Course Syllabus: CP/Honors American Government – Fall 2017

Instructor: Ms. Irwin

Email:

Room #:801

Textbook:McGruder’sAmerican Government by William A. McClenaghan. Any edition since 2003 and will fine.

Readings are not limited to the textbook and may be assigned to supplement the textbook and lectures.

**Readings will be provided to the student on the class webpage. You MUST subscribe to your individual class' webpage in order to receive daily updates via email.**

Course Description:

This one semester course provides the student with the opportunity to study various elements of the governing process at national, state, and local levels. The course includes, but is not limited to the study of the foundations of American government, the federal system, civil rights, the operation of the three branches of the federal government, and the functioning of political parties and special interest groups.

This curriculum, based upon guidelines of the Archdiocese and the Texas Education Agency, should not be construed as a limit on student investigation. Students are encouraged to independently investigate any and all topics that interest them. The instructor will encourage such research and offer any assistance needed to promote such research.

Major Concepts:

Unit 1. Foundations of U.S. Government

Unit 2. Federalism

Unit 3. Political Parties and Ideologies

Unit 4 Interest Groups, Elections and Voters

Unit 5. The Legislative Branch

Unit 6. The Executive Branch

Unit 7. The Judicial Branch

Unit 8. The Bill of Rights and Civil Rights

Essential Questions:

  1. In the beginning, Americans insisted on guaranteed individual rights that would be protected from governmental violation. Thus the Founding Fathers added the Bill of Rights to the Constitution. The Supreme Court has held that those individual rights are protected, but are not absolute. Identify and fully explain three (3) specific enumerated rights in the Bill of Rights. Explain why those three rights are not absolute. For each enumerated right, supply specific examples of limitations placed on them.
  1. Because of their experiences under British rule, Americans placed specific limits on national governmental power. One of the ways they accomplished limits government was through a system of checks and balances within the federal government. Explain fully what the system of checks and balances is and how it limits the three branches of the federal government. Then list and explain two (2) specific checks and balances exercised by each branch over the other two.
  1. The Founding Fathers faced a difficult task in unifying thirteen states into a single national partnership while respecting the rights of the separate states. Their solution: a federal system. Explain fully the concept of federalism. Then identify and explain two (2) obligations of the national government to the states, two (2) obligations of the states to the national government, and two (2) obligations of the states to each other.

Classroom Policies:

Cheating: Cheating is a serious intellectual crime and will not be tolerated. Cheating includes:

  1. the use of notes on any assignment unless otherwise informed;
  2. obtaining answers from other students on any assignment;
  3. copying answers to questions directly from sources;
  4. plagiarism.

Violators will be referred to the Dean of Students.

Make-up work: Make-up work for unexcused absences will receive a maximum grade of 60. Students may make up work for excused absences for full credit on a 1:1 basis. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what was missed and make arrangements to complete the work.

Any student who misses an examination when absent will be expected to take the test the morning or afternoon of his/her return to school.If the student is absent for more than one day, the student will need to make arrangements with the teacher to complete the exam. Three school days is the maximum time allowed to complete the make-up test. The make-up exam will be given in Mr. Vargas’s room from 7:30 to 7:55 AM or by special arrangement after school.

Notebook: Each student will keep a notebook (binder) as well as notebook paper, blue or black ink pens during the semester that must be neatly organized. It is to include everything done in and for class. The organizational structure should be such that the student can quickly and efficiently access necessary materials when requested to do so. As such, students may consider organizing the notebook by unit, with all notes, handouts, quizzes, and exams placed within their respective unit. See Major Concepts for appropriate tab headings.

Participation: You are expected to attend class, contribute to in-class discussions, and effectively participate in activities. Some days will be structured as seminars or debates. Accordingly, in order for discussions to function, each student’s preparation and participation is essential.

Grade determination:

1stNine Weeks35% quiz average

55% exam average

10% homework average

2nd Nine Weeks35% quiz average

55% exam average

10% homework average

Semester80% average of the two nine weeks

20% final examination – *seniors may be exempt in this course*

Quizzes include chapter quizzes over the textbook readings, and on occasion, supplemental readings.

Examinations will be taken at the conclusion of each unit and may be either multiple choice or multiple choice with an essay portion.

Classroom rules and policies:

  1. Arrive to class on time and with the proper materials.
  2. Remain awake and attentive.
  3. Bring no food, candy, or gum into the classroom. Water bottles are permitted.
  4. Treat the instructor, fellow students, and school property with respect.
  5. Complete assignments on time and be individually responsible for make-up work.
  6. Pick up any trash or litter in the classroom.
  7. Follow all the rules as outlined in the student handbook.
  8. Read the textbook! It is the student’s responsibility to read all assigned pages. Class discussions and the Unit Guide will indicate which material is most significant. Therefore, class notes are essential in determining what should be studied for quizzes and exams. The instructor will supplement material found in the text.
  9. Keep all cell phones in your locker unless otherwise instructed. Any cell phones visible will be confiscated.