UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
2015-16 Course Syllabus
Mr. Partin
Course Description:
Government is a semester course designed to provide students with a deeper
understanding of how the institutions of American government work. This course will examine
the philosophical, historical, and institutional underpinnings of our republican form of
government and compare it to different systems in the world today. This course should help
students understand the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and how to actively participate
in the democratic process.
Objectives:
The following basic topics will be covered during the semester:
1. Constitutional underpinnings of U.S. government – theoretical understanding of
federalism, separation of powers, democratic theory, republican government,
pluralism, and elitism
2. Political beliefs and behaviors – U.S. political culture and how it affects and informs
political participation; an analysis of political beliefs and behaviors
3. Political parties, interest groups and mass media – an understanding of the often
symbiotic and frequently conflicting relationship between candidates, elected
officials, and the mass media
4. Institutions of national government – an examination of the organization of power,
both formal and informal, in the major political institutions of the United States
5. Public Policy – the ultimate result of interactions and dynamics among interests,
institutions and processes
6. Civil rights and civil liberties – a study of the development of individual rights and
liberties, both theoretical and practical
Textbook and Readings:
The textbook is Magruder’s American Government, and it will be the reference point for
the course. However, we will be using other resources when necessary to augment the text or to
provide greater breadth of knowledge. Students will be expected to have read assigned materials
before each class meeting. Reading assignments will be posted or distributed well in advance.
Assignments and Exams:
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Readings will be supplemented with lectures, in-class assignments, and group projects.
Current Events. There will be weekly current event assignments/quizzes. Students should get
into the habit of reading the newspaper and/or watching the nightly news.
Notebook. Each student will bring a three-ring binder with five divider tabs. All handouts,
notes, and assignments will be placed in this notebook and brought to class every day. There
will be a notebook check at the end of each unit.
Chapter Quizzes will be given frequently to measure short-term learning. They will consist of
5-10 questions on material discussed in class or contained in assigned reading.
Tests will be given at the end of each unit to assess broader, long-term learning. A typical test
will include matching, multiple-choice questions, and short answer and/or essay questions.
Preamble Quiz: Each student will be required to memorize the preamble to the Constitution.
This is a pass/fail quiz that students may repeat as many times as necessary.
Amendments Test: Students will take a test on the amendments to the Constitution. This test
may be taken as often as a student chooses until he/she is satisfied with the score.
Cumulative Semester Final. These exams are used to assess the students’ learning and
retention of course material throughout the term.
Grading Scale:
91.5-100% = A
89.5-91.49% = A88.5-89.49% = B+
81.5-88.49% = B
79.5-81.49% = B78.5-79.49% = C+
71.5-78.49% = C
69.5-71.49% = C-
68.5-69.49% = D+
61.5-68.49% = D
59.5-61.49% = D0-59.49% = F
Grades will be based on the following:
Quizzes/Tests
Notebook
Final Exam
Semester Grade
40%
50%
10%
------100%
Homework and Absences:
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Generally, I do not assign homework. Students should be able to complete all work in the
classroom, if they are working hard.
Students will be afforded extra time to finish assignments, if it is necessary.
If a student is absent the day an assignment is due, it must be turned in on the day the
student returns to class, or it is considered late.
The student is responsible for seeking make-up work or missed assignments and for
making up any missed quizzes or tests.
Missed assignments may be made up for full credit if they are late because of a legal
school absence. Student will be given one day for each day missed to complete the work.
Late Work and Extra Credit:
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Work turned in late will be marked down 10% for each calendar day it is late. For
example, if an assignment is due Tuesday but the student does not turn it in until
Thursday, then the most that student could earn on the assignment is 80%.
If your absence is not excused the day you return, you will not be allowed to make up the
assignment.
Once an assignment has been graded and passed back to the class, the only way to make
it up is to come in after school and complete it in the classroom. The most you could earn
then will be 50%.
There will be no extra credit offered. It is the responsibility of the student to keep up with
the work and do what is necessary to pass the course.
