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Hamilton High School Social Science Department 2011

Government Syllabus Ms. Kleinvachter Course: Government Grade Level: 12 Required Course Course Length: One Semester Prerequisite: None

Course Description This one-semester course builds on previous years of study to pursue a deeper understanding of the institutions of American government and to compare different political systems of government in the world today. Students will examine the relationship between government authority and individual rights, the positions of the two major political parties, and the responsibilities and duties of being a citizen. In addition, they will study the interactions of the three branches of the federal government, the impact and debate over important Supreme Court cases, and current events. Major Goals and Objectives 12.1 Students explain the fundamental principles and moral values of American democracy as expressed in the U.S. Constitution and other essential documents of American democracy. 12.2 Students evaluate, take, and defend positions on the scope and limits of rights and obligations as democratic citizens, the relationship among them, and how they are secured. 12.3 Students evaluate, take, and defend positions on what the fundamental values and principles of civil society are (i.e. the autonomous sphere of voluntary personal, social, and economic relations that are not part of government), their interdependence, and the meaning and importance of those values and principles for a free society. 12.4 Students analyze the unique roles and responsibilities of the three branches of government as established by the U.S. Constitution. 12.5 Students summarize landmark U.S. Supreme Court interpretations of the Constitution and its amendments. 12.6 Students evaluate issues regarding campaigns for national, state, and local elective offices. 12.7 Students analyze and compare the powers and procedures of the national, state, tribal, and local governments. 12.8 Students evaluate, take, and defend positions on the influence of the media on American political life. 12.9 Students analyze the origins, characteristics, and development of different political systems across time, with emphasis on the quest for political democracy, its advances, and its obstacles. 12.10 Students formulate questions about and defend their analyses of tensions within our democracy and the importance of maintaining a balance between the following concepts: majority rule and individual rights; liberty and equality; state and national authority in a federal system; civil disobedience and the rule of law; freedom of the press and the right to a fair trial; the relationship of religion and government. Basic I. II. III. Course Content (by Unit) The Characteristics of Government and the Forms of Government Federal Government Civic Duty and the Role of the Individual in a Democracy

Hamilton High School Social Science Department 2011


IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. Political Parties, Interest Groups, and the Media The Election Process The Executive Branch and the Federal Bureaucracy The Legislative Branch and the Legislative Process The Judicial Branch and the Court System Civil Liberties

Textbook MacGruders American Government, Prentice Hall. Supplemental Materials Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Case Studies U.S. Constitution Federalist Papers 10 & 51 We The People Selected U.S. Supreme Court Cases Grading Policy Grading Scale A=90-100

B=80-89

C=70-79

D=60-69

F=0-59

Assessments and Evaluations Cumulative Final Exam Tests (Chapter/Unit) Homework Daily In-Class Assignments Participation Simulations/Projects Oral Presentations Position Papers Late Work - I will take late work but at half the graded value of the assignment and up to two weeks after original due date. Tardies Class attendance and arriving on time to class is vital to your classroom performance and grade. Students are expected to be in their seats with needed materials prepared to start class when the bell rings. If you are tardy to class, a lunch detention will be issued. Absent Work - If you are absent from school (excused absence), please see me immediately upon returning to the classroom. If you know in advance of the absence, please arrange to receive assignments before leaving. If you participate in sports or other co-curricular activity and need to be absent from class; please see me before leaving to receive assignments for period absences.

Hamilton High School Social Science Department 2011

Classroom Management Class Behavior Expectations: 1. Be seated and prepared with the needed materials when the bell rings. 2. Bring your textbook, notebook, workbook, and pen or pencil to class every day unless instructed by teacher to do otherwise. 3. Be respectful of teachers, students, and school property. 4. No cell phones or electronic games, headphones, etc. (see student handbook) 5. Please raise your hand to ask questions, participate in discussion, or for permission to leave your seat. 6. Display courtesy to others never talk while teacher is talking or when another student is talking with permission. Refrain from the use of profanity. 7. Please refrain from food, gum, or drinks (with the exception of water in a secure container with closing top) while in class. 8. Students wait for teacher to dismiss the class NOT the bell. Class Discipline and Consequences: Instructional time is valuable and it is a priority to ensure all students receive instruction and have ample opportunities to learn and succeed in this class. I expect students to be ready to learn when the bell rings, display appropriate classroom behavior, and actively and constructively participation in class discussions and assignments. All class behavior expectations and school rules are to be followed at all times. If a student does not follow class behavior expectations and/or school rules, the following consequences (or depending on severity of actions, steps may escalate to the next appropriate disciplinary level) will occur: 1. Verbal warning 2. Conference with teacher 3. Lunch detention issued and phone call home (if needed) 4. Parent, teacher, student conference 5. Referral is written and student sent to Assistant Principal/office

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