American Governement
2015-2016
Ms. Kelso
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act but a habit.” Aristotle
Instructor Information
Name: Robyn M. Kelso
Contact Information:
By phone: 785-542-4980 x 1661
By email: robynkelso@eudoraschools.org
Instructor Website: Visit www.eudoraschools.org/kelso
Instructor Office Hours: 7-745am daily. You can also meet with the instructor
during plan time, or make an appointment.
Prerequisites
1. Senior standing at Eudora High School
Textbook and Supplies:
Textbooks are a classroom set only – you MUST have internet to access the online book to
successfully complete the course or figure a work around.
Class Preparation
The best way to prepare for class daily is to review the chapter or assignment given the day
before. Familiarize yourself with the vocabulary and related main ideas for each assignment. Be
prepared to discuss your material in a thorough, detailed manner.
Course Description/Objectives
The content of this course focuses on government, beginning with the foundation of democracy,
establishment of democracy in America and covering different types of governments along with the
rights and responsibilities that are a part of a citizen’s life. Time will be spent covering the three
branches of government. In addition, evaluation of other government structures will be done as well as
global issues that affect all countries. Current events will also be a part of the curriculum. Reading of
a newspaper and/or watching a news program several times a week would be a good way to prepare for
this. Save ALL test materials, as comprehensive finals will be administered at the end of each
semester.
Where to Get Help
Monday through Thursdays form 330-430 in the Eudora High School library and during instructor
office hours.
Make up work/deadlines
Make up work is handled in the following ways:
1. Daily work/homework/classwork – will be emailed out. Check directions and pay attention to
due dates.
2. Exams – 5 school days to get made up. Don’t forget about due dates – deadlines matter.
Deadlines: Deadlines/due dates are not optional. Pay attention to when items are due. Deadlines will
be set and adhered to regardless of any absences, school related or othwise.
American Governement
2015-2016
Ms. Kelso
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act but a habit.” Aristotle
Course Assessment
Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following
methods:
Grades will be based on a minimum of the following, for each semester:
1.
A minimum of three examinations stressing short essay written responses indicating
understanding of the basic terms and concepts indicated in the above course objectives.
2. Papers – research, analytical, evaluative and reflective papers.
3. Projects – individual and group projects as determined by instructor
4. Homework – daily work, in class work etc.
Evaluation and Grading Scale
The teacher will round up when figuring quarter and semester grades. For example, at the end of
the quarter, if you have 79.9%, the teacher would round up to 80% and the student receives a B.
Grades are weighted in this class according to the following:
Homework……………………………………………………..………40%
Exams……………………………………………………………………..30%
Projects/Papers/Civic Duties…………………………….30% (civic duties – see attachment)
Extra credit will be available at various times throughout the year. NO SOAR tickets will be
taken for assignments. Feel free to use them for their other listed purposes, such as leaving at
the bus bell.
Semester grades will be calculated as 80% semester grades and 20% final exam.
Grades are figured on the standard scale:
90%-100% = A
80%-89% = B
70%-79% = C
60%-69% = D
59% or below = F
American Governement
2015-2016
Ms. Kelso
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act but a habit.” Aristotle
Caveats
1. Internet access is a must.
2. This is a REQUIRED, YEAR LONG CLASS to graduate.
3. NO SOAR tickets for assignments accepted
4. Late work policies:
a. Daily work/homework – one day late=half off (50%); two days late it’s a zero.
b. Tests – one week/5 school days to make them up –don't forget!
c. Projects/papers – for each day late 10% deducted
5. Absences – make up work will be emailed out with directions. Pay attention to due
dates (see #7).
6. Be respectful of everything and everyone around you.
7. Check school email often.
8. School rules wil be enforced per student planner.
Student Access and Plagarism
Per Eudora High School policies as stated in the handbook.
Nickel and Dimed: On Not Getting By in America
Readings and assignments on this book will happen each Monday through first semester.
Early Dismissal Wednesdays
These will be used as work days for civic duty completition through December.
American Governement
2015-2016
Ms. Kelso
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act but a habit.” Aristotle
Tentative Course Schedule – Subject to Change – Following every unit will be a
short answer/essay exam.
August/September – History and Principles of the Constution Chapters 1 - 4
*History of Democracy
* Foundations and Origins of American Government
* The Constitution
* Federalism
September/October – Politics, Interest Groups and Media – Chapters 5,8,10
* Political Parties
* Media
* Interest Groups
November/December – Structure and Function of the Federal Government –
Chapters 10-11; 13-15 and 18.
