Mr. Armstrong's Government Syllabus
by Mark Armstrong
August 10, 2009
Course Name: Government
Instructor: Mark Armstrong E-mail
marmstrong@usd343.org
Contact Hours
Before school: 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM; prep period: Monday: 10:00 AM –
10:30 AM; Wed. & Friday 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Course Description:
American Government is a semester long, senior level class. An
emphasis throughout the course is placed on the political thought
process, civic responsibilities, and understanding the complex
workings of our Federal Government. Units covered will include: 1)
An Introduction to Government and the Political Thought process; 2)
The United States Constitution; 3) The Legislative Branch; 4) The
Presidential Branch; 5) The Judicial Branch. In addition, current
topics of interest (ie. Elections, current bills submitted to
Congress) will be addressed throughout the course. Class discussion
is encouraged as is note taking. Use of the Internet will be an
emphasis particularly during election years and for tracking bills
in Congress. 60% of the grade will be determined by Tests, while
homework will make up 40% of the student grade.
Text(s):
American Government. (Holt)
An additional reading book will be required each quarter. A reading
list will be provided.
Grading Scale:
USD 343 Grading Scale
A+ (100% & above) B- (80%-82%)
A (93%-99%) C+ (77%-79%)
A- (90%-92%) C (73%-76%)
B+ (87%-89%) C- (70%-72%)
B (83%-86%) D+ (67%-69%)
D (63%-66%) F (59% & below)
D- (60%-62%)
INC: Student has not completed all the given requirements at this
time.
Assignments missed while absent will be recorded with the symbol
“Ab” and not count toward their grade.
Students have a minimum of 2 days for each day absent to submit
missed work for credit.
Should a student become ineligible they are guaranteed the
opportunity in each class to raise their grade to become eligible
in the following week.
Student Evaluation:
Enter critieria for performance evaluation here.
Tests: 60%
Homework/Assignments/Projects: 40%
Extra Credit: NA
Projects: Part of homework/tests
Requirements:
Attend 1 School Board Meeting per each quarter. 1 Book review per
quarter is required.
Projects:
Projects will be considered part of the daily grade and will vary
per year, depending on the political cycle we are currently in.
Evaluation of students’ efforts are based on the above scale. Tests
and homework make up the bulk of the evaluation. Students must
attend one School Board meeting per quarter and write a one page
paper over it. Also, students must read one book per quarter (see
reading list) and submit a review.
Behavior Plan: Students are expected to behave in an acceptable
manner during the entire class. Discipline will be in accordance
with the school policy.
Rewards / Extra Credit:
Extra Credit is not available in this class.
Course Outline:
Fall Semester
1. Introduction to Government and Political Thought
2. The United States Constitution
3. The Legislative Branch
4. The Executive Branch
5. The Judicial Branch
Spring Semester
Same as Fall Semester
State Standards:
Unit 1 – Introduction to Government and Political Thought
Civics-Government Standard: The student uses a working knowledge
and understanding of governmental systems of Kansas and the United
States and other nations with an emphasis on the U.S. Constitution,
the necessity for the rule of law, the civic values of the American
people, and the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of
becoming active participants in our representative democracy.
Indicators : 1. Evaluates the purposes and function of law. 2.
Analyzes how the rule of law can be used to protect the rights of
individuals and to promote the common good (e.g., eminent domain,
martial law during disasters, health and safety issues). 3. Defines
civic life, politics, and governments. 4. Defines and illustrates
examples of misdemeanors and felonies (e.g., misdemeanors: traffic
violation, small theft, trespassing; felonies: murder, eexual
assault, large theft). 5. Analyzes issues regarding economic
freedoms within the United States (e.g., free enterprise, rights of
individual choice, government regulation). 6. Explores issues
regarding civic responsibilities of American citizens (e.g.,
obeying the law, paying taxes, voting, jury duty, serving our
country, providing leadership, involvement in the political
process).
Unit 2 - Understanding the United States Constitution
Civics-Government Standard: The student uses a working knowledge
and understanding of governmental systems of Kansas and the United
States and other nations with an emphasis on the U.S. Constitution,
the necessity for the rule of law, the civic values of the American
people, and the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of
becoming active participants in our representative democracy.
Indicators: 1. Recognizes that a nation’s values are embodied in
the Constitution, statues, and important court cases (e.g., Dred
Scott vs. Sanford, Plessy vs Ferguson, Borwn vs. Board of Education
of Topeka). 2. Understands core civic values inherent in the United
States Constitution, Bill of rights, and Declaration of
Independence that have been the foundation for unity in American
society (e.g., right to free speech, religion, press, assembly;
equality; human dignity; civic responsibility, sovereignty of the
people). 3. Explains Constitutional powers (e.g.,
expressed/enumerated, implied, inherent, reserved, concurrent). 4.
Discusses that the United States Constitution has been able to
sustain American government over time by the ability of the people
to amend the document.
Unit 3 – The Legislative Branch
Civics-Government Standard: The student uses a working knowledge
and understanding of governmental systems of Kansas and the United
States and other nations with an emphasis on the U.S. Constitution,
the necessity for the rule of law, the civic values of the American
people, and the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of
becoming active participants in our representative democracy.
Indicators: 1) Examines the fundamental values and principles of
the American political tradition as expressed in historic
documents, speeches and events, and ways in which these values and
principles conflict (e.g., equal opportunity and fairness vs.
affirmative action). 2) Examines the role of political parties in
channeling public opinion, allowing people to act jointly,
nominating candidates, conducting campaigns, and training future
leaders. 3) Analyzes policies, actions, and issues regarding the
rights of individuals to equal protection under the law. 4)
Examines issues regarding political rights (e.g., to be an informed
voter, participate in the political process, assume leadership
roles). 5) Understands that civil disobedience is a form of protest
and if taken to extreme, punishable by law.
Unit 4 – The Executive Branch
Civics-Government Standard: The student uses a working knowledge
and understanding of governmental systems of Kansas and the United
States and other nations with an emphasis on the U.S. Constitution,
the necessity for the rule of law, the civic values of the American
people, and the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of
becoming active participants in our representative democracy.
Indicators: 1. Describes the purposes, organization, and functions
of the three branches of government and independent regulatory
agencies in relation to the United States Constitution. 2) Examines
the role of interest groups and their impact on governmental
policy.
Unit 5 – The Judicial Branch
Civics-Government Standard: The student uses a working knowledge
and understanding of governmental systems of Kansas and the United
States and other nations with an emphasis on the U.S. Constitution,
the necessity for the rule of law, the civic values of the American
people, and the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of
becoming active participants in our representative democracy.
Indicators: 1) Explains how public policy is formed and carried out
at local, state, and national levels and what roles individuals and
groups can play in the process.
