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American Government - 1 - 6 weeks to complete 5 credits total - 5/2/2005
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT - Units 1,2,3,7
This course is designed to meet cumculum standards in American Government. All work listed in this
syllabus.must be completed to earn five credits.
In order to be successful in this class please completeand turn in work in the order listed below every
week. Take all tests. Label all of your work.
STANDARDS FOR ALL PAPERS
Double-spaced, No greater than 12 pt. Standard font
-Typewritten (if you do not have access to a computer or typewriter, please contact us.)
Spell check, Grammar check and have someone proofread your work for suggestions and errors
Cite all sources in a bibliography. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.
WEEK
1
2
3
4
5
6
SCHEDULE FOR COMPLETING WORK
Complete Week 1 work and Schedule Unit 1 test
Turn in work
Complete Week 2 work and Schedule Unit 2 test
Turn in work
Complete Week 3 work
Turn in work
Complete Week 4 work, Schedule Unit 3 test
Turn in work
Complete Week 5 work, Schedule Unit 7 test
Turn in work
Complete Week 6 work, Check that all assignments are completed
Turn in work
Pick up new class
1. Read each of the chapters and then answer the assigned questions in the book American Government
2. Complete the assignments and attached enrichments
3. Schedule to take each of the tests listed on the course syllabus (Call OIS Office at 490-3161)
Page
Number
Unit 1
28 - 29
1 41
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Review Questions 1 - 14, Critical Thinking 2, Social Studies Skills 1- 5
I Think About It 1
Practicing Your Skills 3
Complete Enrichment: International Interdependence
Review Questions 1 - 14, Critical Thinking 1 - 3, Social Studies Skills 1 - 4
Think About It 1
71.
Attached Complete Enrichment: Constitutional Issues
Think About It 1
75
Review
Questions 1 - 11, Critical Thinking 1,4, Social Studies Skills 1,4
84 - 85
Think About It 2,3
104
112 - 113 Review Questions 1 - 14, Critical Thinking 1 - 3
Analysis Questions 4
115
Complete the GOVERNMENT assignment
Below
Please
contact OIS at 490-3161 to schedule your test
Unit Test
45
Attached
60 - 61
** To be completed by the 1" week
I
American Government - 1 - 6 weeks to complete - 5 credits total - 5/2/2005
Taking Action 1,2
124
144 - 145 Review Questions 1 - 16, Critical Thinking 2,5,6, Social Studies Skills 1 - 4
Think About It 1
154
Think About It 1
159
Complete PERSONAL FREEDOMS assignment
168 - 169 Review Questions 1 - 14, Critical Thinking 1,4, Social Studies Skills 1,2
Critical Thinking Skills 1
181
200 - 201 Review Questions 1 - 15, Critical Thinking 1,5, Social Studies Skills 1 , 2
Attached Complete Enrichment: Immigrants
228 - 229 Review Questions 1 - 10, Critical Thinking 1 - 4, Social Studies Skills 1,2
Complete the EQUALITY assimment
Below
Complete the LEGAL CASES assignment
Below
Unit Test Please contact OIS at 490-3 161 to schedule your test
** To.be com~letedbv the 2ndweek
Unit 3
Think About It 2
257
Attached Complete .Enrichment: Social Reform
262 - 263 Review Questions 1 - 14, Critical Thinking 2,4, Communication Skills Writing 1 - 4
Practicing Your Skills 2,3
277
288 - 289 Review Questions 1- 15, Critical Thinking 2 - 4, Social Studies Skills 1 - 3
You Decide 1
314
3 18 - 319 Review Questions 1 - 14, Critical Thinking 2 - 4, Social Studies Skills 1 - 7
Practicing Your Skills 2
325
Attached Complete Enrichment: Candidate Research
342 - 343 Review Questions 1 - 15, Critical Thinking 1 - 4, Social Studies Skills 1 , 2
Think About It 1 - 2
353
You Decide 2
362
Attached Complete Enrichment: Right to Vote
** To be completed by the 3d week
Complete the PRESIDENTS assignment
Below
Complete the OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT assignment
Below
364 - 365 Review Ouestions 1 - 12, Critical Thinking 1, Social Studies Skills 1 - 4
u n i t Test Please contact OIS at 490-3 161 to schedule your test
Unit 7
Practicing Your Skills 3
568
Thinking Globally
570
Think About It 1 - 2
578
You Decide 1
581
Attached Complete Enrichment: Public Debt
Attached Complete Enrichment: Fiscal Budget
584
- - . - -585
- - Review Ouestions 1 - 11. Critical Thinking 1 - 4. Social Studies Skills 1 - 3
Practicing Your Skills 1 - 5
593
Think
About It 1 - 2
-594
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I
** To be completed by the 4'hweek
Thinking Globally
595
Taking Action 2
603
You Decide 1 - 2
605
Below
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1
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1
