American Government Syllabus Ms. Coleman American Government is a requirement for graduation from high school. The class covers the purpose of government, how it functions, and the people who are a part of it. Over the course of the class, you will learn about the way government functions at the national and state level. The goal of this class is to develop you into an informed citizen, who is familiar with your rights, the rights of your state and federal government, and your responsibilities as a US citizen. In order to graduate high school, you must pass the federal and state constitution tests. With dedication and hard work, this class will be enjoyable and informative!! In this class, we will not use a book; however the following is a list of chapters that include outside materials for learning. Intro to Ch. 1: The Foundation of Democracy Define the purpose of the Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation Explain the Three- fifths Compromise Activities: Guided notes The Ultimate Birthday Bash Chapter 1: Principles of Government Section 1: Purpose of Government Explain the reason why we have a government. Discuss the three branches of government and their roles. Activities: Guided notes Vocabulary matching worksheet Vocabulary Puzzles Flashcards Assessment: Quiz Section 2: Forms of Government Define who participates in government. Define democracy. Discuss other forms government (dictatorships) Explain the relationship between the legislative and executive branches in democracies compared to dictatorships Activities: Guided notes Graphic organizer Vocabulary puzzle Flashcards Assessment: Quiz Section 3: Basic Concepts of Democracy Discuss the basic ideals of democracy Activities: Guided notes Vocabulary matching worksheet Assessment: Poster project Chapter 1 Test Chapter 2: The Legislative Branch Section 1: The Roles & Power of the Legislative Branch Describe the responsibilities of the legislative branch. Activities: Guided notes Assessments: Review sheet Section 2: Parties & What They Do Name basic characteristics of major political parties in the US. Define role of political parties in US government. Activities: Guided notes Create Your Own Party Activity Assessments: Chapter 2 Test Chapter 3: Voting Section 1: Stages of Voting Explain the stages of voting in the US, with descriptions of who could vote and when they could vote Examine the impact slavery had on the ability of minorities to vote Activities: Guided notes Voting Rights Chart Assessment: Voting Rights Worksheet Part 1 & 2 Section 2: Voter Qualifications List qualifications for voting Discuss past requirements that kept certain groups of people from voting Activities: Guided notes Selma Assessment: Movie Activities(TBA) Section 3: The Nomination Process Demonstrate how candidates are nominated when running for office Activities: Guided Notes Mock Election Flashcards Assessment: Ch. 3 Test Chapter 4: The Judicial Branch Explain the responsibilities of the judicial branch. Name the various courts in the judicial system. Describe the characteristics of the different courts in the judicial system. Activities: Read & Highlight activity Judicial System Graphic Organizer Assessment: Judicial System Graphic Organizer Chapter 5: The Executive Branch Explain the responsibilities of the executive branch. Name the leadership positions within the branch. Describe the steps that must be taken to run and/or win the presidency. Activities: Read & Highlight activity Partner Search “How to become President” Chart, Handout, & Worksheet Assessment: Cahoots Ch. 4 & 5 Test Chapter 6: The Bill of Rights Define each component of the Bill of Rights. Analyze cases to further understand the amendments in the Bill of Rights. Describe the steps that must be taken to run and/or win the presidency. Activities: Flashcards Case studies & Comprehension Activities o Tinker v Des Moines o New Jersey v T.L.O. o Gideon v Wainwright o Miranda v Arizona Assessment: Cahoots Ch. 6 Test US Constitution Exam Activities: Flashcards Partner Review Cahoots Assessment: US Constitution Exam Illinois Constitution Exam Activities: Web Search Assessment: Illinois Constitution Exam Part 1 & 2