Terry Sanford High – Founding Principles of the United States and North Carolina: Civic Literacy

Apr 2026 · 2nd Semester

Civic Literacy is the study and understanding of citizenship and government. This one- semester course provides students with a sound understanding of civic life, politics, and government, including a short history of government’s foundation and development in the United States of America. Students learn how power and responsibility are shared and limited by the government, the impact American politics has on world affairs, law in the American constitutional system, and the rights that the American government guarantees its citizens. Students also examine how the world is organized politically and how to be an active participant in the American and global political systems. Students will study the foundations of American democracy and the origins of American government. The roles of political parties, campaigns & elections, public opinion, and the media will be analyzed to determine their effects on the individual and all who call the United States home. This course satisfi es the “Founding Principles” graduation requirement.