American Government
Instructors:
Mr. Scott Underwood
E-mail:Underwoods@lake.k12.fl.us
Phone:
352-394-2100 ext 5463
Course Description:
The purpose of this course is to enable students to gain an understanding of American government
and political behavior that is essential for effective citizenship and active involvement in a
democratic American society.
Classroom Expectations:
1. Responsibility: Responsibility is the key to success, and the remedy for failure. No excusesever!
2. Respect: Respect the person and property of those around you.
3. Right: Right action, right effort, right speech, and right thought.
Classroom Rules:
1. NO food, drink (except bottled water), or gum/candy.
2. NO cell phones, make-up, headphones, or other “toys.” If I take them, you can have them
back on June 6, 2012.
3. All rules stated in the Lake County Code of Student Conduct or by South Lake High will be
strictly followed.
Consequences:
1. Parent Call and Detention
2. Parent Call and Referral
Text:
McClenaghan, W.A. (2004). Magruder’s American Government. Needham, MA: Pearson.
Required Materials:
Pens (blue or black ink)
Pencil (#2 lead)
Paper
Textbook
Assignments: Class work and homework will be given on a regular basis.
Quizzes:
Quizzes will be given on a regular basis and will be both announced and unannounced. If you were
absent the day before a quiz or the quiz day and your absence was excused, you will be excused
from the quiz. If your absence is unexcused, you will receive a zero. There will be absolutely no
make-up quizzes. Quizzes are usually given at the beginning of class so it is necessary that you
come to class on time.
Tests:
Test material will come from student’s textbooks, class discussions, and notes. All students who are
in class the day of the test are required to take the test.
Make-up Work:
Please ask for make-up work at the end of the period of the first day you return to school. If you
need to make up a test, you may come after school on Tuesday or Thursday.
Grading Scale:
90-100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
0-59 F
Tentative Course Schedule:
Week
20-Aug
27-Aug
3-Sep
10-Sep
17-Sep
24-Sep
1-Oct
8-Oct
15-Oct
Topic
Origins & Foundations of American Government
The Constitution
Federal System & The Executive Branch
Legislative Branch
Judicial Branch
Political Parties, Voting & Interest Groups
Citizenship: Rights, Responsibilities, & Liberties
State & Local; Comparative Government & Foreign Policy
Shaping Public Policy
Chapter(s)
1
2, 3
4, 13, 14
10, 11, 12
18
5-9
19-21
17, 22-25
15, 16
Holidays, etc.
No School
Monday
Midway point
Finals