SYLLABUS: AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
I.
The U.S. Constitution & Federalism
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II.
The student understands how constitutional government has been influenced by people,
ideas, and historical documents
The student understands the American beliefs and principles reflected in the U.S.
Constitution
The student understands the concept of federalism
American political culture, civic participation and linkage institutions
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The student understands the relationship between government policies and the culture of
the United States
The student understands the importance of voluntary individual participation in the U.S.
democratic society
The student understands the importance of the expression of different points of view in a
democratic society
The student understands the processes for filling public offices in the U.S. system of
government
The student understands the roles played by individuals, political parties, interest groups
and the news media in the U.S. political system, past and present
The student understands the role of political parties in the U.S. system of government
III. Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
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The student understands rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution
The student understands the differences between personal and civic responsibilities
IV. Legislative branch (national and state) – Congress and the Texas legislature
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The student understands the structure and functions of the government created by the
U.S. Constitution
The student understands the roles played by local, state and national governments in both
the public and private sectors of the U.S. free enterprise system
V. Executive branches (national and state) – the Presidency and the governorship
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The student understands the structure and functions of the government created by the
U.S. Constitution
The student understands the roles played by local, state and national governments in both
the public and private sectors of the U.S. free enterprise system
VI. Judicial Branch & Landmark Cases
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The student understands the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights
The student understands how culture and contemporary society affects interpretation of
the law
The student understands the judicial branch’s role in the principle of checks and balances
General Information
Grading policy: major tests – 70%, daily grades – 30%
Help is available daily to all students after school upon request. (Tues or Thurs)
Pen or pencil and paper should be brought to class daily. A set of textbooks will be available for classroom use.
Current issues and events: Students are expected to be current on political issues and events to facilitate
classroom discussion.
Homework: Expect some type of assignment weekly. It is usually due the next day. Late work can earn only a 50.
Makeup work: I cannot overemphasize how important it is for you to obtain makeup assignments the day you return
from an absence. Assignments will be in the makeup folder located in the folder on the student table.
Makeup tests: Expect to take a missed test on the day you return. You will take it in class. If you do not or cannot
take it during class that day, you will be expected to take the test after school on Tues or Thurs, whichever comes
first.
Please do not practice your basketball skills in class. When you need to throw something away, please ask
permission. No throwing is allowed, period.
No beverages except water allowed and absolutely no food.
No electronics at any time. If we are working on a project that utilizes the internet, a student will be
appointed to “look it up”. Texting, phone calls, social networking, watching videos or listening to music will
not be permitted.