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