NORTH PENN SCHOOL DISTRICT
COURSE OUTLINE AND GUIDE
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT6.0
Instructor:
MR. HALEY
2014 - 2015
Room D-12
I. Course Description:
Seniors will study political theories, institutions, forms, and actions of government with an
emphasis on the state and local government level. The main goal of the course will be to assist the Seniors
in developing the knowledge and skills necessary to foster good citizenship. The course will highlight the
active role that Seniors must play in our American Government in order to become contributing citizens in
this society. In addition, this course will continue to develop the reading, writing, and research skills of the
Seniors with a focus on the concepts of citizenship and political participation in a representative republic.
The Seniors will develop an understanding of their rights and more importantly their responsibilities as
citizens. Finally, in order to assist the students in refining their knowledge and skills as good citizens, the
discussion and analysis of current events will be an essential part of this course.
II.
Methodology:
Varying methods of instruction will be utilized, including lecture, inquiry questioning, discussion,
simulations, group work, and independent research. Diversified documentary materials including primary
and secondary sources will be used to supplement textbook readings. Students will be required to become
actively involved in the development of their knowledge through activities such as debates and classroom
simulations. Projects and research activities will be required in each marking period.
The students are responsible for attendance, note-taking, completion of all assigned readings, as
well as for individual and collective research assignments, discussions and debates, essays, examinations,
tests, quizzes, and projects. All of these are required for successful completion of this course. Students
should be able to express themselves with clarity and precision, both verbally and in writing, know how to
cite sources, and credit the phrases and ideas of others. Reading assignments will be given in advance
based on the class schedule. At the end of each Unit, the students will be expected to demonstrate their
competence by completing examinations with written essays, as well as the completion of regular quizzes,
writing assignments and projects.
To perform successfully in this American Government course, you must be organized. A Folder
or three ring binder to store class notes, handouts and key materials is a necessary element of this course.
Unless otherwise notified by the instructor, all students are responsible for bringing the following items to
each class:
Writing utensil (pencil or pen)
Notebook paper
Folder / Three ring binder
III. CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
1. The students will attend class ON TIME!
2. The students are expected to be prepared for class with the necessary materials (i.e.:
writing utensils, books, binders, and all other required materials).
3. The students are expected to contribute to class discussions.
4. The students are expected to maintain their class notes and materials in a binder /
notebook.
5. The students will be respectful and display appropriate behavior at ALL times.
IV. Research Project:
Success in this course is dependent upon completion of a research project. You will be given the
opportunity to work independently on a government topic of your choice. You will be presenting your
research to the class in the form of an Information Paper, annotated bibliography, poster or video display,
and oral presentation. Further guidelines for this project will be distributed at a later date.
V. Honor Code:
The classroom, like our society, depends upon people acting with integrity. A Code of Honor is in
effect during all class activities. Consequences for lying, cheating, copying or stealing range from a
penalty of “zero” on an assignment and/or parental contact to disciplinary action as described in North
Penn’s student discipline code.
VI. Course Outline:
1.
Civic Participation
A.
Voting
B.
The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens
C.
Jury Service
D.
Community Involvement
2.
Political Ideologies
A.
Political Spectrum
B.
Liberal vs. Conservative vs. Libertarian
3.
Primary Elements of American Government
A.
Democracy Compared to Other Forms of Government:
i.
Autocracies
ii.
Oligarchies
iii.
Democracies
B.
Main Constitutional Principles
i.
Founding Documents and Historical Perspective
a.)
Declaration of Independence
b.)
Articles of Confederation
ii.
The US Constitution - Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances
4.
Federalism
a.)
b.)
c.)
5.
Powers of the National Government vs. State Governments
Relations Among the States
Politics in Our Federal System
Taxes
A.
Tax Fairness
B.
Types of Taxes (Property, Income, Sales, etc.)
C.
Tax Payment Activities
6.
Linkage Institutions
A.
Elections
B.
Political Parties
C.
Interest Groups
D.
The Media
7.
Local Government
A.
School Districts
i.
Powers and Responsibilities
ii.
School Boards & Superintendents
B.
Borough and Township Governments
i.
Powers and Responsibilities
ii.
Elected and Appointed Officials
iii.
Land Use Planning
C.
County Government
i.
Powers and Responsibilities
ii.
Elected Officials
8.
Pennsylvania State Government
A.
The Pennsylvania Constitution
B.
Branches of Pennsylvania State Government
i.
Executive
1.
Powers and Responsibilities of the Executive Branch
2.
Executive Branch Agencies
3.
Elected Officials of the Executive Branch
ii.
Legislative
1.
Powers and Responsibilities of the Legislature
2.
Structure and Procedures in the State Legislature
3.
Elected Officials of the State Legislature
iii.
Judicial
1.
Types of Law
2.
Hierarchy of Courts
3.
Selection of Judges
4.
Juries