US Government

Welcome to American Government.  The goal of this course is to aid in preparing you, the student, to become a productive and functioning member of society.  Our government is based on the principle that everyone has a voice and that the stripping of rights away from one is a failure.  To ensure that rights are protected governments are created.  As this course covers a multitude of points of view there are bound to be differing opinions and that is ok.  This is a safe space, debate and discussion is how understanding and growth is fostered.  You do not have to believe what any other person does; however, it is important that you be able to listen to someone else’s point of view and be able to intelligently interact with them.

The main point of social studies is not to memorize useless facts.  Rather, it is to learn how to intelligently interact with people from different beliefs and cultures by using evidence to support what a person believes and yet still be able to listen to another person’s point of view.  Whether or not an agreement on a topic can be reached the ability to accept differences is key.  As such this course will help to expose students to the why’s and how’s of the different cultures of the world to aid in their ability to intellectually interact with our world that is ever more becoming interdependent.

Coarse goals and objectives for students include:

• A deeper understanding of our country’s government and how it functions and how it came to be.

• Examine the various processes of American government at various levels.

• Development of critical thinking and reasoning skills using evidence to justify conclusions.

Required Materials

• Notebook paper or spiral notebook

• Pencil or pen

• School-issued Chromebook (charge it each night, and bring it to school each day)

• Folder or Binder to keep track of handouts and assignments

Classroom Rules

1. Respect yourself and others.  It is ok to have different beliefs from others, but understand that just as you do not have to believe what another does, they do not have to believe what you do either. (If you follow this rule all other rules will already be taken care of.)

2. Follow all Fox Creek High School rules at ALL times.

3. Be on time.  When the tardy bell rings, the door closes.  If you are late, go to the attendance office to get a tardy slip.  Students will not be admitted to class after the bell without a pass.

4. NO PHONES

5. No hats, hoodies, etc. on inside the building.

6. No food/drinks are allowed in class.  Water in a secure container is acceptable.

7. Stay seated until the bell rings (DO NOT line up at the door)

Classroom Procedures

1. Bring materials to class EVERY DAY.

2. Use the restroom BEFORE class.

3. Be seated in your desk BEFORE the tardy bell rings.  If there is an assignment on the board, go ahead and get started as soon as you get seated.

4. Participate in the class.  Participation will help you whether you know the correct answers or not.

Course Requirements

Students will be required to complete daily assignments, quizzes, tests, and projects.

Semester exams will be given at the end of each semester.  Semester exams count as 20% of the overall grade for the semester.

Homework/Classwork Requirements

During an average week, students will be required to complete assignments or activities in class and will receive multiple homework assignments.  Most homework assignments will require students to read, answer questions, or review vocabulary.

Grading Policy

Make up Work 

One day for each day out.  After time has passed work is considered late.

Late Work

I do not accept any late work unless there are extenuating circumstances. If your assignment is late, it is a zero. 

Plagiarism

All major assignments (projects, essays, etc.) will be submitted to an online plagiarism checker, Turnitin.com. Plagiarism is when you present someone else's work as your own original work  (This includes A.I.)  Make sure all major written assignments are in your own words and any direct quotes are properly cited. Students will receive a zero for plagiarized assignments and will not get the opportunity to redo the assignment.

• Tests/Projects 40%

• Quizzes 20%

• Classwork/Homework 20%

• Participation/board questions 20%

To calculate Final grade:

1st Quarter Grade 40%

2nd Quarter Grade 40%

Semester Exam 20%

Ren Card Policy

“Teacher’s Choice” used as a homework pass.  Projects are not considered homework.  Extra points can not be added to the exam.  If a student has multiple extra point items they cannot be combined.

Pacing Plan

Quarter 1

• Philosophical influences on the creation of American government

• Analyze the documents and principles which led to the creations of American government

• Analyze major debates and compromises that took place in the formation of American government

• Apply Constitutional principles to real world situations

• Analyze the 3 Branches of government

• Analyze how the power of government is dispersed and limited

• Analyze how the government of South Carolina functions within the American government

• Apply the concept of Rule of Law

Quarter 2

• Analyze how founding principles shaped the American government

• Investigate the impact of media, interest groups, and political parties on public opinion

• Analyze the electoral process and how it impacts the American government

• Analyze the process of gaining citizenship into the United States

• Distinguish the personal, economic, and political rights of a citizen

• Analyze contemporary issues and the governments response as pertains to the 14th Amendment

• Analyze how citizens can participate in local, state, national, and global levels