American Government Honors Syllabus
Virginia M. Highsmith, M.Ed.
Monday-Friday 2nd period Room 2219
INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS
The government course provides students with a background in the philosophy, functions, and structure
of the United States government. Students examine the philosophical foundations of the United States
government and how that philosophy developed. Students also examine the structure and function of the
United States government and its relationship to states and citizen. By the end of this class, students
should demonstrate they are comfortable with the enduring understandings and can apply these to
current events.
At the end of this course, you will
 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the political philosophies that shaped the
development of United States constitutional government.
 The student will analyze the natural rights philosophy and the nature of government
expressed in the Declaration of Independence.
 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the United States Constitution.
 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the organization and powers of the national
government.
 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the federal system of government described in
the United States Constitution.
 The student will demonstrate knowledge of civil liberties and civil rights.
 The student will describe how thoughtful and effective participation in civic life is
characterized by obeying the law, paying taxes, serving on a jury, participating in the political
process, performing public service, registering for military duty, being informed about current
issues, and respecting differing opinions
 The student will demonstrate knowledge of local, state, and national elections.
 The student will describe the legislative process including the roles played
by committees and leadership.
 The student will describe the influence of lobbyists (business, labor, professional
organizations) and special interest groups on the legislative process.
 The student will analyze the various roles played by the President of the
United States; include Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, chief executive, chief
agenda setter, representative of the nation, chief of state, foreign policy leader, and party
leader.
 The student will describe the qualifications for becoming President of the United States.
 The student will explain the impeachment process and its usage for elected officials.
 The student will explain the functions of the departments and agencies of the federal
bureaucracy.
 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the operation of the federal judiciary.
 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the organization and powers
of state and local government described in the Georgia Constitution.
 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the powers of Georgia’s state
and local governments.
 The student will compare and contrast governments that are unitary, confederal, and
federal; autocratic, oligarchic and democratic; and presidential and parliamentary.
 The student will describe the tools used to carry out United States foreign policy
(diplomacy; economic, military, and humanitarian aid; treaties; sanctions and military
intervention).
 The student will describe the causes and effects of criminal activity.
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The student will demonstrate knowledge of the criminal justice process.
Honors American Government Classes – Please note that if you are taking the Honors American
Government class materials will delve deeper into concepts, principals, and ideas presented in American
Government. Students will be more responsible for student directed/teacher facilitated assignments that
will require management of time, resources, and critical thinking. Document analysis and evidenced
based writing are expected in this course.
NEEDS AND RESOURCES
Required Background
To successfully complete this course, you must
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Be on time and present to class
Come prepared for class with supplies
Complete all assignments and tasks on time. This is a fast paced semester long course.
Effective note taking will be necessary for your success
Required Materials
To successfully complete this course, you will need
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Paper
Pencil, Pen, Highlighter
3 Ring Binder
At times, we will complete projects. You may need poster boards, construction paper, and other
project resources during certain projects in the class.
Online Resources
 Teacher website:
http://internet.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/schools/nhs/staff/Highsmith/default.aspx
 Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Performance Standards - American Government:
https://www.georgiastandards.org/standards/Georgia%20Performance%20Standards/AmericanGovernment.pdf
 Georgia Virtual Learning Department of Education
http://www.gavirtuallearning.org/Resources/SharedAmericanGovernment.aspx
 Discovery Education www.discoveryeducation.com
 EL Civics for ESL Students http://www.elcivics.com/civics.html
 The American Experience, PBS and GPB provided programs
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/
 Galileo Research Site http://www.galileo.usg.edu/welcome/
 US History Historical Documents http://constitutioncenter.org/learn/educationalresources/historical-documents/
 US History Online Games http://constitutioncenter.org/learn/educational-resources/games
COURSE SCHEDULE
This course will follow the curriculum map provided by the Georgia Department of Education that
incorporates all standards that will be assessed on the American Government Student Learning Objective
Test. The link to the State of Georgia Curriculum Map https://www.georgiastandards.org/Frameworks/GSO%20Frameworks/American-Government-and-CivicsCurriculum-Map.pdf
Unit One:
Unit Two:
Connecting Themes in American Government
Your day in court is coming!
