American Government Syllabus
Honors/2012-2013
“The ultimate authority…resides in the people alone.”
James Madison
Scope:
Students will be given a brief overview of the founding, establishing, and maintaining the
great nation of the United States of America.
Materials:
1.) Notebook (1 inch binder) Notebooks are to be brought to class everyday.
2.) Textbook- everyday- If you do not bring your textbook to class, you will receive a
zero for the day. I do not loan textbooks and students are not permitted to go to their
lockers or cars during class to retrieve their book. Also, students do not work
together in order to share a textbook.
3.) Pen or pencil. I do not loan out pencils or pens.
Requirements:
1.) Take all notes, complete all daily assignments, and participate in class discussions.
2.) Take all the chapter tests. If you are absent on a testing day it is YOUR responsibility
to make up the test. You will have one week to make up a missed test. After that
time you will receive a zero on the test. You take a chapter test ONE time. I do not
permit students to come back and take a test again due to a poor grade earned on the
test.
3.) Daily Grades: To receive full credit for daily grades you must turn the work in on the
due date. Any work submitted to me at a later date will be given a grade of 50-no
exceptions. The only late work that will be given full credit will be if you have an
excused absence such as a doctor’s appointment, etc. The excused absence must be
entered into your attendance sheet on Power School to receive the credit.
4.) Project: Election 2012- Due on Nov. 13th
READ THIS CAREFULLY:
The Election Project must be typed and placed in a binder/folder
Assessments:
Chapter Tests- 60% of the 9 weeks grade
Daily Assignments- 30% of the 9 weeks grade
District 9 weeks test: 10%
Classroom Procedures
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Assigned seats
No one will stand at or near the door at the close of the period.
Students will raise their hands and wait to be recognized before speaking.
Students do not get up to throw trash away during class.
Sharpen pencils at the beginning of class.
The classroom door will be closed when the last bell rings. If you come in after the
door has been closed then you are tardy.
 Cell phones are not to be used during class instruction. Students will receive one
warning to put away his or her phone. If the phone is seen again after the warning
then the phone will be taken up and given to Mrs. Applewhite in the front office. If a
student refuses to turn over his or her phone then it is no longer a simple phone
offense.
 IDs each day and having your ID in your book bag or in your back pocket does not
count.
 No IPODs or any other type of electronic listening devices
Consequences:
1. Verbal warning
2. Parent notification
3. Referral to assistant principal
Attendance
 Be here and be on time! 3 tardies = 1 unexcused absence- If you come in after the
classroom door has been closed you are tardy.
 5 absences per semester
 If you are absent then it is your responsibility to ask for the work you missed
and complete it during a reasonable time period.