Course Description

The United States Government course incorporates the structure, organization, and function of the American political system. Topics studied include: foundations of U.S. government, the three major branches of government, and the Constitution. Students will study the details of the political system at the national, state, and local levels. Comparisons will be made between American government and other political systems. It is recommended that students be enrolled in Honors English.

Prep U.S. Government

Course Syllabus

Introduction

Welcome to College Prep United States Government! During this course the major highlights of the history, formation, and function of American government will be presented. We will examine its major themes, its inner workings, and its important figures. Students will research topics and articulate ideas through written work, class discussions, projects, and presentations.

Required Text

United States Government: Our Democracy, McGraw-Hill Education, Copyright 2016.

New District-wide Cell Phone Policy

Cellphone, Earbuds, and Electronic Devices Usage:

1. During Class:

   • All cellphones, earbuds, and other personal electronic devices must be out of sight and on silent during class time.

   • Acceptable places to store your devices include your backpack, pocket, or purse.

   • Devices cannot be on your desk or in your lap.

2. Permitted Usage Times:

   • Before School: Students are allowed to use their devices before the official start of the school day.

   • After School: Device usage is permitted after the conclusion of the school day.

   • Lunch: Students are welcome to use their cellphones and other electronic devices during lunchtime.

   • In the Hallway: Feel free to use your devices while transitioning between classes in the hallway.

Expectations for Classroom Behavior

1.    Students are expected to be “on time”.  This means that students are to be in their seats when the bell rings and ready to work.

2.    Unless specifically allowed by me, cell phone use is strictly forbidden during classroom time.

3.    Students are expected to obey all school rules as listed in the student handbook.

4.    All students are required to bring books, notebooks, and a pen or pencil to class each day.  This is to be considered as part of the student’s daily grade.

5.    Student will be expected to listen, take notes, and participate in classroom lessons.  Failure to do so will be reflected in quiz and test scores.

6.    All assigned work must be completed by the beginning of the next class period.  Homework will be checked daily at the beginning of class.  Late work will not be accepted unless the student was absent.  Only completed work will receive credit.

7.    Class time given to students to work on assignments is for that purpose only!  Failure to use class time properly will be reflected in daily grades.

8.    All students will have five class days to make up work or tests missed during an excused absence.  Zeroes will be given for work that is not made up.

9.    Students are expected to maintain a proper learning environment and a clean classroom. (This includes wearing your ID.)

Course Description

The United States Government course incorporates the structure, organization, and function of the American political system. Topics studied include: foundations of U.S. government, the three major branches of government, and the Constitution. Students will study the details of the political system at the national, state, and local levels. Comparisons will be made between American government and other political systems. It is recommended that students be enrolled in Honors English.

Objectives

1. Take and defend positions concerning the necessity and the purpose of government.

2. Explain the various purposes constitutions serve.

3. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of confederal, federal, and unitary systems of government.

4. Explain the essential ideas of American Constitutional government as expressed in the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. constitution, the Bill of Rights, and other historic documents.

5. Evaluate the ways conflicts about diversity can be resolved in a peaceful manner that respects individual rights and promotes the common good.

6. Evaluate, take and defend positions on current issues involving constitutional protection of individual rights.

7. Evaluate, take and defend positions on issues regarding the distribution of powers and responsibilities within the federal system.

8. Analyze the organization and major responsibilities of state and local government.

9. Explain the importance of law in the American constitutional system.

10. Define the concept of due process of law and explain the importance to individuals and society.

11. Explain how political parties, campaigns and elections provide opportunity for citizens to participate in the political process.

12. Explain the important characteristics of citizenship in the United States.

13. Explain criteria used in determining what limits should be placed on specific rights.

14. Evaluate the importance of civic responsibilities.

15. Explain the importance of political leadership and public service in a constitutional democracy.

16. Take and defend positions concerning the necessity and the purpose of government.

17. Explain the various purposes constitutions serve.

18. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of confederal, federal, and unitary systems of government.

19. Explain the essential ideas of American Constitutional government as expressed in the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. constitution, the Bill of Rights, and other historic documents.

20. Evaluate the ways conflicts about diversity can be resolved in a peaceful manner that respects individual rights and promotes the common good.

21. Evaluate, take and defend positions on current issues involving constitutional protection of individual rights.

22. Evaluate, take and defend positions on issues regarding the distribution of powers and responsibilities within the federal system.

23. Analyze the organization and major responsibilities of state and local government.

24. Explain the importance of law in the American constitutional system.

25. Define the concept of due process of law and explain the importance to individuals and society.

26. Explain how political parties, campaigns and elections provide opportunity for citizens to participate in the political process.

27. Explain the important characteristics of citizenship in the United States.

28. Explain criteria used in determining what limits should be placed on specific rights.

29. Evaluate the importance of civic responsibilities.

30. Explain the importance of political leadership and public service in a constitutional democracy.

Course Requirements

Attendance Policy:

More than three (3) unexcused absences in a semester course will result in denial of credit.

GRADING POLICY

A = 90 TO 100 

B = 80 TO 89 

C = 70 TO 79

D = 60 TO 69 

F = 59 and Below

Minor Grades =  40% of grade and consists of Homework, class assignments, and having class materials ready each day for class, quizzes on material covered by daily work, homework, and notes.

Major Grades = 60% of grade and consists of tests materials taken from daily work and quizzes.

Tentative Outline of the Course:

Unit I. Principles of Government

Week 1 - Introduction

Week 2 - The Necessity of Government

Week 3 - Different Forms of Government

Unit I TEST

Unit II. Our Living Constitution

Week 4. The Creation of a New Form of Government

Week 5. What Makes Our Constitution Work

Week 6. Parts of the Constitution

Week 7 Constitutional Rights

Unit II Test

Unit III. Separation and Balance of Power

Week 8 &9 The Legislative Branch

Week 10 The Judicial Branch ( trip to the Court House ?)

Week 11 The Executive Branch

Unit III Test

Unit IV. The Election Process

Week 12 The Development and Role of Political Parties

The Influence of Political Parties

Week 13 Running and Election

Election Project - this project will be done in conjunction with the November Election

Unit IV Test

Unit V. Citizenship in America

Week 14. Role of the American Citizen

Week 15. Patriotism: Being a Good Citizen

Week 16. Learning to Live Together

Week 17 Begin Exam Review

Unit Five Test

Unit VI. Final Exam (U.S. Civics Test) or Final Exhibition