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American Government - 1 - 6 weeks to complete- 5 credits total - 5/2/2005
Review Questions 1 - 11, Critical Thinking 1 - 5, Communication Skills Writing
Practicing Your Skills 1,.3
You Decide 1 - 2
Review Questions 1 - 18, Critical Thinking 1 - 5, Communication Skills Writing, Social Studies
Skills 1 - 2
Please
contact 01s at 490-3161 to schedule your test
Unit Test
Analysis Questions 2 - 4
643
1~ttached complete Enrichment: State Statistics
Attached Complete Enrichment: Passports
( Complete the FBI assignment
Below
608 - 609
617
637
640 - 641
I
I
I ** TObe completed by the ithweek
Below
1 Complete the COLORADO GOVERNMENT assignment
I
Complete
the
RESEARCH
PAPER
assignment
I Below
'1
I
** TObe completed by the 6'hweek
GOVERNMENT - Short Essay
Consider the different types of governments and systems you have studied in this course. Under which
typeltypes would you prefer to live? Identify by name the type of systemls and convincingly explain why
you prefer them.
PERSONAL FREEDOMS - Article Questions
For over 200 years our civil rights have been upheld by the Bill of Rights. However, people in other nations
are not as well protected and evidence of this is seen almost every day. Read a newspaper to learn how civil
rights are treated in other parts of the world. Clip out three news articles on civil rights abuse in other
countries. For example, you may read about student demonstrators arrested for protesting the government.
Then complete the following assignment.
1. Identify the civil rights discussed and name the amendment under which it would fall in our Bill of
Rights for each article.
2. Name the three areas of the world where most of these civil rights abuses take place.
3. List three leading causes of these reported violations.
4. Explain how the abused could be affected by their experiences.
5. List three ways civil rights abuse can be stopped or decreased.
Make certain to turn in your articles, or copies of your articles, with your assignment.
EQUALITY - Project
Since the beginning of the United States, the fight for equal rights has met with resistance. Many groups
such as the African Americans, Native Americans, disabled and women have battled for their civil rights.
Through public protest, political participations and federal legislations, they have gained more freedom and
some compensation for past injustices.
Select a group that has struggled for equality in the United States. Trace the social, legal and political
progress they have made over time.
Present your findings in a chart, time line, cartoon series or other visual display.
LEGAL CASES - Timeline
Scan pages 762 - 770 involving important court decisions. Create a timeline using at least 10 of the
decisions. Your timeline should include names, dates, and a brief summary of why the decision either
limited or expanded rights and fkeedoms.
American Government - 1 - 6 weeks to complete - 5 credits total - 5/2/2005
PRESIDENTS - Paper
Scan pages 771 - 781 in your textbook. Select two of these men with Presidencies at least 100 years apart
and do in depth research on both. Remember to cite the sources you used.
Write a 3 - 4 pages paper that compares and contrasts their terms in office. Explore their policies both
foreign and domestic including trade, taxation, the economy, and other political policies of the Executive
Office. This is not an opinion paper. Explain how these Presidents were similar and different, not why you
do or do not like them.
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT - Information and Article Summary
Go online to the White House website www.whitehouse.gov
List at least 5 types of information that you can get off of this website.
Read one of the articles on the website and write a short summary of the information. Include who, what,
when, where and why in your summary. Describe at least one way that you could double check on the
information reported in the article.
FBI - Essay
Write a short job description one or two paragraphs long of the position of FBI Special Agent.
Include the qualifications for the job, daily duties, and special activities or requirements the job entails.
include some of the characteristics of the job. .
inclucle an estimated starting salary for the position.
You might want to use the Federal Bureau of Investigation website to help you with your answers:
www.fbi.gov
COLORADO GOVERNMENT - Information and Article Summary
Go online to the Colorado government website: www.colorado.govl
List at least 5 types of information that you can get off of this website.
