United States Government
Mrs. Walpole – Room 259D
(614) 797-8048
walpolej@wcsoh.org
http://www.wcsoh.org/olc/teacher.aspx?s=4721
Course Overview:
United States Government I: The Federal Government will provide an in-depth study of the American
Government system. Students will study the historical roots of the American federal system, how the system
has changed over time, and how it compares to other forms of government. Students will also study the
institutions of the US Government including: the Presidency, Congress, and the Supreme Court. They will
develop an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Other integral course concepts
include: political parties, voting, interest groups, and the impact of the media on government.
United States Government 2: Comparative Government, Financial Literacy, and Economics will build on the
student’s prior knowledge from United States and Global History 1-4 and United States Government 1. The
first part of this course is an in-depth study of state and local governments and their relationship to the
national government. This course will compare and contrast the different levels of government in the federal
system. The second part of this course is a study of the basic concepts of the economic system of the United
States. Students will research, examine, discuss, and evaluate the economic interactions among individuals,
governments, businesses, and communities within domestic and international contexts.
Course Length:
2-Semester Courses
Credits:
.5 for each course
Topics of Study:
United States Government I:
Basic Principles of the US Constitution
Role of the People
Civic Participation and Skills
Structure and Functions of the Federal Government
Federal Public Policy
United States Government 2:
Federalism: Federal, State, and Local
Government and the Economy
Macroeconomics and Personal Finance
Global Awareness 3
Global Synthesis and Application
Text:


Online text: Building Citizenship/Civics and Economics, McGraw Hill. You MUST remember your
username/password to access the text throughout the school year.
Various primary and secondary source reading will also be provided for you by me where
applicable.
Grading:
Each semester is weighted in the following manner:

1st Quarter: 40%

2nd Quarter: 40%

Final Exam:
20%
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Assessments:
The categories in which each student will be evaluated are:
 Exams (Tests & Quizzes)

Assignments (In-class and Homework)

Projects
No one category is weighted more than any other. Each opportunity for a grade in this class is worth what it
is worth. (Except for the final – *see below)
Grading Scale:
98-100 = A+
92-97 = A
90-91 = A-
88-89 = B+
82-87 = B
80-81 = B -
78-79 = C+
72-77 = C
70-71 = C-
68-69 = D+
62-67 = D
60-61 = D-
59 and below=F
Assignments - My policy on late work is as follows: Please turn your work in on time. Punctuality and
responsibility are key elements in life; turning in work on-time is essential for success whether in high school
or in life. You have until the day of the test to turn in any missing work from the current unit of study.
Absences - If you have an absence that is excused by the attendance office, you will have as many days as
you missed to complete all missed work without penalty. You may not make-up assignments missed due to
an unexcused absence. MAKE-UP WORK IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. To facilitate this, all assignments will be
available by me in class. I will not chase after you, nor worry if you choose not to get it from me. As highschool students, I do not feel that it is unreasonable to expect that students take ownership and responsibility
in their education.
Suspensions – Per Westerville North policy, students who are suspended may make up missed work for up to
a maximum of 75% credit.
Final Exam – Per the policy of the Westerville North Social Studies Department, the final exam will be worth
20% of the overall grade. This grade will be determined by a comprehensive, multiple-choice/shortresponse exam.
Extra Credit - In my experience, students usually do not receive the kind of grade they hope for because
they fail to turn in required work. It is my strong belief that it is unfair to those students who have been diligent
about this work to offer extra-credit to those students who have not. Therefore, I do NOT offer any extra-credit
on an individual basis. However, because I understand that sometimes students legitimately struggle with
certain material, I do offer extra-credit, but only in instances where it is available to the entire class.
