American Civics 101: A Crash Course!
Alternate Wednesdays • 10 a.m.-noon • Zoom
May 31 • June 14, 28 • July 12, 26
Just imagine if all of us now had to take a government civics test every year to remain U.S. citizens. Would you be able to pass? Could you identify the co-equal branches of government and what their functions and responsibilities are? Could you explain the electoral college or the U.S. Constitution and its Bill of Rights? Do you know your Congressional representatives? Can you explain the concept of “gerrymandering” or the National Debt? “American Civics 101” is a timely five-part discussion that provides a simple but comprehensive path to understanding what every person applying for U.S. citizenship today must know: that is, how our U.S. government actually works!
Session 1: The U.S. Constitution – from its creation in 1787 through its 27 amendments in over 235 years. A thorough understanding of why this amazing document continues to be the supreme law of the land. Session 1 will also address the role of the USCIS and today’s challenges of becoming a U.S. Citizen
Session 2: An analysis of the three co-equal branches of government (Legislative, Executive and Judicial) and their unique power sharing roles. Understanding the concept of “checks and balances” and its critical role in ensuring a balance of power in our democracy.
Session 3: A bottom-line discussion to clarify and “de-mystify” political terms and tools such as budget reconciliation, the electoral college, gerrymandering, Filibuster, impeachment, the Federal Reserve Bank and many others.
Session 4: A lecture and discussion about the concept of our “National Debt” and how the realities and “myths” will actually affect all of us.
Session 5: Our elected representatives, both in the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate and their actual powers and responsibilities… an important analysis to explain why being informed citizens and voters matters!
Session 5 will also review and simulate a USCIS Citizenship interview and Civics quiz to assess what students have learned. Students will also have an opportunity to ask questions or get clarifications on any of the class topics or additional timely subject topics.
Click here to see course recordings.
Instructor: Alan Perper
Email: perpetual2914@gmail.com
Tech Coordinators: Renee Cabrera and Ellie Monroe
