Principles of American Democracy

Instructor: Joseph Green

Phone: 760-403-9966
E-mail: joseph_green@riversideprep.net
Course Website: www.mrgreensclassroom.com

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

As an academic field, American government encompasses not only the study of the systems, institutions,
and policies of the United States government but also the political ideals and beliefs of the American
people. The field falls within the broader discipline of political science, the study of government and
power. Students and scholars of American government try to answer questions concerning the political
culture, the distribution of power, decision-making processes, government policies, and laws, among
other issues and behaviors. American government and political science often overlap with other social
sciences, including economics, psychology, sociology, and anthropology.

Unit Outline:
Listed are the units of study throughout the duration of the semester:
● Unit 1: Foundations of Government
● Unit 2: The Constitution: Civil Rights, Civil Liberties, and the Amendments
● Unit 3: The Legislative Branch
○ Mini Unit: Voting Rights
● Unit 4: The Executive Branch
○ Mini Unit: Political Parties
○ Mini Unit: Media
● Unit 5: The Judicial Branch
● State and Local Government
These units will carry us throughout the duration of the semester, with additional shortened lessons,
lectures, and vital topics of discussion as 2018 election draws closer.

Text and Supplemental Materials

Basic Text:
1. Hart, D., & Bower, B. (2014). Government alive!: Power, politics, and you. Rancho
Cordova, CA: Teachers' Curriculum Institute.

Homework & Grading Policy:

Homework assignments are an extension of what has already been taught in the classroom, and
these are planned learning assignments that require additional time and effort outside of a
student’s regular school hours. These assignments reinforce classroom learning and expand on
the classroom experience. The purpose of homework assignments are to:
● Gain more information than would be possible in the classroom setting alone.
 ● Learn to manage time effectively.
● Encourage responsibility, planning and organizational skills.
● Extend learning beyond the school into the home and community.
● Practice skills already acquired in the classroom.
● Provide parents with a sense of what students are learning.

Academic Grading Scale

90-100% = A
80-89% = B
70-79% = C
60-69% = D
0-59% = F

Academic Grades

35% Formal Assessment 65% Informal Assessment

Test, Quizzes and major projects Classwork, homework, participation, group work,
bell ringer activities

Group Work

20% Group Grade 80% Individual Grade

This includes the final presentation of the group
and can include peer grading
This is to be the effort each individual put into the
project; there should be a separate evaluation of
the individual's contribution to the work where they
can prove mastery of the material without being
penalized for other group members efforts

Late Work
All work is due the date assigned by the teacher for an assignment. There are times where students will
forget their work or not have it done to turn in, thus making it late when they do turn it in. Their work will
be considered late and points will be deducted based on the following:
● 10% each day with a floor of 50%. After 5 days, an assignment will be considered a
ZERO (0) in the grade book and cannot be made up.
Extra Credit
Extra Credit is not a guarantee and is up to the individual teacher to assign. Teachers DO NOT have to
give extra credit. Extra credit must be academically based and tied to an academic concept. Extra credit
should not be in place of the originally assigned work, but in addition to concepts already learned.
Discipline and Consequences Carried Out at Teacher’s Discretion:

*All district and school rules are in effect at all times. (Student Handbook)

* Syllabus is subject to change at anytime.

Please return to Mr. Green

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Print name of Student: ____________________________________________

Student Signature: _______________________________________________

Parent Signature: _________________________________________________