Power School:
Students and their parents have the opportunity to track their grades and check on missed assignments from
any internet capable computer on Power School. Information on how to access this feature should have
already been provided. If you are having trouble accessing your account, ask, and I will do the best I can
to assist you. ***Due to the availability and accessibility of Power School, nearly 24/7, I expect you to review
grades, check for missing work etc.; I am human and make mistakes. Please come to me immediately if
you notice any issues with your grades. Also, please do not come to me at the end of the quarter or
semester asking me how you could bring up your grade or ask for extra credit to raise your grade. If you are
interested in achieving higher scores throughout this course, please see me throughout the quarter/semester
so you will have the opportunity to receive guidance to bring up your grade before the grading period
ends.***
Class Policies:
Students are expected to follow the school’s Code of Student Conduct. You are expected to reflect the
maturity and responsibility that will be demanded of you now and in the future. No inappropriate actions will
be tolerated.
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Cell phone use in class is prohibited except in the case of an exercise or activity as directed by the teacher.
If you have an emergency in your family and need to have your cell phone on for contact, please let your
teacher know in advance of class starting. If you are caught using your cell phone in class; the first offense
the phone will be taken and kept at the teacher’s desk until the end of the period. The second offense and
any thereafter, the phone will be taken to the front office and a parent or guardian may pick the phone up
at the end of the day and a detention will be issued.
My expectation for behavior is simple, please be:
 Prompt: punctual and on time to class.
 Prepared: bring all course materials daily.
 Polite: be courteous and respectful of others; remember your manners.
 Productive: use work time effectively.
Hall passes will be given on an as needed basis. Excessive use of hall passes will result in the loss of the
privilege.
1. Time is short and we have a lot to cover so I will always strive to start on-time. To that end, you must
be in the classroom by the time the tardy bell rings. If you are late to class without an excuse from
me or another staff member, you will be counted for a tardy. After the third unexcused tardy, it will
result in a detention to be served at lunch. Each additional tardy after that will warrant another
detention. Excessive tardiness will result in parent communication and/or referral to the front office.
2. Falsely claiming another’s work as your own is called plagiarism. I consider it to be the most serious
educational offense, and will deal with it harshly. At the very least, you will receive zero credit for that
particular assignment and will not be able to makeup that assignment.
Plagiarism, Copying, & Cheating:
Plagiarism/Copying: (1) failing to cite quotations and borrowed ideas, (2) failing to enclose borrowed
language in quotation marks and (3) failing to put summaries and paraphrases in your own words.
<Hacker, Diana. A Pocket Style Manual, 4h ed., 2004 Bedford/St. Martin's, pp 228-30.>
Cheating: turning in some else's work as your own (with or without his or her knowledge), allowing
someone else to turn in your work as his or her own, using any part of some else's work without
proper acknowledgement, stealing an assessment or a solution from a teacher.
*Bottom Line: Plagiarism copying, and/or cheating will not be tolerated! Students engaging in
plagiarism or cheating activities will receive a zero for that assessment, a phone call home, and
potential discipline office referral.
3. The foundation of the Warrior Way is built on the idea that RESPECT IS A TWO-WAY STREET. Please show
me and all of your colleagues the same consideration that you would wish to receive and I will
reciprocate.
Help:
If you have a problem, question, issue, do not understand something etc. it’s best to talk it over with me. I
think you’ll find that I’m very easy to talk to and will help you the best I can. I’ll be available in the classroom
before school, during my 2nd period prep period, 4th period lunch, and after school. My door is always open!
Communication:
It is vital that the student, parent and teacher all work together towards the goal of a student’s education. I
believe communication plays a vital role in reaching that goal. To that end, students and parents can please
feel free to contact me. The best way to get in touch with me is through e-mail which is listed at the top of
this syllabus. If you do not have reliable internet access, you may leave a voice mail and I will get back to
you as soon as I get your message.
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Remind:
Remind is a valuable communication resource that allows me to sends messages to both parents and
students of the assignments due for the evening. This serves as both a reminder to the student of the
assignment due the next day, especially for those who may be absent, and to the parent as a way to keep
them involved in their students’ homework and projects due throughout the year. Remind is a system
through the computer, the students will not be able to text the number back to ask questions, they may send
me an email if they need further instructions. I encourage you all to sign up with the appropriate number
based on the class period your student have my class and instructions below as soon as possible. If you
have questions, please do not hesitate to ask. (Occasionally Remind gets delayed in sending the text due
to a high volume of use. I will do everything in my power to send out a message daily, even if homework is
not due, if for some reason the text does not come through, please understand it is out of my control and
have patience.)
