Mrs. Bird and Ms. Coyne
United States and Virginia Government 2015-2016
Course Description:
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The course examines the structure of government and the economy in the United States.
The balance and separation of powers within the US government, and the powers inherent
to each branch and level, are emphasized. Democratic values and economic roles will also
be discussed throughout the year. This class will also place an emphasis on current events
and how these events shape the ever-changing nature of the US political system.
Course Objectives
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Students will be informed citizens. Students will know about and be able to discuss current
events
Students will be able to formulate and articulate their own opinions about current events
and other topics in government.
Students will achieve an understanding of our government so they can participate.
General Course Outline:
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Intro to American Government
Federalism
Political Parties
Voting
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Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
State and Local Government
Materials:
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You must bring these to class EVERYDAY
Government Text: American Government
Three Ring Binder and lined paper for notes
Writing utensil
Class Expectations:
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Respect each other and yourself
o Bullying will not be tolerated in any way!!!!!!
o If bullying occurs the following actions will be taken:
 You will be asked to leave the class and visit the main office
 Your parents will be notified and a meeting to discuss your actions will be
scheduled
Respect the class as well as your time in it
o Get to class on time
o Pay attention
Electronics:
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Ok I know you have a phone. I know you want to use your phone. HOWEVER, I only
have a short amount of time to teach you and we can’t waste it.
There will be times I will ask you to use your phone and those are the only time it is
acceptable to have them
All other times, if I see your phone, I will ask you to put it away. If this becomes a
problem we will have a discussion and if necessary parents will be involved.
During test/quizzes:
o Phones will be placed upside down in the corner of your desk for the duration
of the test/quiz
o If I see a phone anywhere but in the corner, you will turn it in to me or go to
the office. This will be considered cheating and you will have to retake the
exam. NO EXCEPTIONS
Grading:
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Summative Assessments: 90%
o These include Tests, Quizzes, projects and longer writing assignments.
o All test and quiz information will come from the in class notes, in class worksheets
and parts of the chapter I assign.
o RETAKES: all summative assessments can be retaken for partial credit
Formative Assessments: 10%
o This includes current event writing assignments
Retake Rational:
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Each student is allowed to retake any quiz or test they feel they can Demonstrate Mastery of
the Skills being assessed
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Corrections can be done on ALL Tests (Quizzes will be teacher discretion)
o Test corrections will be done on a standardized worksheet and notebook paper
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Write out the original answer(s)
Why did you choose your original answer?
What is the correct answer?
Explain the correct answer AND identify which handout, lecture, OR textbook page you found the
information.
This will be by quarter. Once the quarter is complete, no more corrections
Each question you correct is worth .5 points or 2 corrections = 1 point
If you complete this you will have the opportunity to take a short answer retest for the rest of the
points.
Absences and Late Work:
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It is your responsibility to make up work when you have an excused absence or excused
tardy.
**This course provides one of the credits required for a Standard or Advanced Studies
Diploma**