US Government Syllabus
Course Description
This course will extend the twelfth grade student’s understanding of the world through an exploration of the government of the United States. United States government introduces students to the structure, organization and function of the American political system. Topics studied include: foundations of United States government at the international, state and local levels, the three major branches of government and the Constitution. This course is one quarter in length and presented in ninety minute sessions per day. Only 3 absences are permitted. There are no prerequisites for this course. United States government is required for graduation.
Instructional Philosophy
This course will extend the twelfth grade student’s understanding of the world around them through an exploration of the United States government. Students will explore the role of government in the own lives. Students should be able to apply intelligently, both in writing and verbally, the political concepts they learn. Students will be exposed to this information through projects, lectures, and outside reading. Student assessment will be based on group work, individual completion of newspaper journals, projects, presentations, written reports, letters and tests of student’s knowledge of important political concepts. In carrying out projects, students will explain how they thought through the assignment and considered various alternatives to complete the project.
Course Goals
This course is divided into five units: 1) Foundations, 2) Constitution and Federalism 3) Legislative, 4) Executive, 5) Judicial. Each unit correlates to the state standards for United States Government. See the South Carolina Social Studies Curriculum Standards at https://ed.sc.gov/instruction/standards/social-studies/standards/2019-south-carolina-social-studies-college-and-career-ready-standards/
We will stress literacy, mathematics and technology in this course.
Introduction and Foundations of Government - (USG-1) Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental historical and philosophical principles and ideas that led to the development of the American constitutional democracy . (USG-2) The student will demonstrate an understanding of the structure and functions of government at all levels in the United States .
The United States Constitution and Federalism : (USG-2) The student will demonstrate an understanding of the structure and functions of government at all levels in the United States .
Legislative Branch : (USG-2) The student will demonstrate an understanding of the structure and functions of government at all levels in the United States .
Political Parties and Elections : (USG-3) The student will demonstrate an understanding of the political process in determining and shaping public policy and the political climate in the United States (USG-4) The student will demonstrate an understanding of the rights and responsibilities associated with citizenship in the United States .
Executive Branch : (USG-2) The student will demonstrate an understanding of the structure and functions of government at all levels in the United States .
Public Opinion, media and Interest Groups : (USG-3) The student will demonstrate an understanding of the political process in determining and shaping public policy and the political climate in the United States
Judicial Branch and Civil Rights : (USG-2) The student will demonstrate an understanding of the structure and functions of government at all levels in the United States .
Use mathematical skills and tools to analyze, make generalizations, analyze theories, and interpret data and present historical or geographic information.
Use reading skills to cite specific textual evidence, determine the central idea, and provide an accurate summary of primary and secondary sources; as well as evaluate authors differing points of view.
Write informative or explanatory texts including narratives of historical events, argumentative persuasive essays, and comparative essays.
Use a variety of sources to research and communicate about historical events, their impact, and their relevancy for historical perspective of current world events.
Major Course Assignments and Projects: Students will compete 3 of the following. Details about the projects will be outlined by the teacher.
Constitution Project
Letter to Representative
Congressional Leaders
Executive Cabinet
Current Events
Supreme Court
Assessment Plan:
40% Homework/Classwork
40% Test/Project (#3)
20% Final
Grading Scale
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F 59-0
Redo/Retake Policy
Retake/Redo Policy
Students will be able to Retake/Redo 1 MAJOR assignment and 3 minor assignments for each quarter, in each subject, within 5 days of the due date, if absent, or when they receive their grade, if they are wanting to do a redo/retake.
Recommended/Required Reading
Students must read the required textbook, Magruder’s American Government, newspapers and news magazines, any additional selected readings required by the teacher.
Pacing Guide: {unit/titles/chapters covered/dates}
Unit 1 Introduction to Government and Foundations ---
Unit 2 U.S. Constitution and Federalism ---
Unit 3 Legislative Branch ----
Unit 4 Political Parties and elections ----
Unit 5 Executive Branch ----
Unit 6 Judicial Branch and Civil Rights –
Unit 7 Public opinion, media and interest groups ----
* Midterm exam
Final exam