United States Government: Text: @mrswalpole
To: 81010
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Content Statements by Topic
United States Government 1
Civic Involvement
1 Opportunities for civic engagement with the structures of government are made possible through political
and public policy processes.
2 Political parties, interest groups and the media provide opportunities for civic involvement through various
means.
Civic Participation and Skills
3 Issues can be analyzed through the critical use of information from public records, surveys, research data
and policy positions of advocacy groups.
4 The processes of persuasion, compromise, consensus building and negotiation contribute to the resolution
of conflicts and differences.
Basic Principles of the US Constitution
5 As the supreme law of the land, the U.S. Constitution incorporates basic principles which help define the
government of the United States as a federal republic including its structure, powers and relationship with
the governed.
6 Constitutional government in the United States has changed over time as a result of amendments to the
U.S. Constitution, Supreme Court decisions, legislation and informal practices.
Structure And Function of the Federal Government
7 Law and public policy are created and implemented by three branches of government; each functions
with its own set of powers and responsibilities.
8 The political process creates a dynamic interaction among the three branches of government in
addressing current issues.
Role of the People
9 In the United States, people have rights which protect them from undue governmental interference. Rights
carry responsibilities which help define how people use their rights and which require respect for the rights of
others.
10 Historically, the United States has struggled with majority rule and the extension of minority rights. As a
result of this struggle, the government has increasingly extended civil rights to marginalized groups and
broadened opportunities for participation.
Public Policy
13 A variety of entities within the three branches of government, at all levels, address public policy issues
which arise in domestic and international affairs.
14 Individuals and organizations play a role within federal, state and local governments in helping to
determine public (domestic and foreign) policy.
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United States Government 2
Ohio’s State and Local Governments (Government)
13 Opportunities for civic engagement with the structures of government are made possible through
political and public policy processes.
14 Political parties, interest groups and the media provide opportunities for civic involvement through various
means.
Civic Participation and Skills (Government)
15 The federal government uses spending and tax policy to maintain economic stability and foster
economic growth. Regulatory actions carry economic costs and benefits.
16 The Federal Reserve System uses monetary tools to regulate the nation’s money supply and moderate the
effects of expansion and contraction in the economy.
Economic Decision Making and Skills (Econ / FL)
1 Economists analyze multiple sources of data to predict trends, make inferences, and arrive at conclusions.
2 Reading financial reports (bank statements, stock market reports, mutual fund statements) enables
individuals to make and analyze decisions about personal finances.
Fundamentals of Economics (Econ / FL)
3 People cannot have all the goods and services they want and, as a result, must choose some things and
give up others.
4 Different economic systems (traditional, market, command, and mixed) utilize different methods to
allocate limited resources.
5 Markets exist when consumers and producers interact. When supply or demand changes, market prices
adjust. Those adjustments send signals and provide incentives to consumers and producers to change their
own decisions.
6 Competition among sellers lowers costs and prices, and encourages producers to produce more of what
consumers are willing and able to buy. Competition among buyers increases prices and allocates goods
and services to those people who are willing and able to pay the most for them.
Government and the Economy (Econ / FL)
7 A nation’s overall level of economic well-being is determined by the interaction of spending and
production decisions made by all households, firms, government agencies and others in the economy.
Economic well-being can be assessed by analyzing economic indicators gathered by the government.
8 Economic policy decisions made by governments result in both intended and unintended consequences.
Global Economy (Econ / FL)
9 When regions and nations use comparative advantage to produce at the lowest cost and then trade with
others, production, consumption and interdependence increase.
10 Government actions, such as tariffs, quotas, subsidies, trade agreements and membership in multinational
economic organizations, significantly impact international trade.
Working and Earning (Econ / FL)
11 Income is determined by many factors including individual skills and abilities, work ethic and market
conditions.
