Course Objective:
As you graduate you will be instantly confronted with many adult responsibilities. Responsibilities such as: getting a job, getting a degree, being independent and being a responsible American citizen. My objective in this course is to help you understand what it means to be an American citizen, and the responsibilities that follow this distinct honor. US government students will first study the origins of American government, English influence, the development of colonial governments and the US constitution. Students will then study institutions of government, politics of public policy, individual rights and responsibilties, state and local governments, and comparative and historical world governments. This course will require many skills, but the ability to critically think will be most useful. Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically, learn independently and solve problems by effectively completing challenging projects and assignments. We will also be discussing many controversial issues in the news, so students should come to class ready to have an intellectual discussions, and not Jerry Springer style debates. Students that come to class prepared with an open mind, willing and eager to learn will find US government interesting, relevant and informative.
Course Requirements:
Good Attendance Class Participation
Ability to take good notes Keeping up with reading assignments
Classwork / Homework Controversial Issue Essay
Quizzes Exams / Final
Course Weights:
Disclaimer!!!! No late work will be accepted.
Cumulative final- 20%
3 Exams- 30% (10% each)
Controversial Essay- 5%
Quizzes- 5%
Classwork, Homework and Projects 40%
Scheduled Topics of Study:
The Following is a list of units we will be studying, followed by major concepts within each unit. This list is meant as a guide and is by no means exhaustive (in other words, you can expect to be learning a lot more than this)
Basics of American Political Thought
Creating our Constitution
Federalism / Separation of Powers
Civil Liberties
Exam 1
Judicial Branch
Executive Branch
Legislative Branch
Exam 2
Elections / Media
Political Culture / Ideologies
Political Parties / Interest Groups
Exam 3
Local Governments
Public Policy and the Economy
Comparative Governments
Cumulative Final
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