Unit Three: Rules were made to be broken…or at least interpreted
Unit Four: The Executive: Dream Job or Nightmare?
Unit Five: America’s Federal System
Unit Six:
Why this form of government? How did we get here?
Unit Seven: Individual Groups, and Choices
Review of Standards for Student Learning Objective Test
Mock Trial Simulation POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
General Rules:
Students are not permitted to have food or drink in the classroom. Only water in a clear bottle is
permitted. No cell phones or other electronic devices allowed out during class in room 2219.
1. Come to class on time. Standing outside the door and rushing in after the bell has begun to ring
will constitute a tardy. You must be INSIDE the door when it begins ringing to be counted on time.
2. Begin the warm up activity within one minute after the tardy bell. Directions will be on the
projection screen or the board. Please do not wait for me to remind you to begin since I need to take
roll and attend to other duties for the first few minutes of the period. When I begin class, directions
for the warm up may be taken down, so don't delay.
3. Attend to personal needs before coming to class. I have been instructed not to give passes to
lockers and to limit passes, so please do not ask for a pass unless you have a true emergency.
4. Remain in your assigned seat unless you have permission to get up . Throw scraps away at the
end of the period on your way out.
5. Do not eat candy or other food in class unless you have been given special permission.
6. Bring required materials every day unless you are otherwise directed.
Talk only when permitted .Be aware of the situation and classroom activities. Quiet talking is
allowed in some situations and speaking to the entire group without raising your hand may be
allowed in others. I will remind you once and expect compliance.
7. Use polite speech and body language. Unkind teasing and impolite behavior is unacceptable.
8. Do not cheat. Students caught cheating will receive a zero and a phone call home. Both the student
who shares his work for an independent assignment AND the person who copies it will suffer the
same consequences. I expect you to do your own work and to be sure no one can copy it.
9. No cell phones or other electronic devices allowed out during class unless instructed by the
teacher.
Grading Policies:
Make Up Assignments for Excused Absences:
Students are permitted to make up work missed during
absences for any of the following reasons: a. Participation in school-sponsored activities such as field
trips or other designated events, b. Personal illness, c. Medical requirements, d. Family illness, e. Death
of a family member, f. Observance of a religious holiday, g. Orders of government agencies, h.
Hazardous conditions, or i. Suspension. Students must complete any missed homework, tests or
examinations within five school days after the student returns to school. If it is the fourth marking period,
the student must complete the homework, test or examination by the end of the teacher's post-planning
days, provided the absence is approved for make-up work. Any assignments or projects given prior to
days of absence are due immediately upon the first day a student returns. Teacher discretion may be
used to extend the make-up time in extenuating circumstances. It is the student's responsibility to make
arrangements with the teacher to make up and complete missed assignments and/or tests. Make Up
Assignments for Un-Excused Absences or Late Work: Students are permitted to make up work missed
during un-excused absences or turn in late work under the following conditions: Students shall complete
the “Late Work” form indicating the reason the work is late and indicating whether the student will a)
complete and turn in the assignment later during the same school day (without any penalty); or b) will
complete and turn in the assignment the following school day (with a -10 point penalty). Teachers are not
required to accept late work which is not submitted on the following school day.
Grading Scale: A: 100-90 B=89-80 C=79-75 D=74-70 F=69-0
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
I am looking forward to a successful semester. American Government and Civics is an amazing
adventure through processes that affect your life today and will continue to impact you for the rest of your
life. On this journey together, we will identify how our government operates and our roles in our society.
CONTACT INFORMATION
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Virginia M. Highsmith, M.Ed. U.S. History and American Government
School Telephone Number 912-395-6789
virginia.highsmith@sccpss.com *Email is preferred and fastest communication.
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American Government Syllabus with Teacher Contact Information
Please sign and return for an extra credit daily grade of 100.
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