* Structure and function of the Legislative Branch
* Structure and function of the Presidential Branch
* Structure and function of the Judicial Branch
January – - Structure and Function of the Courts- Chapter 18
* National Judiciary
February - Domestic and Foreign Policy; Financing Government – Chapter 16 – 17
* Paying for govermnetal policies
* Foreign policy and national defense
March – Human and Civil Rights in American Democracy – Chapters 20 – 21
*Civil liberties –protecting individual rights
* Civil rights – equal justice under the law
April/May – State and Local Government – Chapters 24-25
*Governing the states
*Local government
American Governement
2015-2016
Ms. Kelso
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act but a habit.” Aristotle
American Government Civic Duty Points – DUE FRIDAY, December 4, 2015/Friday May
6, 2015
In order to promote good citizenship behavior and life long participation in American civic
life, American Government classes will earn points for positive citizenship activities. Each of
the activities listed below has been assigned a point value. Each activity requires a
verification (or proof) piece. These activities must be completed throughout the semester
and are added to fourth quarter grades.
You must complete 25 points worth of activities, however if you want to earn up
to 30 points for either extra credit or provide a cushion for not attending a meeting,
that is acceptable as well.. Activities MAY BE REPEATED (except for registering to
vote/register for the draft) to gain the 25 points. This is 30% of your grade so don’t wait
until the last minute.
IN ADDITION, FAILURE TO ATTEND A MEETING OPTION WILL RESULT IN
FIVE POINTS BEING DEDUCTED OFF YOUR FINAL TOTAL!
Points Activity
Verification
2
Register to Vote/register for the draft
Voter Identification Card
2
Letter to editor, 1 pt extra if printed
Copy of letter; copy of printed letter
2
Letter to public policy maker
Copy of letter
3
Volunteering for the public policy maker/issue of choice
Signed record of 2 hours help/reaction paper
3
Interview public policy maker
copy of interview questions/ summary of interview
Research an issue at www.mic.com. www.commondreams.org
3
or www.townhall.com
copy of article/ 1/2 page summary/reaction
Students MUST have ONE of the following activities
5
Attend school board, city council or county commissioners meeting.
Copy of agenda/1 page report
5
Attend court session/state legislature
1 page report over court case/reaction
5
Attend other state wide event-Boys State or Girls State
1 page report over session/reaction
American Governement
2015-2016
Ms. Kelso
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act but a habit.” Aristotle
How To Complete Civic Duties:
Observe FORMAL writing protocols:
FORMAL WRITING PROTOCOL includes the following in this class:
 Must be typed
 Must be in MLA format
 Must have some length and depth to the writing commensurate with senior
level standing in high school.
Register for the draft/register to vote
 To register for the draft go to: www.sss.gov. Complete and then print out
the confirmation number and turn in.
 To register to vote go to: https://www.kdor.org/voterregistration/. Follow
the process and either print or screen shot the final page to be turned in.
Letters:
 Research how to write a letter to the editor and then do so. Send to
Lawrence Journal World. Make sure to follow specific letter to the editor
formats.
 Letter to public policy maker. Research how to write a business letter then
find an elected official to write to. Complete the letter. Extra points if
they answer back.
Volunteering:
 Volunteer for a two hour block – any issue – humane society, working 5k
races etc. Have someone in charge sign a sheet of paper that you
volunteered your time in an acceptable manner. Then complete a 1 page
reaction to the experience. Staple both items together and turn in. Make
sure to follow formal writing protocol for the reaction.
Current



Event Research
browse the three sites listed.
Find an article that interests you. Print off and read it.
TYPE the following – 1 paragraph summary of the article, 1-2 paragraphs of
your reaction (what did you think?). MUST follow formal writing protocol.
 MUST BE AT LEAST ½ page in length.
American Governement
2015-2016
Ms. Kelso
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act but a habit.” Aristotle
Attend a Meeting – see list on the board
 Attend a meeting of publicly elected folks. (list on the board).
 Pick up an agenda while there and take notes on what happens
 TYPE up a summary of what happened AND your reaction. Make sure to
follow formal writing protocol.
 Only have to attend for 90 minutes
 Please dress appropriately.
Reminder - FORMAL WRITING PROTOCOL includes the following in this class:
 Must be typed
 Must be in MLA format
 Must have some length and depth to the writing commensurate with senior
level standing in high school.