Government SyllabusInstructor: Ryan Decker
Course Website -E-mail:
A copy of this syllabus,as well as information on assignments, can be found on the website.
Course Materials: Notebook, writing utensil
Course Description: We will be examining the structure, processes, and history of the United States government. Students will be expected to understand the electoral process, the structure of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches, the impact of polling and public opinion on the political process, and the process of law-making.
Grading: Daily assignments and quizzes will account for 30% of the quarter grade. Unit tests will account for another 40% of the quarter grade. Section Review quizzes will account for 20% of the quarter grade. A general participation grade will account for the final 10% of the class grade. Participating in class discussions, germane comments and questions, and being an active member of the class are all examples of adequate participation.
Quizzes: There will be a Section Review Quiz accompanying each chapter. The questions on these quizzes will come from the Section Review Questions in the textbook. Students who answer the section review questions in writing prior to the quiz will be allowed to use their work on the quizzes. Only section review questions and answers, no notes. There will also be periodic “notes quizzes.” These quizzes will take place in class and be based off of notes given in class. Students are allowed to use any notes they have taken. These quizzes can be “sure 100%’s” if students take notes.
Rules: There are three rules for the class:
1)Respect the Environment
2)Respect Others
3)Respect Yourself
Class Activities: There will be a number of class activities that will require your participation. You will be graded on your participation within the group and its activities as well as how well you achieve your objectives and play your roles.
*Legislative Role Play – The class will be split into two parties (Conservative and Liberal) who will be charged with passing legislation that fits their party’s viewpoint. Parliamentary procedure will be followed. Grading will be based on how well party members perform their roles and their participation in crafting and passing legislation (i.e. debate).
*Mock Trial – We will be having a mock trial this year, the scope and scale of which is still undetermined. Students will be graded on their participation and how well they play their parts in the mock trial.