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The West Wing
Max
American Democracy & Governance

Something to Believe In: Democracy in Practice

Beyond executive leadership, The West Wing is a running civics class. Use it to teach the mechanics of American democracy — how bills, budgets, and campaigns actually work.

Introductory

Modules

Module 1

Separation of Powers

Anchor scene

The pilot

In this module

  • Executive, legislative, judicial
  • Checks in practice
  • Federalism

Course outcomes

  • Explain the mechanics of American federal government
  • Trace legislation from idea to law
  • Understand campaigns and elections
  • Discuss the tension between politics and governance