bureaucracy and agencies of the federal government. They will also examine the powers of the executive at state and local levels and compare how the role of the executive differs from the presidency in the context of the federal system. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How has the power of the Presidency evolved over time? What types of powers do local and state executives have? What did you find most interesting about the president’s power to communicate with the American public? Unit Notables This unit will include a three-day project in which your learner analyzes what the daily routine for the president looks like and how the president is able to fulfill several different roles and responsibilities in a single day. You can support your learner by discussing and exploring what the president’s daily schedule typically includes. Kit Materials none Household Materials The Judicial Branch Unit Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will explore how the judicial branch of government settles constitutional disputes between the different branches of government and the states and federal government. They will also analyze the roles and critical terminology and processes of criminal, civil, and appellate courts. Learners will examine landmark Supreme Court cases that form the foundations of American civil liberties. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions What is the basic structure and powers of the judicial branch? What kinds of checks and balances do the other branches of government wield over the judicial branch? Which landmark Supreme Court case did you find to be the most interesting? Unit Notables Learners will have the chance to analyze and interpret the rulings of several landmark Supreme Court cases in this unit. This assignment will provide them with the opportunity to work with primary source documents and the original rulings of several famous Supreme Court cases. Encourage students to research more information regarding a Supreme Court case that they find interesting. Kit Materials none Household Materials Constitution in Action Unit Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will explore the Constitution of the United States as the framework of American government and the “supreme law of the land.” They will examine the seven Articles of Confederation and how their meanings have evolved over time to analyze how the Constitution is applied to protect the rights of people today. At the end of this unit, your learner will complete a project regarding the Constitution’s function in society today. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How has the federal government attempted to balance public safety with individual rights? What civil rights and liberties are protected by the U.S. Constitution? What did you find most interesting about how juvenile rights are sometimes different than adults under the U.S. Constitution? Unit Notables In this unit, your learner will complete a project regarding the Constitution in action and reflect upon how principles within the Constitution impact their daily lives. You can support your learner by reminding them of basic civil rights and liberties found in the Bill of Rights that impact their lives such as the freedoms of speech, press, and religion. Kit Materials none Household Materials Bill of Rights Unit Unit Overview In this unit, learners will examine the first ten Amendments to the Constitution and the amendment process. This will include a review of landmark Supreme Court cases that have helped to clarify the protections offered in the Bill of Rights. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How have 1st Amendment protections of speech, assembly, and petition evolved over time? How has the Supreme Court incorporated 4th Amendment protections to the power of the States? Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution did you find to be most interesting? Unit Notables Your learner will complete a current events assignment analyzing how different media sources report the same story relating to a Bill of Rights issue. Encourage your learner to take time to review what is meant by the terms; “left”, “center”, and “right” when referencing media bias in the articles they select. Kit Materials none Household Materials Campaigns and Elections Unit Unit Overview The evolution of the vote over time is the central focus of this unit. Your learner will examine different types of elections as well as the major constitutional and case law rulings that undergird the right to vote. Polling, money, and demographic shifts that affect modern politics are examined, as is the Electoral College. Your learner will show what they learned by completing a test at the end of the unit. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How do American citizens connect with members of the government through elections? What role do political parties play in the operation of elections in the United States? Which method of voting do you think is the most effective and easy to assess for voters? Unit Notables In this unit, your learner will complete an assignment where they analyze the methods used in recent presidential campaign advertisements. You can support your learner by discussing how product advertisements can influence what consumers buy and connect that with a presidential candidate trying to earn your support. It would be very helpful to cite personal experiences you have with buying or not buying a product based on an advertisement. Kit Materials none Household Materials American Political Culture Unit Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will explore the ways in which voters develop political preferences through the process of political socialization and change their political ideologies throughout their lifetime. Voter preferences are impacted by a variety of demographic details and are also impacted by social and environmental stimuli. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions Where are the different ideologies located along the political spectrum? What factors impact an individual’s political socialization? What do you think the United States would look like with more than two political parties? Unit Notables In this unit your learner will complete a political ideology assignment to see where their views fit within the American political ideology landscape. You can support your learner by encouraging open, respectful conversation about the results and what may have surprised them. This is a great opportunity to model civil discourse and critical thinking—skills that are essential for engaged citizenship. Kit Materials none Household Materials Public Policy Unit Unit Overview Public policy is the point where government and the individual most often connect. In this unit, your learner will explore how public policy is determined and the way people, groups, and institutions influence public policy. Your learner will examine how public policy, from road maintenance to national defense, results in the government services that meet the demands of government and needs of the people. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How is public policy shaped and implemented within the government? Why does the media play an important role in influencing public policy? What do you think are some of the most important government-funded programs? Unit Notables In this unit, your learner will explore ways in which interest groups, social movements, and political parties attempt to influence public opinion about different policy positions. Your learner will complete an advertisement for an interest group supporting an issue of their own choice. You can support them by pointing out examples of these ads from prominent interest groups on television, the radio, or online. Kit Materials none Household Materials Economic Policy Unit Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will explore the government processes of taxing and spending and how these are the root mechanisms that the government uses to supply services to citizens. Your learner will also analyze the budget process to better understand concepts such as mandatory and discretionary expenses, surplus, deficits, and debt. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions How does the federal government collect revenue other than through taxes? How do various social services programs benefit the American people? What was the most interesting economic process that you learned about in this unit? Unit Notables Your learner will explore topics such as the budget process and economic policy in the United States. Specifically, your learner will examine topics like the role of the Federal Reserve in the economy and other ways the federal government generates revenue besides taxation. You can encourage your learner to research topics such as the growing national debt. Kit Materials none Household Materials American Government Wrap-Up Unit Unit Overview In this unit, your learner will explore how U.S. population demographics continue to change over time and the impact it has on political processes. Your learner will also participate in a review of the major concepts covered in all prior units of the course and examine various potential civic engagement careers in public service. Unit Assessments Quiz _________________________ Test _________________________ Assignment ________________ Project _____________________ Exam _______________________ Have your learner identify which assessment type they see in their unit. Check all that apply. Unit Discussion Questions What are the strengths and weaknesses of the U.S. system of government? How do people contribute to American society through their actions and obligations? What unit of the course did you find most interesting to learn about? Unit Notables This unit will feature a two-part year-in-review lesson that allows your learner to review the various government and political concepts they learned in the course. Additionally, learners will complete an assignment that requires them to explore a career in public service and explain how that profession relates to important content and concepts in this course. Kit Materials none Household Materials
Enrolling Now for 2026-27 School Year.
