Instructor: Miss Melissa Harms
(970) 587-6009 school
www. ridersamericangovernment.blogspot.com
American Government
Student Responsibilities and Expectations
This course is designed as an overview of the structure of our state and national governments. The course emphasizes history, patriotism, civic-awareness, and respect for the law. The following topics will be covered: Types of government and comparisons of their economic systems, historical and philosophical developments of our present government system, the theory of federalism, and the direct/implied powers of the three branches of government as designated by the U.S. Constitution. Students are encouraged to exercise critical thinking skills and apply governmental theory via weekly writing assignments, exams, quizzes, and group work.
Exams (50% of course grade): Successful completion of one mid-term, a comprehensive final consisting of multiple-choice and true-false questions. All test items are drawn from material covered during class, assigned readings/activities, and notebook handouts.
Essays (20% of course grade): Ten essays will be assigned on material(s) covered throughout lecture periods (see course outline); a study guide and review session will be given before each quiz at instructor’s discretion. All quizzes are timed and will be given at the start of class.
Issue Analysis Report (15% of course grade): Research paper, about 10-12 pages in length, involving a description and or explanation of a current national or state governmental issue using a historical perspective. Detailed guidelines, including a list of suggestions, will be distributed to students prior to assignment.
Activities (10% of course grade): Ten short activities will be done for accumulative points during class or assigned for homework. Students will be asked to analyze both present and historical data by creating, interpreting maps/charts or by answering questions related to current events (see course outline). With participation being the key emphasis of these exercises students not attending class, excused or otherwise, may not in some situations make-up missed assignments.
Notebook (5% of course grade): The purpose of the student notebook is threefold. Firstly, it is designed to provide the students with information and ideas for their projects. The notebook functions as a resource for students to use to complete assignments. Secondly, the notebook encourages the student to process and organize information creatively. Finally, the notebook functions as a means of day-to-day student accountability for the instructor. Assessment of the notebook will be based upon random checks throughout the semester.
Course Outcomes for 12th Grade Government
- The student will identify major causes for the ideological conflict between
Great Britain - The student will examine the Articles of Confederation and demonstrate knowledge of the Constitutional Convention, including the compromises forged in the documents creation and the arguments for and against ratification.
- The student will analyze the powers and duties of each branch of government as well as the system of checks and balances.
- The student will examine the amendment process and changes that have been made in the Constitution.
- The student will demonstrate knowledge of the two-party system, evaluate the methods of conducting elections in the
U.S.
School Policy
You are expected to know and follow all school policies. Ignorance is not an excuse.
Come Prepared
Come to class with your homework ready to turn in at the beginning of the period. This includes making sure that your name and proper heading is on your assignment and that it is on your desk, ready to be turned in when the bell rings. YOU ARE EXPECTED TO BRING YOUR AMERICAN GOVERNMENT NOTEBOOK WITH PAPER, A WRITING IMPLEMENT, AND SUPPORTING MATERIAL (TEXT BOOK ETC.) EVERYDAY!!!! Students will not be allowed to leave the classroom to retrieve notes from their locker. If an assignment or quiz requires or allows one, a student will suffer without.
American Government Notebook
You ARE required to have an organized three-ring binder for this class. You should expect to keep everything given back to you in preparation for the final.
Proper Paper Heading
Everything you turn in should include the following information at the top of the page:
- Name (first and last)
- Date
- The name of the assignment
- The class period
Notes
You are expected to participate in taking notes, with musical devices OFF. You will be able to print notes off of the website if you miss class or are not able to write them down quick enough but EVERYONE is expected to actively participate in taking notes, no exceptions.
Attendance and Make-Up Work
Consistent attendance in any class is important for you to gain the most from your education. You are responsible for attending class everyday. Attendance will remain consistent with all school policies. If you have an excused absence you will be able to make up missed work and will need to obtain notes from a classmate and/or arrange a time to meet with me in this case it is your responsibility to retrieve missed assignments, I will not track you down to give you what you missed in class.
Leaving Class
To leave class for any reason, you must ask permission for a hall pass.
Tardy Policy
You are expected to be in class ON TIME everyday. Students reporting tardy to class will be required to stay after class at instructor’s discretion (see Roosevelt attendance policy per student handbook). Please note that the office considers three tardies an unexcused absence.
Late Work (something you do not have a valid excuse on why it is not done)
Late work is not accepted within the social studies department. All homework is due at the beginning of the hour, however I will not count a paper or a project late until 3:00 pm on the due date.
