8/12, 8/13 Bell Work
 Take out your Homework that was due for
today!
American Government Today
Syllabus and Grading Procedures
Mrs. Murray
Course Description
 In American Government Today we will
learn about the institutions and political
activities of American government at the
national, state and local levels. You will
gain an understanding and appreciation for
the dynamics of political decision making
and effective participation in the political
process.
Course Requirements
 American History Student Notebook
 EverFi Financial Program—Financial
Literacy Program to meet the Nebraska
Economics Standards.
 Community Service—All Students must
complete 2 examples of community service
of at least 2 hours each. Must complete this
to pass the class.
Tests and Quizzes
 Terms quizzes will be given during each chapter
 Longer, more extensive tests will be given
following each unit.
 A final exam will be given following each
semester
 Your American Government Notebook will be
very helpful in preparing for these assessments
Grading Procedures
 In order to determine your progress in this
course, points will accumulate throughout
the semester. To receive credit, a minimum
of 70% of the total number of possible
points are necessary.
 100-93=A, 92-85=B, 84-77=C, 76-70=D
Grading/Homework Policies
 If you miss a quiz or test, it is your responsibility
to come in and make it up!
 Notebooks--Points will be deducted for notebooks
turned in late
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Late, turned in day it is due--5% total points
Turned in next day, not our class day--10% total points
Turned in next actual class period--15% total points
After this point, the notebook will be worth no more
than half of the total points.
Grading Policies, continued
 Failing to turn in or make up work is not
acceptable. If after school detentions
become necessary to get notebooks and
other work done, they will be assigned.
 A zero is much worse than an F and should
and will be avoided at all costs.
Grading Policies, continued
 All assignments should be done neatly and
thoroughly. Please ask when you have
questions.
 I am available after class, or before or after
schools.
Classroom
Procedures/Expectations
 Students are expected to be to class and in their assigned
seats when the bell rings. Failure to do so will result in a
tardy.
 You will have two warnings, and on the third tardy, a
detention will be assigned. Failure to serve the detention
will result in an office detention. Parents will also be
notified. If the tardiness continues, other detentions will
continue to be assigned as well as a conference with Mr.
Gutschow.
Classroom Procedures
 I understand that at times you may need to
use the restroom or go to your locker. This
should be RARE. You are expected to take
care of business during passing periods and
bring all materials to class.
Restroom/Locker Pass Procedure
 If you must use the pass, the procedure is:
 Each student may use the pass 5 times each semester.
 Glue your hall pass into your notebook and you will have me
check each off as you use it. If you don’t have your notebook, it
will take two passes, one to get your notebook and one for the
restroom/locker.
 If you use all of your passes, but must go anyway, you will need to
make up 10 minutes after school with me
 If you do not use all of your passes, they will each be worth 5 extra
credit points at the end of the semester
Course Outline
 August/January—Unit 1—Chapters 1, 2
 Power, Authority and Government
 September/February—Unit 2—Chapters 3-6
 Foundations of American Government
 October/March—Unit 3—Chapters 7-10
 Political Participation and Behavior
 November/April—Unit 4, 5—Chapters 11-14
 The Legislative Branch and Executive Branch
 December/May—Unit 6, 7—Chapters 15-18
 The Judicial Branch
 The United States and the World
Final thoughts
 If you are having trouble with this class or have
questions concerning anything, please see me as
soon as you can. If you wait too long it can
become too late. It is important that you begin
right now with a steady, consistent effort. You
have the chance right now to earn whatever grade
you choose.
 If you or your parents need to contact me:
 Email: amy.murray@blairschools.org
 Phone: 426-4941, ext. 2940
 Go to my web page if you miss class!