Read one of the articles on the website and write a short summary of the information. Include who, what,
when, where and why in your summary. Describe at least one way that you could double check on the
information reported in the article.
RESEARCH PAPER - Informative Paper
4 - 5 pages long
Choose a famous person or event that relates to what you have learned in the American Government book.
Check the standards for all papers listed at the beginning of this assignment sheet.
This is an informative paper. Therefore, do not use "I" or "You" statements. State only the information
related to the topic. Make certain to have an introduction, body, and conclusion. The last page must be a
bibliography, written in proper format citing at least 4 sources.
American Government - 1 - 6 weeks to complete - 5 credits total
ENFUCHMENT .JNTERNATIONALINTERDEPENDENCE
Nations.are becoming increasingly interdependent. One aspect of this interdependence
involves international trade - the importing and exporting of products to and fiom other
countries. You and your family probably use many products imported fiom other
countries. Take a few moments to look around your house and find two products that are
imports. Remember to look in closets, garages, food cupboards, etc. For each product
write the name of the product, the name of the company that produces the product, and its
c=).;~lt:y
of origin, then answer the questions that follow:
2 . Product
Company
Country of Origin
2 Product
Company
Country of Origin
3. Are there American-made competitors for these products? Which ones?
4. What advantage might these products have over their American-made competitors that
would cause consumers to purchase them?
5. What role do you think government should play in regulating international trade?
Explain your answer.
American Government - 1 - 6 weeks to complete - 5 credits total
ENRICHMENT CONSTITUTIONAL-ISSUES
The United states Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Because it is at the core of
our system of laws, constitutional issues seem to come up every day in this country. Look
through a daily newspaper or weekly news magazine such as Time, Newsweek, or US.
News and World Report and find a court case that deals with a constitutional issue. Write
a brief summary of that court case,then answer the questions about that case.
Summary:
1. What is the constitutional issue in this case?
2. What was the decision of the lower courts if applicable?
3. Has this case been decided? If so, what was the decision? If not, what do you think the
decision should be?
American Government - 1 - 6 weeks to complete - 5 credits total
ENRICHMENT IMMIGRANTS
Most Americans do not have to look back very far in their family histories to find immigrant
ancestors. Immigrants and native born, working together under the belief that democracy is what
happens for the good of all, have built this nation.
Sometimes during periods of economic hardship or nationalistic fervor, racist and nativist attitudes
surface, resulting in such injustices as the Japanese internment camps, the forced deportation of
Mexican American citizens, or the Chinese Exclusionary act.
In 1965, however, the immigrant quota system was replaced by far more liberal laws, resulting in a
increase in immigration. Asian immigrants came from China, Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Hispanic immigrants came from Latin America, with large numbers from Mexico and Guatemala.
Because of this influx of different cultures and languages, some people fear we are becoming a
nation without a common heritage, religion, or identity. They wonder if the continued existence of
democracy depends upon common experiences. Others believe that democracy is not just a form of
government, but an attitude, - a way of perceiving other people that guarantees a future that will
serve all people alike.
Directions: Use complete sentences to answer the following questions.
Why are most immigrants entering the United States today Asian and Hispanic?
Why is illegal immigration more of a problem for the sunbelt states?
Explain the meaning of the saying that the United States today is "more like a mixed'salad than a
melting pot." Do you agree? Why or why not?
Is it easier or more difficult for a country with many different cultural groups to have a successfU1
democratic government? Why or why not?
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American Government - 1 - 6 weeks to complete - 5 credits total
ENRICHMENT SOCIAL REFORM
Throughout our history, the political process has been used to try to achieve social reform. During the
Progressive Era, legislation was passed to improve working conditions though businesses claimed the
costs hurt their profit. Workmen's compensation laws and shorter workdays were two of the results.
People believed that the government had an obligation to improve public health and safety, thereby
protecting the well being of all its citizens. In many cases, interest groups played a large role in
ensuring that policies were changed so that many American citizens benefited.
One issue that involves interest groups and the federal government is the controversy between
smokers, nonsmokers and tobacco companies. Special interest groups are pressuring the federal
government for stronger health and safety regulations against smoking. Tobacco companies are now
required to place a warning on all cigarette packages and advertisements. The current warning reads:
SURGEON GENERAL'S WARNTNG:
Smoking Causes Lung Cancer, Heart Disease, Emphysema, and May Complicate Pregnancy.