Cheating
I have a zero tolerance for cheating. Cheating will earn you a “0” on your assignment and an office referral.
Tests
Tests can be taken for up to 70% credit within two weeks of original test date.
Grading Scale
100-89.5 = A
89.4-79.5 = B
79.4-69.5 = C
69.4-62.5= D
62.4-0 = F
Posting Grades
Grades are on internet will be updated at least once a week. Eligibility goes out every other week. I will not seek you out to show your grade. You are expected to get your login information from the office for infinite campus and look it up yourself.
Website
Please refer to www.ridersamericangovernment.blogspot.com . This website was created for those students who miss class or need extra help. On this website you can expect to find daily agendas, notes, and general announcements. If you miss class, please refer to this website before you see me about missed work.
Extra Help
Feel welcome to make an appointment with me to meet before school to discuss any accommodations for extra help, disabilities, or personal situations. I will work with individuals requiring extra assistance on a one-by-one basis.
I will be teaching material in according to the Colorado Model Content Standards.
Electronics
Cell phones are strictly prohibited. (NOT ALLOWED!!!!) If you bring this to class and, I will collect the item and your parent/guardian can retrieve it from the office. Music devices maybe used during individual work but should be done so respectfully. If you abuse this privilege you will lose it!
Food and Drinks
Food is not allowed, but drinks are tolerated as long as it is consumed in a respectful manner and trash disposed properly.
Proviso: This is a required course and is an essential element towards Senior graduation at Roosevelt High School. As such, NO EXTRA-CREDIT, MAKE –UP ASSIGNEMNTS, ETC… WILL BE GIVEN IN ADDITION TO A FAILING GRADE PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT! If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s achievement in this class or lack thereof you must contact the instructor at least four weeks prior to the completion of the semester. This stringent policy is meant to deter any misconceptions and or confusion that you or your child may have in regard to participating in commencement ceremonies. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Concluding Thoughts
You can expect me to treat you and your classmates with respect at all times. I expect the same of you. (This also includes class observers, substitutes, and all other staff.) We will be learning about the world and those in it, I expect you to come to class with an open mind and an attitude that embraces diversity. I expect you to take pride in all of your work as well as ask questions. You can be sure I will ask them of you.
Resources: Texts and Readings
Benson, David G. and Waples, Karen. Fast Track to a 5: Preparing for the AP United States New York
DefenseLINK
http://www.defenselink.mil/
This is the official site of the U.S. Department of Defense.
http://www.defenselink.mil/
This is the official site of the U.S. Department of Defense.
National Public Radio
http://www.npr.org/
http://www.npr.org/
Patterson, Thomas E. The American Democracy, Seventh edition. New York
Public Agenda Online: Public Opinion and Public Policy
http://www.publicagenda.org/
The inside source for public opinion and political analysis.
http://www.publicagenda.org/
The inside source for public opinion and political analysis.
Serow, Ann G. and Ladd, Everett C. American Polity, Third edition. Baltimore
The Federalist Papers
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/federal/fed.htm
Archived in the Avalon Project at theYale Law School
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/federal/fed.htm
Archived in the Avalon Project at the
Woll, Peter, ed. Readings and Cases, 15th edition. New York
Current Events: Periodicals
Newspapers: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Christian Science, The Washington
Magazines: Time, Newsweek, and U.S.
