Compass Prep

This course provides a comprehensive study of the foundational principles, structure, and functions of the United States government, paired with an introduction to essential economic concepts that influence daily life. Students will examine the Constitution as the core framework of American democracy, explore the roles and interactions of the three branches of government, and analyze landmark Supreme Court cases that have shaped constitutional interpretation. The course also emphasizes civic responsibilities, political participation, and the historical forces that shaped American governance.

Economics Component: Students will study essential market concepts—including scarcity, supply and demand, recession, depression, inflation, and the role of government regulation—to understand how economic systems function. The course also provides practical instruction in personal finance, focusing on budgeting, financial planning, and responsible decision‑making. In addition, students will examine modern economic issues such as poverty, the national debt, and how broader economic trends influence future education and career opportunities.

Major Topics:

Foundational principles: popular sovereignty, federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, individual rights

Structure and powers of the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches

Constitutional amendments and the Bill of Rights

Landmark Supreme Court cases, including Marbury v. Madison and McCulloch v. Maryland

Citizenship, elections, political parties, and civic engagement

Historical influences on American government, including key English political traditions

Market concepts: scarcity, supply and demand, inflation, recession, and regulation

Personal finance: budgeting, credit, savings, and financial decision‑making

Contemporary economic issues, such as poverty and national debt

Instructional Methods: Students will engage in document analysis, case studies, and interactive simulations, including a mock student body election and serving as jurors in a mock trial, to apply constitutional principles in real‑world contexts.

Assessment: Student learning will be evaluated through formative activities, current‑event applications, projects, multiple‑choice assessments, and short‑answer exams.

 Coursestorm Online Enrollment is Free. Course Fee: $550. A $50 non-refundable course enrollment deposit will be billed immediately upon registration and applies toward your overall tuition.  The balance must be paid by July 1, or select a payment plan of $250 payable by July 1 and November 1. 

Accepted Payment Methods: Check, Cash, Venmo, CashApp, and Zelle

Recommended credits: 1.0

Course Meets: Tuesday/Thursday 10:30 - 11:25

Class size:  Min 6/Max 16

Required materials: Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? (An Uncle Eric Book) 7th Edition by Richard J. Maybury https://a.co/d/6LbvBqV , The Money Mystery by Richard Maybury https://a.co/d/5gJ8mET , Are You a Liberal, Conservative, or Confused? by Richard Maybury https://a.co/d/2t2G4DS , and Magruder’s American Government (Prentice Hall) – This textbook will be provided. A $10 rental fee will be applied and billed along with the deposit.

All Payments are non-refundable