American Government Syllabus

Teacher:Mrs. Jennifer GalmEmail: Text: United StateGovernment by Glencoe School Contact: 770) 651-6286

Course Description: In this class we will learn everything about the United States government from the philosophies behind it to the way each branch operates. We will start with an examination of the types and foundations of government, continue with the origins and branches of our government, and conclude with a look at the criminal justice process and the Georgia state government. Of course, we will also spend a considerable amount of time looking at the political election process and major Supreme Court decisions.

Expectations of students taking this course are demanding. Throughout the semester you will have unit tests and projects, essays, and analytical responses to primary source documents. Your strong work ethic will be your biggest asset in this course! Please do not allow yourself to fall behind and if you need help, ask for it!

Course Information and Expectations:

  1. Materials: You are required to have the following materials for class:
  • 1 ½ - 2 inch/ 3-ring binder
  • Loose Leaf Paper for the 3-ring binder
  • 8 dividers for the 3-ring binder
  • pens/pencils/highlighter
  • Glue Sticks / Tape - will use DAILY!!!!
  1. Make-Up work: IT IS THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY TO INQUIRE ABOUT THEIR MAKE-UP WORK (Before/After Class)!Students will have 1 day per excused absence to make-up missed work.
  2. Homework is due at the beginning of class or otherwise specified.
  3. AnnouncedTests/Quizzes must be made up the day the student returns from the absence, either before or after school. Make up tests/quizzes are subject to be essay/short answer format (teacher discretion).
  4. Long term Projects must be turned in on the due date specified by the teacher, even if the student is absent.
  1. Late Work: Homework is DUE at the beginning of class. Work is considered late if it is not turned in the moment it is due. Students have the ability to turn in late work ONLY four times a year. They will be provided 4 Late Work Passes and can choose to use them in the case of emergencies. However, a 30% deduction will be made for turning the work in late, so IF the assignment is 100% correct, the most the student can make is a 70%. Late work will ONLY be accepted 1 class late (48 hours). It is the student’s responsibility to turn it in within the deadline – reminders will not be given. All late work will be marked in Infinite Campus, so parents will be aware.

4. Evaluation:

  • Unit Exams30%
  • Projects/Notebook Checks20%
  • Quizzes15%
  • Classwork & Homework 15%
  • Final Exam 20%
  1. Tardiness: You must be in the class before the sound of the bell. CHHS tardy policy will be followed. You will receive a detention notice for each tardy.
  1. Conduct: Any conduct that is disruptive to the learning environment will result in disciplinary action.
  1. Progress Reports: Progress Reports will be issued by CHHS every 9 weeks. Sign up for Parent Portal on the county website – douglas.k12.ga.us (under Parents tab) – to be able to access grades online.
  1. Online Textbook – Students will have access to a book in class. IF they need a book at home for makeup work or review, they can go to the teacher Staff Page on the school website. Click on Links on Mrs. Galm’s page and scroll to the Link for American Government Textbook and follow directions.
  1. Food, Drink: No food or drinks are allowed in the classroom. Take care of personal business between classes. Gum and small mints can be eaten as long as all thrash is disposed of properly and there is NO SHARING in class. All privileges will ceaseIF I HAVE TO CLEAN UP BEHIND YOU!!!
  1. Restroom Use: Please use the bathroom during class changes. 10 emergency passes are given each YEAR (one per month). Incentives are given for anyone not using all their passes at the end of the year.
  1. NO Electronic Devices are allowed to be used in the classroom without direct permission from the teacher for educational purposes. They should be off and completely out of sight during the school day or they will be confiscated and turned in to the office.
  1. Cheating: Any student that is caught cheating or plagiarizing on a Test, Project, Paper, etc. will receive a zero on that assignment and may receive a call home.Having an electronic device out for any reason during testing/assessments also constitutes cheating.
  1. Remind 101 – Consider signing up to receive text announcements by using the code below. Standard text message rates apply. Email options are also available upon request.
  • American Government Remind Codes – Go to rmd.at/a2h6a3 and follow instructions.

American Government Topics of Study

Connecting the Themes

Foundations of Government

The United States Constitution

The Federal System of Government

Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

The Legislative Branch

The Executive Branch, Federal Bureaucracy, and Foreign Policy

Election Process and Civic Responsibility

Judicial Branch and Criminal Justice Process

Georgia Government and State Constitution

This syllabus should be the 1st thing in your notebook!!!