Government CP

Instructions for accessing online textbook:

1. Go to backpack for students.

2. Click on Education Apps and log in to Launch Pad

3. Click on the ED-HMH icon

4. When the new page opens, click in the Discover Tab

5. When that opens select United States Government from the drop-down tab which may currently show American History

Unit Plans Available Upon Request: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1f19jpvmVixfHgv9Z2MSnClOs_cSObr2KIxjKf6msArg/edit

Government CP Syllabus: 

The purpose of a student taking American Government is more than just earning a required half/unit. The student will identify, analyze and discuss the founding principles and documents, compare and contrast structures of government, explain how various political processes operate, and identify and analyze how people become US citizens and identify the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

Unit 1: Foundations of Democracy- Ideological influence from various, pre-American societies, key colonial writings like Common Sense, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, early state constitutions, and the Constitution of the US.

Standard 1: Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental historical and philosophical principles and ideas that led to the development of the American constitutional democracy.

Unit 2: Structures of Government-Compare and contrast unitary, federal, and confederate systems; direct democracy vs representative democracy,  and limited vs. absolute government. We will also analyze the separation f powers and checks and balances in our own government.

Standard 2: Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and functions of government at all levels in the United States.

Unit 3: Political Processes- How candidates run for office and get elected, how bills become laws, how the judicial system works

Standard 3: Demonstrate an understanding of the political process in determining and shaping public policy and the political climate in the United States. 

Unit 4: Citizenship-voting, being civic-minded, being taxpayers and law-abiding citizens, and running for office.

Standard 4: Demonstrate an understanding of the rights and responsibilities associated with citizenship in the United States 

Helpful links and resources: Crash Course Government and Politics episodes found on YouTube.

CNN 10 Student News

The Government CP Information on the GCS District Landing Page via the Web Portal.

Online textbook: United States Government , available through Backpack for Students (education apps and ED-HMH)   

Grading

    Major Assessments are worth 60% of the Quarter Grade.

    Minor Assessments are worth 40% of the Quarter Grade.

    The Quarter Grade is 90% of th Final Grade.

    The Final Exam is 10% of the Final Grade.

    This is a quarter class so it is worth 1/2 of a unit and only 3 absences are allowed. 

A district-required Civics benchmark test will be required for you to take during Q3. It will count as a major test grage in Q3. It will be given through Mastery Connect. 

Magic School AI

This year, students will use MagicSchool AI, a generative AI platform designed specifically for education. As tools like ChatGPT and Gemini become standard in the professional world, utilizing MagicSchool prepares students for the future workforce by teaching safe and responsible technology use.

Students will use these tools for real-time feedback and dynamic problem-solving. To ensure appropriate use, teachers retain access to all student chats. MagicSchool strictly protects privacy and does not collect or utilize student data. All AI software, including MagicSchool, complies with GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.

Generative AI

This course may utilize generative AI tools, such as MagicSchool and Google Gemini, to supplement traditional instruction. Greenville County Schools prioritizes the ethical use of these technologies for brainstorming and self-guided learning.

Critical Thinking First: AI must not replace original thought or coursework.

Academic Integrity: Using AI to complete and submit assignments as original work constitutes plagiarism.

Required Citation: If teacher-approved, all AI use must be properly cited.

Content Awareness: Students must remain vigilant regarding potential biases and inaccuracies in AI-generated content.

• Policy Compliance: All AI programs align with GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.

Educational Technology and Use of AI

Students must only utilize applications that are approved through the District Software Approval Process and accessed through the District student login system (Classlink).  Students may only use AI tools that have been explicitly vetted and approved by the District.   Inappropriate use of AI, including plagiarism, will result in discipline in accordance with board policy, including Board Policy JCDA (Behavior Code).