Notgrass Exploring Government

Notgrass Exploring Government is a one-semester high school course that provides a thorough, engaging introduction to the American system of government. Written by Ray Notgrass and published by Notgrass History, this curriculum is designed specifically for homeschool students and covers everything a high schooler needs to understand about how the United States government works — from the founding principles in the Constitution to the practical operations of the three branches of government.

The course covers the philosophical foundations of American government, including the ideas of John Locke, Montesquieu, and the Founding Fathers. Students study the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitutional Convention, and the Bill of Rights in detail. The curriculum then walks through each branch of government — legislative, executive, and judicial — explaining how they function, how they check and balance each other, and how they have evolved over time. Additional units cover state and local government, the election process, political parties, civil liberties, and the role of citizens in a democratic republic.

What distinguishes Notgrass from other government curricula is its integration of primary source documents, literature, and biblical perspective. Students don't just read about the Constitution — they read the Constitution itself, along with Federalist Papers, Supreme Court opinions, presidential speeches, and other foundational documents. The curriculum includes a companion reader with essays, speeches, and historical documents that bring the course material to life.

For homeschool families seeking a rigorous government course that satisfies high school graduation requirements, Exploring Government delivers. The curriculum includes daily lesson plans, review questions, writing assignments, and quizzes and exams — everything a parent needs to teach the course with confidence. Students can earn a full semester of high school credit in government or civics upon completion.

Notgrass History has earned a loyal following in the homeschool community for curricula that are academically solid, well-organized, and infused with a love of learning. Exploring Government continues that tradition, preparing students not just to pass a test, but to become informed, thoughtful citizens who understand how their government works and why it matters.