4.1

Explain the purposes of government expressed in the Preamble and how the Constitution of the United States preserves the core principles of American society.

4.2

Examine the structure, functions, and authority exercised by the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.

A. Identify the constitutional qualifications for holding public office and the terms of office, including the composition of Congress, the Supreme Court, and the executive branch.

B. Explain the steps of the legislative process, including the role of Congress and the president.

C. Explain the role of the executive branch, including the function of the bureaucracy in implementing public policy.

D. Identify the issues and describe the significance of landmark Supreme Court decisions including

Marbury v. Madison (1803), McCulloch v. Maryland (1819), United States v. Nixon (1974), Bush v. Gore (2000), and Citizens United v. F.E.C. (2010)

E. Examine how government exercises its authority in real world situations including current issues and events.