American Government Syllabus

American Government Syllabus Andress High School Fall 2009

I. Instructor: Mr. Hohnholt

1. Location: C320 2. Email: [email protected] 3. Phone Number: 526-4237

II. Text: Macgruder’s American Government, William A. McClenaghan (Everyone must check out a textbook)

III. Objective: Upon completion of this course you will have a basic understanding of the principles of American government. Such principles will include the foundations and new ideas that preceded our government, the nature of a federalist system of governments, the nature of political behavior, and an in depth look at the three branches of government that were established by the Constitution. IV. Course Description: In Government, the focus is on the principles and beliefs upon which the United States was founded and on the structure, functions, and powers of government at the national, state, and local levels. This course is the culmination of the civic and governmental content and concepts studied from Kindergarten through required secondary courses. Students learn major political ideas and forms of government in history. A significant focus of the course is on the U.S. Constitution, its underlying principles and ideas, and the form of government it created. Students analyze major concepts of republicanism, federalism, checks and balances, separation of powers, popular sovereignty, and individual rights and compare the U.S. system of government with other political systems. Students identify the role of government in the U.S. free enterprise system and examine the strategic importance of places to the United States. Students analyze the impact of individuals, political parties, interest groups, and the media on the American political system, evaluate the importance of voluntary individual participation in a democratic society, and analyze the rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Students examine the relationship between governmental policies and the culture of the United States. Students identify examples of government policies that encourage scientific research and use critical-thinking skills to create a product on

a contemporary government issue. To support the teaching of the essential knowledge and skills, the use of a variety of rich primary and secondary source material such as the complete text of the U.S. constitution; selected Federalist Papers; landmark cases of the U.S. Supreme Court; biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs; speeches and letters; and periodicals that feature analyses of political issues and events is encouraged. Selections may include excerpts from John Locke's Two Treatises of Government, Federalist 51, and Miranda v. Arizona.

V. Exams: You will be given unit exams roughly every 3 weeks, benchmark exams every six weeks, and a cumulative final at the end of the semester. All exams will be worth a total 50% of your overall semester grade.

VI. Grading Policy: Your grade will be determined using a weighed average with the following categories and weights: 1. Exams………………………………………………..50% 2. Assignments and Quizzes……………………………30% 3. Class participation…………………………………...10% 4. Notebook……………………………………………..10% Your class participation grade will reflect how you engage yourself in the classroom. Refer to the lass Participation Rubric for details on how your grade will be assigned.

VII. Supplies you will need:

1. A three-ring binder (1½ inch should do the trick) organized into sections with plenty of paper for taking notes. Please place all graded assignments in this binder to (1) review important material before tests, and (2) protect yourself from teacher error. 2. Writing utensils (Pens or pencils). Pens must be blue or black. 3. Failure to bring supplies will result in loss of participation points VIII. Classroom Rules

1. Maintain an air of Humility 2. Act like Ladies and Gentleman 3. Pay Attention and work at all times 4. Follow all School Policies (Food, drink, cell phones, etc.)

IX. Classroom Procedures: Classroom procedures:

1. The guidelines in the student handbook will be enforced at all times. 2. A well-maintained notebook and a binder for all handouts is required for the entire semester. 3. Notebook and homework assignments MUST BE brought to class each day. 4. Homework assignments must be presented in class on the due date in order to be accepted by the teacher. 5. If a student is absent, he must seek out the teacher immediately upon his return to school in order to schedule a make-up for any incomplete work. This also includes a legitimate absense from class while still being present in school for other classes or activities. Failure to do so will result in a zero for the work that remains incomplete. 6. Students must be ready to work as soon as the bell rings. 7. Work from another class must never be completed during class time. 8. All long-term assignments are due on the appointed date, not a day later. 9. All students are to demonstrate respect for the opinions of all members of the classroom. 10. If any student is having difficulty, he should feel free to contact the teacher outside of class during a free period or after school. 11. All papers turned in must meet the following criteria: a. Your handwriting MUST be legible. If I cannot read it, you must redo it. b. Stay within the margins on either side. c. Write only on one side of the page.

X. Class Schedule and Objectives A. Unit 1: Foundations of American Government Weeks of August 20, August 27, and September 3. (September 3 is Labor Day)

Students will analyze the foundations of government including popular sovereignty, separation of powers, and federalism. We will also examine government and the state, forms of government, and basic concepts of democracy. The origins of American Government will be explored through analyzing our political beginnings, the coming of independence, the critical period while government forms emerged, how the constitution was created, and the ratifying of the constitution.

B. Unit II: The Constitution and Federalism

Weeks of September 10, September 17 and September 24

Students will learn about the six basic principles that are incorporated into the United States Constitution. They will study how the Constitution is and has been amended, as well as Constitutional changes by other means. We will examine the division of power that is inherent in federalism, how the national government relates to the 50 states, and interstate relations.

C. Unit III: The Branches of Government

Weeks of October 1, October 8, October 15, and October 22

The three branches of government will be studied with attention to the nature of the national legislature, the House of Representatives, The Senate and the makeup of the members of Congress. The students will explore the committees of Congress, how a bill becomes law in both the House and Senate. The presidency will be studied from election through the presidential functions. We also examine the judicial branch with its various courts.

D. Unit IV: Political Parties, Voter Behavior, Mass Media and Public Opinion

Weeks of October 29, November 5, November 12, November 19, and November 26

The American political system will be studied. Students will examine parties and what they do, the current and historical two-party system. In addition the minor parties and party organization will be explored. Students will study how the political system is influenced through public opinion, and the mass media. There will also attention given to the nature and working of interest groups in American society.

E. Unit V: Civil Rights, State and Local Government

Weeks of December 3, December 10 and December 17

Democracy cannot exist without civil liberty—that is, without individual freedom. But, notice, democracy also cannot exist without some degree of authority---that is, without government. Striking the proper balance between freedom and authority is democracy’s constant challenge.

The States and their local governments have a long and a rich history—in fact, a history much longer than that of the government in Washington, D. C. Remember, the Framers of the Constitution built the National Government largely out of their practical experiences with these other governments.