This health warning is the result of efforts by special interest groups. They claim that tobacco
manufacturers have covered up the harmful effects of smoking to increase their profit. They believe
that the danger of smoking to both smokers and non-smokers who get second hand smoke, puts a great
financial strain on the overall health care budget because of the health care costs resulting fiom
smoking related diseases. On the other side of the issue are those who believe that the government has
the duty to inform, but that the decision whether or not to smoke should be left to the individual. They
do not want the government becoming a "big brother" telling them what to they may and may not do.
They also claim the dangers of smoking have been exaggerated.
Do you believe that laws regulating smoking are reasonable? Why or why not?
Do you believe that citizens or individual companies should be held financially responsible for
damages caused to individuals who have voluntarily used certain products? Consider such products as
alcohol or motorcycles. Everyone knows the danger of alcohol and motorcycles, but consumers are
enticed by companies with advertising that displays these products as being stylish and something they
need to use.
What responsibilities do citizens have to investigate products? Explain.
American Government - 1 - 6 weeks to complete - 5 credits total
ENRTCHMENT CANDIDATE RESEARCH
Select a candidate who ran for state or national office during the last campaign. Research the
coverage the candidate received from the media in newspapers, magazines, and if possible, from
radio and television. Identify and use at least three sources for this activity. Try to find both local
and national sources. Answer the following questions completely.
Which candidate did you choose for your research?
What kinds of campaign events did the media cover?
Which sources had the most interesting coverage of the candidate? What made the coverage
more interesting?
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From which source did you gain the most information about the candidate?
Summarize what you learned about the candidate.
If you needed factual information about particular candidates, what kind of source would you
use? Why?
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American Government - 1 - 6 weeks to complete - 5 credits total
ENRICHMENT RIGHT TO VOTE
The right to vote, or suffrage, has been gradually extended since the Constitution went into effect in
1789. Originally, only white, landowning males could vote. Voting qualifications were determined by
the various states, not by the federal government. After the Civil War, the federal government intervened
to discourage discriminatory practices that kept citizens from voting, including race and gender. The
constitutional amendments dealing directly with the right to vote are:
1870: Fifteenth Amendment guaranteed all men over the age of 21 the right to vote.
1920: Nineteenth amendment granted women the right to vote.
1971: Twenty-sixth amendment lowered the voting age to 18.
It has never been easier to vote than it is today in the United States. Yet only slightly more than half of
the eligible voters exercise this important right. There are a number of reasons why Americans do not
vote. A small percentage cannot vote due to illness, physical impairments, absence from their polling
precincts, etc, though absentee ballots are available. The United States is a country of mobile people,
and some states allow registration by mail and have mobile registration booths at convenient places.
Still, many citizens do not register to vote. Other people are put off by long lines or by complicated
ballots. Some Americans think that their vote will not make a difference. Another group of nonvoters
are discouraged by negative advertising, superficial campaign analysis, or simply dissatisfaction with
candidates running for office. Finally, many people are undecided, content with the status quo, or just
indifferent to the political process, and as a result, choose not to go to the polls.
When the United States Constitution was ratified, who had the right to vote? Why this group?
Do you think the Twenty-Sixth Amendment allowing 18-year olds to vote is good? Why or why not?
What restrictions, if any, do you think should be placed on the right to vote?
Records indicate that voter turnout is much higher in those states that allow voting by mail. Do you
think people should be allowed to vote by mail? Why or why not?
Do you think the voting should be made easier? If so, what methods would you suggest to improve
participation? If not, how would you encourage higher voting participation?
American Government - 1 - 6 weeks to complete - 5 credits .total
ENRICHMENT PUBLIC DEBT
Using the chart on page 580 of the student textbook (Public Debt of the Federal Government 1940
to 2000) answer the following questions:
The national public debt increased five-fold between 1940 and 1945, and doubled between 1975
and 1980. What are two possible explanations for these dramatic increases?
Create a graph. Plot the national debt growth on a line or bar graph. Look at your data first to be
sure that your scale will be large enough to handle the figures. Includeup to the year 2010 in your
time axis. Read the Building Social Studies Skills on page 214 of your textbook for more
information on interpreting and drawing graphs. Make certain to label your graph appropriately.
After plotting the data from the table on your graph, draw a straight line connecting the first and last
points on the graph and extend it to the year 2010. Assuming a constant rate of increase, what
would be the national public debt in the year 2010?
