Government and Citizenship
Mr. Baughman Planning Period: 1stPeriod (2nd Half)
Preferred contact: Room A103
Course Description:
U.S. Government is a one semester Social Studies course requisite for high school graduation. This course is divided into two quarters, focusing on the need for and purposes of government, the Constitution, the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches of government, and foreign / domestic policies. The aim of this course is to give students a thorough understanding of the workings and functions of the U.S. Government so that they may be informed citizens with an appreciation of the rights and responsibilities essential to becoming active participants in society. The required text for this course is Remy, Democracy in Action, 2006. The replacement cost of this book, if lost, is $85.
GOVERNMENT A: 1st Quarter
Unit One: Introduction to U.S. Government
Overview: This unit will investigate the need for and benefits of establishing a government.
Unit Two: The Constitution
Overview: This unit will investigate the philosophical and historical foundations of the US government and how the founding principles were incorporated into the Constitution.
Unit Three: The Legislative Branch
Overview: This unit will explore and compare the roles of the US Congress and the Minnesota Legislative Branch in the lawmaking process.
Unit Four: The Executive Branch
Overview: Students will explore and compare the roles of the Executive Branch in the Federal, State, and Local governments.
GOVERNMENT B: 2nd Quarter
Unit One: Foreign Policy
Overview: This unit will investigate the interdependent relationship of the United States politics and
government to world affairs.
Unit Two: The Domestic Public Issues
Overview: This unit will investigate the roles and policies the government has assumed regarding public issues.
Unit Three: The Judicial Branch
Overview: This unit will evaluate how the United States government has maintained a balance between protecting rights and maintaining order.
Program Goals
The student will demonstrate an understanding of:
- Historical development and current status of principles, institutions, and processes of political systems;
- The history, diversity, and commonality of the peoples of the nation and world, the reality of human interdependence, and the need for global cooperation, through a perspective that is both historical and multicultural;
- Geographic concepts and processes to examine the role of culture, technology, and the environment in the location and distribution of human activities throughout history; and
- The historical development and current status of economic principles, institution, and processes needed to be effective citizens, consumers and workers.
Instructional Philosophy
The students will experience a variety of activities to include: cooperative learning, independent projects, reading and writing assignments, quizzes and tests, hands-on activities, oral presentations and current events activities.
Evaluation Procedures
Students will be evaluated through their performance on tests and quizzes (35%), projects (25%), homework (20%), in class work (10%), participation (5%) and attending one local government meeting (5%). Percentages for each assignment type are approximate. The grading scale used is in accordance with Delano Public Schools. All exams and projects will be posted on skyward five days prior to the due date. All major assignments will be posted five days prior to the due date when applicable.
GRADING SCALE:
100.0 - 94 A76.99 - 73 C
93.99 - 90A- 72.99 - 70C-
89.99 - 87 B+69.99 - 67D+
86.99 - 83B66.99 - 63 D
82.99 - 80B-62.99 - 60D-
79.99 - 77 C+59.99 - 0F
Attendance
It is essential that students attend class in order to succeed. After an absence it is the student's responsibility to provide the teacher with an excuse note before class begins. The time allowed for make up work is the number of days absent plus one. If additional time is needed to complete work, an arrangement can be made at the discretion of the teacher. Additional school policy may apply to attendance issues.
Teacher Assistance
Students who need help should contact Mr.Baughman as soon as possible. I am available after school most days until 3:30 and in the morning.
Class work and Homework Policy
Students will be keeping a record of all their classroom assignments in their notebooks or organizers. All work should be kept in the student’s binder for the duration of the unit. All returned papers and notes should be kept throughout the semester to study for the exam. Homework will be assigned on a daily basis. If written work is not assigned, the student should study the day’s notes for a minimum of 15 minutes or work on long term projects. Students are responsible for copying homework assignments.
Late Work
All 9th grade teachers are using the same late work policy. This policy is notated below.
1. Students who turn in late work before the unit exam/assessment will be deducted 25%. This still allows a student to earn a C, assuming the work is completed to standard.
2. Students who turn in late work after the unit exam/assessment will be deducted 35%. This will allow a student to turn in late work before the end of the quarter and receive a D assuming the work is completed to standard.
3. Students must turn in all homework assignments. Students who are missing any assignments at the end of the quarter will receive an Incomplete. If the work is not turned in after two weeks the student will receive an F regardless of grade at the time the Incomplete was given.
4. Certain assignments will be exempt from the late work policy (per teachers discretion) and may result in a greater deduction in score or possibly a zero. Examples include but are not limited to projects and extended assignments. Students will be informed of such assignments ahead of time. However, students will still be required to turn in the assignment in order to meet the requirements of the course.
Academic Honesty
Students are expected to be familiar with and follow the school's policy on academic honesty. Students who violate this policy will receive a 0% for the assignment and be referred to the office for disciplinary action. All work is to be done individually unless the instructions specifically say it is group work. If a student has any question about what counts as cheating, please bring the question to Mr. Baughman - we will clear it up for the whole class.
Classroom Procedures / Rules
- Be in class on time, in your seat, and with all required supplies.
- Follow all school rules
- Listen respectfully when others are speaking.
- Complete assignments neatly.
- Actively participate in class.
- No cell phones allowed during class time
- No headphones allowed during class time
Bathroom Policy
Students should plan to use the bathroom in between classes. In case of emergency, the discretion of the teacher will be utilized.
Acknowledgement
Please sign and return the Government Acknowledgement Sheet to Mr. Baughmanby the end of the week. This is your first homework assignment.
US Government Acknowledgement Form
Student’s Name: ______
I have read the Government Course Outline.
I understand the grading policies, homework policies, and general course requirements for US Government.
I understand that, if needed, I should utilize the extra help offered by Mr. Baughman or other school services.
Student Signature: ______
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______
Note to Parent/Guardian:
As I begin to teach your son/ daughter, I realize that I do not know them nearly as well as you do. Because of that, I would appreciate your help. Please use the space below to offer any information about your son/daughter that would help me better teach them this upcoming semester. Thanks and looking forward to working with you!
Mr. Baughman
______