AEPA: The Study of American Government - Videos & Lessons

About This Chapter

Reacquaint yourself with the study of American government as you prepare for the AEPA Middle Grades Social Science assessment. Fun video lessons can strengthen your knowledge of the subject while lesson quizzes are available to reinforce that knowledge.

AEPA: The Study of American Government - Chapter Summary

Make the studying process simple as you get ready to take the NES Middle Grades Social Science assessment, which has replaced the AEPA test. Review the study of American government to ensure you can address the following on the exam:

Defining government, politics, political power and democracy
Examining traditional types of government and core principles of American government
Understanding the new American democracy and American enlightenment
Exploring America's core values and the rules of American politics
Comparing the political theories of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke
Identifying what causes a shift of power from the majority of voters to specific groups

The videos are presented in a comprehensive manner, offering detailed instruction and easy-to-identify vocabulary words to ensure you fully understand the materials. You can watch the videos as often as you like, helping you absorb the information at your own pace.

Objectives of the AEPA: The Study of American Government Chapter

The AEPA: The Study of American Government chapter is designed to ensure you have the knowledge necessary to answer related questions on the NES Middle Grades Social Science assessment as part of the process to get your Arizona teaching license. Topics in this chapter are found in the government portion of the test, which constitutes about 19% of the assessment. Learn more about American government by watching the video lessons then gauge your comprehension of the lessons with self-assessment quizzes and a chapter exam. If you have any questions, instructors are available to assist.

This computer-based assessment is designed to address specific test competencies. It is composed of 150 multiple-choice questions that typically take the form of questions, short paragraphs or sentences. You will be required to review each question then select the best answer from a set of four available.

12 Lessons in Chapter 54: AEPA: The Study of American Government

Chapter Practice Test

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1. What is Government? - Definition, Role & Functions

In this lesson, we will examine the various definitions of government. Then we will take a close look at the functions of the U.S. government and the role it plays in citizens' everyday lives.

2. Traditional Types of Government: Definitions, Strengths & Weaknesses

In this lesson, we will explore several traditional types of government. We will define each type and take a close look at its strengths and weaknesses.

3. The Core Principles of American Government

In this lesson, we will examine a few of the core principles of American government. We will pay special attention to the ideas of popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism.

4. The New American Democracy: Definition & History

In this lesson, we will explore the phenomenon of the 'permanent campaign,' which has changed the face of American democracy. In doing so, we will take a close look at the factors that led to this political development.

5. The American Enlightenment: Intellectual and Social Revolution

For a thousand years, Europe had been living in the Dark Ages until a series of philosophical, religious and scientific movements helped turn on the lights. The Enlightenment began in Europe, but quickly spread throughout America in the 1700s and helped set the stage for a revolution against British rule.

6. America's Core Values: Liberty, Equality & Self-Government

In this lesson, we will examine a few of America's core values. We will focus especially on liberty, self-government, equality, individualism, diversity, and unity.

7. Politics: Definition and Source of Governmental Conflict

In this lesson, we will explore the concept of politics. We will examine the various definitions of the word, take a close look at the role of politics in government, and investigate the conflicts sometimes caused by politics.

8. The Rules of American Politics: Democracy, Constitutionalism & Capitalism

In this lesson, we will explore the three rules of American politics: democracy, constitutionalism, and capitalism. We will define each rule and see how it works to keep the political system running smoothly.

9. Political Power: Definition, Types & Sources

In this lesson, we will take a close look at political power. We will define the term, examine its elements, and learn about several theories that help determine who gets to use political power.

10. What is Democracy? - Definition, Types & Principles

In this lesson, we will study the nature of democracy. We will define the term, take a look at the types of democracy, and examine its basic principles.

11. Thomas Hobbes & John Locke: Political Theories & Competing Views

In this lesson, we discuss the two premier English political theorists of the 17th century: Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. We'll also take a look at their impact on Western philosophy in contemporary and modern times.

12. Shifting Power From Majority to Only a Few: Factors & Process

In this lesson, we will explore factors that have shifted power from the majority of voters to specific groups. We'll pay special attention to voter participation, single-issue voters, uninformed citizens, the nomination of candidates, and campaign expenses.

Chapter Practice Exam

Test your knowledge of this chapter with a 30 question practice chapter exam.

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Practice Final Exam

Test your knowledge of the entire course with a 50 question practice final exam.

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Visit the AEPA Middle Grades Social Science (NT202): Practice & Study Guide page to learn more.

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