If you draw a straight line from the debt in 1975 through the debt in 1997, what would be the
projected debt in the year 201O?
As a citizen living under this budget, do you consider these figures to be acceptable? Why or why
not? Explain.
American Government - 1 - 6 weeks to complete - 5 credits tota
ENRICHMENT FISCAL BUDGET
Currently, the government's fiscal year begins on October 1 and ends on September 30. The process
however, actually begins two years before when the proposed budget is placed before Congress so that
it can approve programs and grant appropriations (funding). The budgetary process, however, has
undergone major revisions within the last three decades. The end result has led to a stronger budgetary
role for Congress while working in conjunction with the president.
In 1974, Congress decided that the entire budgetary process needed to be revised. Congress was faced
with rising expenditures, not enough money to meet all the demands, and conflict over which program!
were to receive the available appropriations. The Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Ad
of 1974 was passed, requiring Congress to set target figures for total spending. Furthermore, two
committees, the House Budget Committee and the Senate Budget Committee, and office dedicated to
the budgetary process were established the review the president's budget and to help set a timetable.
Eleven years later, the United States was $2 trillion in debt, and the deficit had become an economic
and political issue. The Gramm-Rudman Act of 1985 called for budget cuts to eliminate all deficits.
However, the Supreme Court struck down the automatic budget cut provision of the Gramrn-Rudman
Act. The Court ruled that the act violated the system of checks and balances built into the Constitution
by undercutting the president's role in the budgeting process. The Gramrn-Rudman Act was rewritten
in 1987 to allow for the Office of Management and Budget, an office of the executive branch, to make
necessary budget cuts. The revised act also called for the deficit to be eliminated by 1993.
The budget process was revised again in 1990. President Bush was elected in 1988 with the campaign
promise "read my lips, no new taxes." However, through a compromise made with Congress, the
president agreed to new taxes in re& for spending limits on the federal budget.
Directions: Use complete sentences to answer the following questions.
How is the government's deficit both an economic and a political issue?
What provision of the Gramm-Rudman Act of 1985 was found unconstitutional? Why?
The legislative and executive branches agreed to balance the budget within six years as of fiscal year
,1996, or by the year 2002. Do you think they will accomplish their goal? Explain your answer.
Do you feel one or two branches of government should handle the budget? Explain your answer.
American Government - 1 - 6 weeks to complete - 5 credits total
ENRICHMENT STATE STATISTICS
Look at pages 782 - 783 and the map on page 785 in your textbook and answer the following
questions:
Alaska is almost '500 times bigger than Rhode Island. Explain why Alaska only has 1
Congressional District while Rhode Island has 2.
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Expiaiil why the District of Columbia does not have an Order Admitted into the Union number.
Which state has the greatest number of Congressional Districts?
Geographically, where were most of the original states in the United States located?
Geographically, where is the United States capital located? Why is it not in the center of the
United States?
Which are the last two states to be admitted into the Union? What do these states share in
common that helped make them the last to be admitted?
Each state in the Union has a capital. Look at the map on page 785. What do you think
influences a state's decision on where to locate the capital? Do you think the decision is more
political or economic? Explain.
Colorado was admitted into the Union in 1876. There was a big push to complete the process in
this particular year. Why? .
American Government - 1 - 6 weeks to complete - 5 credits total
ENRICHMENT PASSPORTS
The Departments of State and Homeland Security have come up with a new way to secure and
expedite (speed up) travel for citizens going to different countries. The new system will require all
U.S..citizens, Canadians, citizens of Bermuda, and citizens of Mexico to have a passport or other
accepted secure document to enter or re-enter the U.S. by January 1,2008.
Go to the Departments of State and Homeland Security websites to help with the questions below.
www.state.gov
www.dhs.gov
What are the current identification requirements for traveling to Mexico?
Why do the Departments of State and Homeland Security want to change to just passports?
Explain.
Why haven't there been more relaxed requirements to places like England, a long time ally of the
United States? Explain.
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Do you think that this new requirement will help or hinder travel? Explain.
The laws of the United States try to respect individual rights while protecting the public welfare.
Do you think someone who has a record of threats against the government should be restricted from
traveling, even if he or she has a valid passport? What about restricting a person with a history of
violence against his or her spouse and children? Is there are difference and where should the law
draw the line? Explain.