Television: The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, Washington
Curriculum Map For AP Government
Resources | |
Unit 1: Introduction, Constitutionalism, and Federalism -Introduction to the course and the AP Test/Expectations -Lecture Chapter 1, "Seeking a More Perfect -Essay Chapter 1, Begin Lecture Chapter 2, "Promoting Liberty and Self-Government" -Assign Current Events, Lecture Chapter 2 -Federalist Papers #47, #48, #51 and Anti-federalists -Chapter 2 Essay, Discuss Amendments 1-10 -Debate Topics, Begin Lecture Chapter 3, "Forging a New Nation" -Lecture Chapter 3 -Roche vs. Beard Articles -Current Events #1 (Examples of Federalism), Essay Chapter 3 Unit 2: Public Opinion, Campaigns, and Voting Behavior -Political Self Analysis, Tolerance Questions -Lecture Chapter 6, " Government" -The Gender Gap and Comparative Politics -Lecture Chapter 9, "Interest Groups: Organizing for Influence" -Socratic Seminar: League of Women Voters and Bowling Alone -Woll, Articles on Voting Behavior -Lecture Chapter 10, "The News Media: Communicating Political Images" | -Thomas E. Patterson, The American Democracy, Chapters 1, 2, and 3 -Federalist Papers, #47, #48, and #51 -Anti-Federalist Packet -Roche and Beard Articles -Newspapers, Journals, Periodicals, etc... -Students will construct a five paragraph essay by examining how Americans' beliefs about liberty, equality, and self government relate to their preference of constitutionalism, capitalism, and democracy. -Students will construct a five paragraph essay by explaining how the division of power in the -Students will construct a five paragraph essay by determining if the federal government's superior taxing power has contributed to a larger policy role for the national government and wheather these factors will increase or decrease in the future (Patriot Act/Homeland Security). -Students will debate/discuss how the drafting of the -Newspapers, Articles, and Periodicals -Thomas E. Patterson, The American Democracy, Chapters 6, 9, and 10 -Berelson,” Democratic Practice and Democratic Theory” |
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Unit 3: Linkage Institutions -Lecture on Chapter 7, "Political Participation and Voting" -Current Events #2 (Voting) -Socratic Seminar: "It's the Media Stupid" -Debate: Low Voter Turnout -Current Events #3 (Political Parties) -Assign Term Paper, Begin Lecture on Chapter 8, "Political Parties, Candidates, and Campaigns" -Federalist Paper #10 -Essay Over Chapters 7 and 8, Lecture on Chapter 11 Unit 4: Congress, Presidency, Bureaucracy and Budget -Current Events #4 (The President), Lecture on Chapter 12, "The Presidency: Leading the Nation" -Lecture on Chapters 12 and 13, "The Federal Bureaucracy" -Socratic Seminar: "The Presidential Character" -Debate: Single Issue Groups -Essay on the Presidency, Lecture on Chapter 13 -Current Events #5 (The President's Cabinet) -Current Events #6 (Congress), Begin Lecture on Chapter 14, "The Federal Judicial System: Applying the Law" -Lecture on Chapter 14 -Bureaucratic Pathology -Debate: Presidential Powers and Abuses of... | -Thomas E. Patterson, The American Democracy, Chapters 7, 8, and 11 -James Madison, Federalist Paper #10 -It's the Media Stupid! -Newspapers, Articles, and Periodicals -Students will construct a five paragraph essay by examining why political campaigns have become longer, more expensive, and candidate centered in recent elections. -Thomas E. Patterson, The American Democracy, Chapters 12 and 13 -"The Presidential Character," by James Barber -Newspapers, Articles, and Periodicals -Students will construct a five paragraph essay detailing the "conditional" power of the president, that is, why is it affected so substantially by circumstance, the makeup of Congress, and popular support? (The separation of powers should be included in your responses.) |
Resources | |
Unit 5: The Judiciary, Civil Rights, and Liberties -Current Events #7 (Court Cases), Begin Lecture on Chapter 16, "Welfare and Education Policy" -Lecture on Chapter 16 -Debate: Rehnquist vs. Roberts -Present Legal Cases -Current Events #8 (Present Court Cases) and Due Process Unit 6: Public Policy -Current Events #9 (Federal Legislation), Begin Lecture on Chapter 5, "Civil Liberties: Protecting Individual Rights" -Essay on Chapters 4 and 5, "Equal Rights: Struggling Towards Fairness" -Debate: Public Opinion vs. Public Policy -Term Paper Due, Current Events #10 (Homeland Security!) | -Thomas E. Patterson, The American Democracy, Chapters 14, 15, 16 -Newspapers, Articles, and Periodicals -Thomas E. Patterson, The American Democracy, Chapters 15 and 16 -Thomas E. Patterson, The American Democracy Chapters 4 and 5 -"The Shaky American Dream: The Perils of the Growing American Wealth Gap" -Newspapers, Articles, and Periodicals |
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Unit 7: Foreign and Defense Policy -Lecture on Chapter 17, "Foreign and Defense Policy" and Chapter 18, "State and Local Politics" -Socratic Seminar: Weapons Proliferation -Debate: Gun control and the second Amendment | -Thomas E. Patterson, The American Democracy Chapters 17, 18, and 19 -Weapons Proliferation Packet -The students will construct a five paragraph essay on the role that political movements have played in securing the legal rights of disadvantaged groups and or minorities, and, has the resulting legislation contributed to the furtherance of these groups? |
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Review for AP Examination | Fast Track to a 5: Preparing for the AP |
