This course satisfies the common state requirement for one semester each of government and economics, two of the most fundamental social aspects of God’s design for how humans are to act and interact with one another. Because our interactions with each other are grounded in our relationship with God, the government unit of the course (first semester) begins by examining God’s Creation Covenant with us. Students then discuss the four basic forms of government: individual, family, church and civil, with emphasis given to civil government. From there they read from theologians, philosophers and other thinkers to more thoroughly examine God’s design for civil government, studying original documents to learn how civil government functions in the United States. 

In the second-semester economics unit of the course, students evaluate core economic principles in light of God’s design for human action, using these as a basis for understanding how our multi-trillion-dollar economy works—and would work if man obeyed God. Students then circle back to apply these economic principles to better understand the boundaries between the four basic forms of government in the context of mankind’s task: to exercise dominion over creation and prepare earth as a dwelling place for God with man.  

Topics include: God’s Creation Covenant; the four basic forms of government (individual, family, church and civil), their biblical foundations and roles; God’s design for civil government; the authority relationships between citizens, rulers and God; how civil government functions in the world, specifically in the United States; the historical and theological context in which the U.S. Constitution was adopted; how the U.S. Government was designed to operate by the founding fathers and how it works today; core economic principles and terms and application from a biblical worldview; and thematic connections between Christian liberty, human liberty, government and economics.

 

Homework Habits: Students typically spend 2-3 hours a week on reading assignments, writing projects and discussion board posts.

 

Suggested Grade Level: 10-12