Government/Economics

 Government 2025 Syllabus

Why do you think high school students in Texas have to take a Government class?

I think it’s important to understand how our government is structured so we can better participate in it. That means voting for candidates we think will represent our needs and desires. It also means keeping aware of what is going on in the world around us and advocating for the values and actions we find appropriate. Another reason to be informed is so that we can get the facts of a situation before we formulate and articulate our opinions. People tend to respect opinions that are based on factual information. It’s up to you to decide what type of citizen you want to be, and I hope this class will help you learn how to participate, at whatever level you choose, in the system we have available.

20% of your grade will be based on the chapter reviews we will be covering in this class. Those chapter reviews are available in class or online in Google Classroom. The process to get to the online textbook is: (for iPad)

1. Tap on the Eanes Account Portal and then Sign in to the Rapid Identity screen (login is probably your school ID and your password is probably your school password)

2. Tap on the DASHBOARD for the drop-down menu and then Tap on APPLICATIONS

3. Tap DIGITAL RESOURCES in the grey box on the left side of the screen

4. Scroll down a little and tap on the PEARSON icon and then tap on the RED LAUNCH button

5. Look for the tab labeled eTEXT and tap on it

6. On the next screen, click on the PHOTO icon, then TAP on the ARROW pointing to the right

7. This brings up the pages of the eText that you can scroll through (there is also an option for an audio text to listen to).

35% of your grade is based on the projects listed below:

1. Four Political Outlooks – Readings and discussions

2. The American Documents – analyzing important documents by which our government operates

3. The Propaganda Project – learning to detect truth or fiction in political campaigns and news

4. The Current Events Project – learning about events around the world and their relevance to us

5.  Presidential Dinner Party- learning about the folks who have served in this powerful position

6. Political Parties Project – learning about historic parties and designing our own ideal party

7. Create-a-Nation Project – establishing your ideal government in your chosen country

Class Participation. Consistent attendance is important, since 20% of your grade is based on how you contribute to class activities. Being on time and ready to participate is vital. Active participation means being prepared to contribute to discussions and other activities. It DOES NOT include playing games on your iPad or texting on your phone.

5% of your grade is based on Timeliness: Turning your work in on time will help you be better prepared to participate in class discussions and activities. If you consistently turn in your work by or before the due dates you will get a 100 averaged into your final grade. If you turn in work late, you will get a 0 averaged into your final semester grade.

20% of your grade is based on the Final Exam.  If you are eligible to exempt my final exam, I will substitute your grade average on the chapter reviews for the final exam.

You, or your parents are always welcome to contact me with any questions about grades, content or whatever. My email is ppruitt@eanesisd.net

Class Calendar

Required Class Materials

Google Classroom

Westlake High School utilizes the Google Classroom platform to share classroom resources, many assignments, and assessment preparation materials to students. WHS students will receive a classroom code to access these materials, submit assignments, and track any missing work.