Course Description
American Government is a final preparatory class for future citizens. It is designed to teach the student about their role in a democratic society and to prepare them to take advantage of their rights and responsibilities in that society. The students will focus on the history, key components and function of modern American government. They will explore economic trends and their effect on American prosperity. Finally they will enhance the knowledge learned through the use of interactive projects, debates, field trips, and a variety of other learning activities.
US Constitution (www.senate.gov)
Course Content Materials
Weekly Homework Strategy
Read each chapter thoroughly and take notes on the contents and bold face terms as needed. Participate in a classroom discussion/lecture on the relevant topics in each chapter, taking notes for future review.
Write a ½ page summary of the chapter.
Complete a 30 line outline of the chapter breaking it down into relevant sections.
Complete the Section Reviews for the chapter, answering each question thoroughly.
Complete the Chapter Review for the chapter, answering each question thoroughly.
Unscheduled Quiz over cumulative unit content.
Additional Options:
Special Assignment Block, Audio Visual, Hand Out, and Quiz materials may be included as needed. Note: These materials can generally only be completed in class.
Weekly Curriculum Map
1st SEMESTER
Unit 1 Foundations of American Government
5 Weeks
Ch. 1 Principles of Govt.- 1 Week
Ch. 2 Origins of U.S. Govt. - 1 Week
Ch. 3 Constitution - 2 Weeks
Ch. 4 Federalism - 1 Week
Unit 2 Political Behavior
4 Weeks
Ch. 5 Political Parties - 1.5 Weeks
Ch. 6 Voting - 1.5 Weeks
Ch. 7 Electoral Process - 1 Week
Special Sub-Unit
Election Project – Throughout Unit (November Election Prep.)
End of 1st 9 Weeks
3 Weeks
Ch. 8 The Media - 1.5 Weeks (Media Analysis Project)
Ch. 9 Interest Groups - 1.5 Weeks
Unit 3 Legislature
5 Weeks
Ch. 10 Congress - 2 Week (Guest Speaker )
Ch. 11 Congressional Powers - 1 Week
Ch. 12 The Law Making Process - 2 Weeks
End of 2nd 9 Weeks (Exam Prep - 1 Week)
2nd SEMESTER
Unit 4 Executive
8.5 Weeks
Ch. 13 Presidency - 2 Weeks (Guest Speaker)
Ch. 14 Presidential Powers - 1.5 Weeks
Ch. 15 Bureaucracy - 1 Week
Ch. 16 Taxes/Budget - 1.5 Weeks
Ch. 17 National Defense - 3 Weeks
End of 3rd 9 Weeks
Unit 5 Judicial
3 Weeks
Ch. 18 Supreme Court - Half Week (Guest Speaker)
Ch. 19 Bill of Rights - Half Week
Ch. 20 Individual Liberties - 1.5 Weeks
Ch. 21 Civil Rights - Half Week
Unit 6 Political and Economic Systems
3 Weeks
Ch. 22 Foreign Political Systems - 1 Week
Ch. 23 Basic Economics - 2 Weeks
Unit 7 State and Local Government
2 Weeks
Ch. 24 Local Govt. Types - Half Week
Ch. 25 State Govt. Types - Half Week
Sub-Unit Getting Involved In Local Government (Town Council Project)
End of 4th 9 Weeks (Exam Prep - 1 Week)