Mrs. McGee Room G-118
U.S. Government Syllabus
Required Text and Materials :
McGraw Hill 2016 United States Government Our Democracy
Course Description and Objectives :
CP U.S. Government incorporates the structure, organization, and function of the American political system. Topics studied include: foundations of the United States 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 the American government and other political systems. A variety of teaching methods will be used to promote learning and critical thinking skills including but not limited to projects, simulations, cooperative learning, and debate.
Introduction to Course Content :
The content and breadth of the course is heavy due to the limited amount of time allotted in a semester of study. During the first half of the course, emphasis will be placed on basic governing principles, the U.S. Constitution, branches of government, and voter behavior. The second half of the course will cover comparative politics, economics, and avenues of participation in state/ local governments.
I. Class Policies and Procedure :
A. Attendance Policy: See Student Handbook
1. Students with excused absences may make up work.
2. It is the student’s responsibility to make up work.
3. Absences do not excuse long-term assignments.
B. Testing Policy:
1. Test make-up 60% of students grade
2. If a student is absent on the day of a test, the student is expected to take the test the first day that he/she returns.
3. If a student is absent the day before the test, he/she may wait one day after he returns to take the test unless we have already covered the review. Do not expect the make-up test to be the same as the class test. Often, the makeup test will come in an essay format.
4. A student should keep his/her eyes on his/her paper, should not communicate in any way with any other student, and not have notes nearby.
5. On test day, unless it is an emergency you may not ask permission to leave the room.
C. Tardy Policy
1. Tardies to class inconvenience the entire class and disrupt learning.
2. All students are expected to be on time to class.
3. If a teacher has caused you to be late, you must have a note of explanation from that teacher before you can enter my classroom.
D. Preparation Policy
1. It is the students responsibility to keep up with work. All work is posted in Google Classroom.
2. A student’s daily grade could be affected if a student is unprepared.
3. Sharpen your pencil before the class begins, especially on a test day and will not be provided by the teacher.
E. Class/Homework/ Project Policy
1. It is students’ responsibility to have work completed. All classwork or homework should be kept throughout the year and be available for review at any time.
2. Ms. McGee will assess the work according to McGee’s determination. Students do not make assessments as to what is acceptable or not. Standards for credit given or time for check is determined by the teacher.
3. Failure to do homework/classwork results in a zero daily grade ..late work is 10 pts off per day with exception of study guides. Study Guides are not accepted late.
4. Incomplete homework is not accepted
5. If you left the homework in another classroom or locker it is not accepted at a later time and is not counted as on time.
F. Restroom/Illness Policy
1. You are not allowed to use the restroom during the class unless it is an emergency. You should go to the restroom before the bell rings.
2. If you are suddenly ill, leave quietly and immediately go to the restroom.
G. Electronics/Computer Policy
1. No electronic equipment such as electronic games, or cell phones should be brought to school.
2. If you bring them, they must stay turned off in your book bag.
3. All school computers are to be used only for educational purposes related to school assignments. No emailing, blogging, instant messaging, or internet surfing for personal use.
H. Gentle Reminders
1. All school-wide rules apply. (See student handbook)
2. Out of respect for all adult teachers, please address them as either Sir or Ma’am and Mr. /Miss/Mrs.
3. When someone visits the room, remain quiet and focused on your work, the presentation, or my lecture. I will take care of the interruption. Do not add to the interruption/disruption by speaking or gesturing.
4. During an emergency or drill, quietly file out of the room toward the designated evacuation area for roll call. Roll will be taken and absences will be reported to administation without exception.
I. Classroom Rules/ Consequences
1. Rules
a. Be in your seat, ready, and working when the bell rings.
b. Bring all books and needed material to class.
c. Respect everyone.
d. Follow Directions the first time they are given
e. Obey all rules of the Student Handbook
f. Absolutely no food or drink in the classroom. Water bottles are allowed in the classroom.
2. Consequences
a. Verbal Warning
b. Verbal warning with a possible additional assignment (detention) or responsibility.
c. Referral and Parent/Principal Conference.
d. See Discipline Policy in Student Handbook for additional information.
II. Assessment
A. Course Evaluation:
1. Tests/Projects 60%
2. Daily Grade: 40%
B. Grading Scale:
A 90-100 B 80-89
C 70-79 D 60-69
F 59 and below
III. Tentative Course Outline: *Outline subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
Unit Topic
Unit 1 Foundations of American Government
Unit 2 Political Behavior:Government by the People
Unit 3 Legislative Branch
Unit 4 Executive Branch
A study guide is provided before each test and the final exam. Study Guides are due the day before the test (typically Thursdays). Students usually have 3-5 days to complete the study guide. Study Guides are not accepted late.
** This syllabus is subject to change.**