American Government Syllabus
Revised Fall 2009
Textbook: Government in America by Richard Hardy; Houghton Mifflin Company, 1990
Course Description:
This course is designed to help students acquire basic skills and knowledge essential in becoming
an informed and active citizen.
Course Objectives:
1. ID and explain democratic ways of selecting leaders and making decisions
2. Understanding the functions of the US and Missouri Constitutions.
3. ID and explain the law making procedures within the US and the Missouri Constitutions
4. Compare the powers and activities of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches
5. Understand the importance of informed voting and how this corresponds to positive citizenship
6. ID why rights were denied or restricted in Supreme Court cases
7. Understand the basic rights and liberties listed in the US and Missouri Constitutions
8. Describe the methods available for citizens to influence elected officials
9. ID the principles of government
10. ID restraints on governmental officials; Understanding the system of US checks and balances
11. Explain how the criminal and civil legal system protects the rights of citizens; and the citizens
responsibility in functioning those systems.
12. ID political leaders; state their position and current issues they are involved in
13. Explain how the legal system works on the national and state levels
14. ID and explain constitutional principles underlying both sides of a political issue
15. Understand why constitutional principles have changed over time
16. Understand the consequences that follow when rights are denied or abused or when citizens
fail to carry out their responsibilities
Course Outline
1. Legislative Branch
2. Executive Branch
3. Judicial Branch
4. Missouri Constitution
5. County Government
Required Materials
Paper/pencil/Textbook
-Textbook must be covered throughout course, punishment paragraphs will be used to
enforce
Grading Policy
Grades are determined by the total number accumulated divided by total points possible.
The total number of points acculumated in both quarters will be used to total the semester grade.
Tests
Tests are given after each chapter. There are several other tests that are unique to this class.
Missouri Law requires that students take a US Government class in high school. It also requires a
test to be given that must be passed in order for that student to graduate. This class has two
separate tests that will be used to satisfy this requirement. A US and Missouri constitution test
must be completed with a 70% average as well as carrying a passing total grade in the rest of the
course to pass the class. Failure to either pass the US or MO Constitution test and/or fail to carry a
passing grade, will require the student to retake the class before graduation. Fall 2009 will also be
the first year in which an End of Course Exam will be utilized in Government class to satisfy state
requirements. The End of Course Exam will be applied toward total semester points.
Homework
Homework must be turned in during the beginning 5 minutes of class. It must be placed in the
appropriate bin at the front of the classroom.
Participation Points
These will amount to 20% of the course grade. All of these points will be in the form of Opening
activities. These will be posted on the board every day and will consist of a few questions
pertaining to the lesson of the day.
Attendance and Make-Up work
It is the student’s responsibility to ask me or another student what they missed. Unless previously
arranged, make up tests are given when the student comes back to class.
Classroom rules
1. Respect the classroom, students, and the educational process
2. Come to class prepared to learn
3. When the bell rings, you will be in your seat beginning the opening activity
4. The School Handbook will be enforced to the letter
Punishment
1st time-usually a verbal warning
2nd time-punishment paragraphs
3rd time-referral to principal
Severe disruption-removal from class for the day
Please sign the portion below and remove it from the syllabus. I would like you to keep the syllabus handy
so you can refer back to it if needed. Thank you for your interest in your child’s education. Please feel free
to contact me if there are any questions or concerns. I’m looking forward to this school year.
Thank you,
Joshua Smith
767-4555
smithj@fordland.k12.mo.us
______________________________________________________________________________________
Please remove from syllabus and return ASAP
American Government Syllabus: I have read the syllabus and understand what is expected of me/and or
my child.
Student Signature__________________________________________Date__________________________
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