12 Employee earning statements include information about gross wages, benefits, taxes and other
deductions.
Financial Responsibility and Money Management (Econ / FL)
13 Financial decision-making involves considering alternatives by examining costs and benefits.
14 A personal financial plan includes financial goals and a budget, including spending on goods and
services, savings and investments, insurance and philanthropy.
15 Different payment methods have advantages and disadvantages.
Saving and Investing (Econ / FL)
16 Saving and investing help to build wealth.
17 Savings can serve as a buffer against economic hardship.
18 Different costs and benefits are associated with saving and investing alternatives
19 Banks, brokerages and insurance companies provide access to investments such as certificates of
deposit, stocks, bonds and mutual funds.
Credit and Debt (Econ / FL)
20 There are costs and benefits associated with various sources of credit available from different types of
financial institutions.
21 Credit and debt can be managed to maintain credit worthiness.
22 Consumer protection laws provide financial safeguards.
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Risk Management (Econ / FL)
23 Property and liability insurance protect against risks associated with use of property.
24 Health, disability and life insurance protect against risks associated with increased expenses and loss of
income.
25 Steps can be taken to safeguard one’s personal financial information and reduce the risk of loss.
Global Connections (CWI)
1 Trade, alliances, treaties and international organizations contribute to the increasing interconnectedness
of nations and peoples in the 21st century.
Civic Participation and Skills (CWI)
5 Individuals can identify, assess and evaluate world events, engage in deliberative civil debate and
influence public processes to address global issues.
6 Effective civic participation involves identifying problems or dilemmas, proposing appropriate solutions,
formulating action plans, and assessing the positive and negative results of actions taken.
7 Individuals can participate through non-governmental organizations to help address humanitarian needs.
Civil and Human Rights (CWI)
8 Beliefs about civil and human rights vary among social and governmental systems.
9 Nations and international organizations pursue their own interests on issues related to civil and human rights,
resulting in both conflict and cooperation particularly as it relates to injustices against minority groups.
National Security and International Diplomacy (CWI)
16 Nations seek to ensure the security of their geographic territories, political institutions, economic systems
and ways of life. Maintaining security has political, social and economic costs.
17 Economic, political and social differences between global entities can lead to conflict unless mitigated
through diplomacy or cooperative efforts.
18 Individuals and organizations work within, or outside of, established systems of power, authority and
governance to influence their own security and the security of others.
The Global Economy (CWI)
19 The global economy creates advantages and disadvantages for different segments of the world’s
population.
20 Trade agreements, multinational organizations, embargoes and protectionism impact markets.
21 The distribution of wealth and economic power among countries changes over time.
22 The global economy creates interdependence so that economic circumstances in one country impact
events in other countries.
Globalization (World Geography)
17 Globalization has shaped new cultural, economic and political ideas and entities (e.g., universal human
rights, European Union, terrorist networks).
18 Globalization has cultural, economic, physical and political consequences (e.g., Internet access
increases availability of information, outsourcing leads to regional unemployment, development of
infrastructure impacts local ecosystems and economies, computer hacking into sensitive data bases leads
to insecurity).
19 Global trade and communication systems reduce the effect of time on the distribution of goods, services,
and information (e.g., reliance on local foods versus global trade in perishable foods, online brokering versus
personal brokers, Internet access versus library access).
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Welcome to a great new year of school, I am so happy to have you in class. Always ask for help when you
need it, I am here to help you learn and have a successful high school career.
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United States Government
Parents & Students:
Please read the course syllabus and complete the information below. Students are to detach and return this
signature page to Mrs. Walpole by Friday, August 21st. Thanks! I look forward to working with you this year 
We have read, understood, and agree to follow the stated classroom policies.
Parent/Guardian Name(s): __________________________________________________________
(Please print)
__________________________________________________________
Daytime phone: ____________________Evening phone: ___________________
Parent e-mail: ________________________________________
Please list any other information you feel I should know about your child (preferential seating, allergies etc.)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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Student signature
____________________________________________________________________
Parent signature
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