Tutoring and Make-up Work:
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If you are absent, refer to my website for missed assignments.
If you miss a quiz or test, consult with me to establish a time to make it up.
I am available before school to provide assistance to students in need of help. I usually
arrive about 7:00 a.m. I will also be available on “A” days at lunch. Please let me know if
you intend to see me and I will make sure I am in my classroom.
If necessary, students can make arrangements to meet at other times.
Students may also email me at my school address anytime they have questions. I check
my email every night.
"Once You're In . . . You're In":
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You will never be excused to go to another class except to finish an exam.
All counseling, library, and attendance related issues, etc. must be handled on your own
time, unless you are specifically called out of class by school personnel.
A bathroom pass will be provided after the first half-hour of class should you need to use
the restroom urgently. Please do not abuse this privilege.
Cheating:
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No cheating of any kind will be tolerated.
Cheating is not limited to plagiarism but also includes any kind of non-approved
assistance on any assignment at school or home.
If caught cheating, you will receive a zero for the assignment and be referred to the
Assistant Principal for disciplinary action.
Final Thoughts:
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This class is required for graduation. Make sure you are taking care of business.
If you fail my class, it is because you spent 18 weeks trying very hard to do so.
I am not your adversary. I want to see you succeed, but I expect you to work hard.
If you are a good citizen, a hard worker, and follow the rules, we will get along great.
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Classroom Rules:
1. Come to class prepared with the following materials:
 Blue or black pen. Pencils are only used for Unit Tests
 Yellow highlighter.
 8 ½’ x 11” lined white paper. No spiral paper or notebooks will be accepted.
 Government binder. 1 ½” white binder with divider tabs.
 Book, newspaper, or appropriate magazine for silent reading.
2. Be in your seat when the bell rings
 Place backpacks in designated area when you arrive.
 If you are not in your seat when the bell rings, you are tardy.
 Paper and pens should be out of backpacks and ready to use.
3. Get permission before speaking or leaving your seat
 Raise your hand to be called on, to leave your seat, or if you need help.
4. Respect other people and their property
 Listen when the teacher or a classmate is speaking.
 Keep the room neat and clean.
 Books and desks must be kept pristine.
 Do not use another person’s things without permission.
5. No gum, food, or drinks in the classroom.
6. Dress code will be strictly enforced.
Consequences:
1. Warning
2. 15 minute detention and parent contact.
3. 30 minute detention and parent contact made again
4. Parent conference will be arranged with student, teacher and assistant principal.
NOTE: a referral may be given any time the teacher feels it is appropriate, even if a
warning has not been given. (Ex. Cheating)
Phone/E-mail Contact:
Communication between student, parent and teacher is important to having a successful
year. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me via e-mail at
rpartin@murrieta.k12.ca.us at any time. If you prefer to reach me by phone, my number is 6961408 x5993. My prep is 7th period. Please do not call me during class time because it disrupts
instruction. I will strive to return all messages within 24 hours.
Thank You,
Mr. Partin
Student/Parent Verification
Student:
I, _______________________________, verify that I have read and understand the rules
and regulations stated in this syllabus. I accept them and will abide by them. I also understand
that I am responsible for any policies not stated in this syllabus which may need to be
implemented at a later time.
Signature: ______________________________________
Parent/Guardian:
I, _______________________________, verify that I have reviewed the above rules and
regulations with my student. I have explained the need for my student to abide by them. I
understand and accept that my student will be held responsible for everything contained within
this syllabus, as well as any other policies which may need to be implemented throughout the
school year.
Signature: ______________________________________
Parent/Guardian Information:
Name: _________________________________________
Home Phone #: ____________________
Hours Available: ____________________
Work Phone #: ____________________
Hours Available: ____________________
E-mail Address: ___________________________________________
Name: _________________________________________
Home Phone #: ____________________
Hours Available: ____________________
Work Phone #: ____________________
Hours Available: ____________________
E-mail Address: ___________________________________________