Which best describes why American Government is a required course in most U. S. high schools?

Question

A. Citizens must learn to carefully select candidates for public office.

B. Citizens must know the three branches of government to get most professional jobs.

C. Knowledge of basic American government is required for citizenship.

D. Knowledge of basic rights is necessary when applying for college.

Rin Alexander · Accepted Answer

The answer is A. Citizens must learn to carefully select candidates for public office.

Ms. Sue · Answer

What is your answer?

anon12 · Answer

I think A or D, because B and C don’t really make since. But I think it might be A

Ms. Sue · Answer

D is way wrong! A is possible. What about C?

anon12 · Answer

I didn’t really think it was C, just because most people couldn’t even tell you the basics of American Government, and the question asks why it’s required in MOST U.S high schools, not all of them, so if it was required for citizenship, why wouldn’t it be required in ALL high schools?

Ms. Sue · Answer

You're right. I think the question hinges on the definitions of "required" and "citizenship". Technically that knowledge is not required. But ethically, I believe it is required. A person ignorant of government is not a true citizen.

anon12 · Answer

Thank you, Ms. Sue! I agree people ignorant of their government aren’t really citizens. Personally, i think if you’re in the US, you should be required to take American Government but i guess a lot of people feel it isn’t important.

Ms. Sue · Answer

I think American government is required in most schools. It's not required in all schools because curriculum is left up to the individual school districts and the states.

Damon · Answer

I never took anything like American Government although I did take a subject about American History once. I was a navy brat though and never attended the same school for more than two years until high school. I may have missed it in Honolulu or San Diego or Annapolis or Springfield or Greenwich or Boston. So far local officials have allowed me to vote. I am pretty sure I voted for the right person last time although it has not always been so clear in retrospect.