American Government/ U.S. Economics
Instructor: Mr. Ferrier
Room: B-4/5
Phone (330) 424-9561 ext. 137
COVS_MJF@ACCESS-K12.org
Course Syllabus
Course Description:
This course is designed to meet the graduation requirements as set
forth by the State of Ohio. The benchmark concepts taught here are the
same as those taught in similar courses at the partner schools. The goal of
this government course is to provide our students with the political and
economic decision-making skills that are critical in our democratic
country, which enjoys the highest standard of living in the world.
Success in this course is dependent on good study skills, a good
work ethic, and the ability to stay on task. A good understanding of
American history and citizenship issues taught in previous courses is
helpful in attaining success in this course. Through their studies, the
students will develop a deeper understanding of their role as citizens and
continue to expand their command of the skills and the methods used to
acquire information.
Instructional Philosophy:
Students will study major events that have shaped the world through
the process of self-discovery and through the use of an interactive
pedagogy. Students will receive information through traditional lecture
and discussion, through skill-oriented tasks such as mapping,
categorizing, interpretation, identification of individual perspectives, and
analyzing primary sources. Problem-solving group work, as well as a
variety of experiential exercises, will also be incorporated into the day-today activities of the class in order to further the students’ comprehension
of the subject. Particular attention will be paid to the development of
educational skills such as reading, writing, and organizational skills while
fostering the student’s individual creativity.
Course Goals / Objectives:
1. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the role of government
and the impact that governments have on all aspects of a society as well
as the development of various political systems.
2. Students will focus on an in-depth study of the American Constitution
and Amendments that set forth the concepts of Federalism, Limited
government, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
3. Students will develop a sense of how economic factors have led to major
cultural developments, and how the role of government affects these
factors and impacts the lives of citizens in a capitalistic society.
Major Course Assignments and Projects:
1. Students will be expected to keep a notebook detailing lecture notes,
group activities, and any activities that have been documented during
class or as an outside assignment.
2. Students will prepare research reports on individual topics and present
findings to the class.
3. Students will participate in various group activities and simulations
that will support the experiential component.
4. Students will be assessed periodically through the use tests and quizzes.
Course Assessment Plan:
1. Student notebooks………………………. …….50%
Lecture notes……………………20%
Assessing information………….10%
Development of materials…… ..10%
Research preparation and
Presentation…………… 10%
2. Tests and Quizzes………………………………50%
Discipline Plan:
Social Contract – Students and the teacher will agree to abide by the rules
of the classroom and the conduct outlined in the student handbook.
1st offense – teacher/student conference
2nd offense- student/principal and/or parent conference
*Any use of electronic devices will result in an immediate referral to Mr
Ludwig. Should this occur during a test or quiz, the student will, in
addition to the referral, also receive a grade of “0” for the test or quiz.
* Any Offense of a violent or threatening nature, as well as any offense
where contraband is involve will be immediately referred to the Principal,
Mr. Ludwig
Course Outline:
Week 1 – The State
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Components
Theories of origin
Participation in Government
Forms of Democracy
Comparative Economic System
Test
Week 2- Birth of the United States
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
English Heritage
Types of colonies
Period of Salutary Neglect
Oppressive British government
Declaration of Independence
Week 3- Continued
6. Film – “1776”
7. Constitutional Convention
8. Plans of Government
9. Compromises
10. Ratification
11. Test
Week 4 – The US Constitution
1. Six Principles
2. Articles I-VII
3. Bill of Rights
Week 5 – US Constitution (cont.)
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Bill of Rights
Amendment Process
Additional Amendments
Checks and Balances
Federalism
Test
Week 6 –Article I – The Legislative Branch
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
House of Representatives/Senate
Qualifications
Terms
Organization of Congress – Leadership
The Committee System
Bill to a Law
Powers of Congress
Test
Oral Presentation
Week 7 – Article II – The Executive Branch
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Roles of the President
Qualifications, Terms, Compensation
Formal Duties of the Vice President
Executive Office of the President
The Cabinet
Executive Powers, Administrative Powers, Powers of Appointment, Military,
Judicial, Legislative Powers
7. National Convention and the Electoral College
8. Test
Week 8 – Article III – The Judicial Branch
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Dual Court System
Jurisdiction – Original, Appellate, Exclusive, Concurrent
Inferior Courts – District, Appellate Courts – Judges
Supreme Court – Justices, terms, subject matter
Legal Opinions, Rulings
Quiz
7. Mock Trial
Week 9 - Public Opinion
1.
2.
3.
4.
Public opinion in American Democracy
What is public opinion?
Factors that shape public opinion.
Measurement of public opinion
Week 10 – Interest Groups
1. Research various Interest groups.
2. Interest group diversity.
3. Tactics of various Interest groups.
Week 11 – Political Parties
1.
2.
3.
4.
The many roles of political parties.
The Two Party system in American politics
History of Party Politics
How Democrats and Republicans differ.
Week 12 – Taxing, Spending, and Economic Policies
1. Government revenue through taxing and borrowing.
2. How Federal spending is decided.
3. How the Federal Government influences the nations economy.
Week 13 – Foreign Policy and National Defense
1.
2.
3.
4.
U.S. Foreign Policy goals.
Executive Branch guides foreign policy.
Foreign policy options.
The United States as a member of the United Nations.
Week 14 – Policies toward Business, Labor, and Agriculture
1.
2.
3.
4.
The Free Enterprise system.
Government regulation of business.
Government policy and Labor.
Government policy and Agriculture.
Week 15 – Energy and Environmental Policy
1. History of U.S. Environmental policy.
2. Current policies to protect the environment.
3. Federal policies regulating Energy use.
Week 16 – Social Policies and Programs
1. Americans benefit from social programs.
2. Public assistance programs and how they are financed.
3. Research paper focusing on national certifications, licensing and industry
standards and how they are adopted and by whom.
Week 17 – State Government – Structure and Function
1. State Government – Leg., Executive, Judicial
2. Reserved Powers of the States
3. State Programs, Revenue, and Spending
Week 18 – Local Government – Structure and Function
1.
2.
3.
4.
Incorporation, County, Township, and Municipal Government
Special Districts
Revenue, Spending, and Services Provided.
Final Exam
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I have seen the course of study for the American Government course taught at the
CCCTC.
Parent/Guardian Signature
___________________________________________________________
Student
___________________________________________________________
I have seen the course of study for the American Government course taught at the
CCCTC.
Signature of parent or guardian ___________________________________________