American Government is designed to be a detailed study of our federal government and the ideals of democracy both in past and present times. The class covers the colonial governments including the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution and its amendments. Other topics covered include individual rights, political parties, mass media, voting and elections, national government, Congress, the Presidency, Federal Courts, taxation, and public opinion. This course also discusses current events and happenings surrounding the U.S. government in global affairs. Students will combine previous civics knowledge with this course and will be prepared to enter the world with a strong understanding of the functions of government and how to be citizens in our democracy.
Unit 1: Foundations of American Government
Chapter 1 - Principles of Government
Chapter 2 - Origins of American Government
Chapter 3 - The Constitution
Unit 2: Participation in Democracy
Chapter 5 - Political Parties
Chapter 6 - Voters and Voters Behavior
Chapter 7 - Electoral Process
Unit 3: Legislative Branch
Chapter 10 - Congress
Chapter 11 - Powers of Congress
Chapter 12 - Congress in Action
Unit 4: Executive Branch
Chapter 13 - The Presidency
Chapter 14 - The Presidency in Action
Chapter 15 - Government at Work
Chapter 17 - Foreign Policy and National Defense
Unit 5: Judicial Branch
Chapter 18 - The Federal Court System
Chapter 19 - Civil Liberties: First Amendment Freedoms
Chapter 20 - Civil Liberties: Protecting Individual Rights
Chapter 21 - Civil Rights: Equal Justice Under the Law
Unit 6: Government and Politics of Minnesota
Chapter 24 - Governing the States
Course Policies
Classroom Expectations:
Responsible – You are expected to be responsible for your attitude, behavior, and schoolwork. This means making the decisions to turn in work on time and participate in class, while having the best possible attitude.
Respectful – You are responsible for being respectful to the instructor, fellow students and yourself. This includes working up until the end of the class period, behaving in a manner that is not distracting to others, and using your devices in an appropriate manner.
Prepared - Be in your seat when the bell rings with all materials needed for class ready. This also includes an attitude that is prepared to learn from the time class starts until the end of the period.
Academic Integrity:
Please refer to the Hancock Student Handbook for information about academic integrity. The definitions and outcomes provided there will be utilized to determine instances of dishonesty.
Grading and Scale
This class is based around a total points system. A student’s grade will be calculated as the total points earned divided by the total points possible. The same grading scale will be used as the one provided on page 23 of the Hancock Student Handbook. The following categories will be used to help categorize the points earned in the class. These categories are not weighted differently, but instead allow for the instructor, student, and parents/guardians to track successes and points of improvement.
Categories:
Classwork
Homework
Exams
Essays/Writing
Projects/Presentations
Extra Credit
Extra Credit:
Extra Credit opportunities are not guaranteed, but instead may be sporadically provided throughout the course. These are available for students who have completed all assignments on time, unless the instructor decides otherwise. This is not a safety net. It is instead a way of going above and beyond the expectations.
Late Work:
Late work will not be accepted after the unit exam and is subject to an automatic 50% penalty unless prior arrangements were made with the instructor. This 50% penalty may also be waived at instructor discretion.