Revised Fall 2023
U.S. Government Fall Semester 2023-24
In United States Government, the focus is on the principles and beliefs upon which the United States was founded and, on the structure, functions, and powers of government at the national, state, and local levels. This course is the culmination of the civic and governmental content and concepts studied from kindergarten through required secondary courses. Students learn major political ideas and forms of government in history. A significant focus of the course is on the U.S. Constitution, its underlying principles and ideas, and the form of government it created. Students analyze major concepts of republicanism, federalism, checks and balances, separation of powers, popular sovereignty, and individual rights and compare the U.S. system of government with other political systems. Students identify the role of government in the U.S. free enterprise system and examine the strategic importance of places to the United States. Students analyze the impact of individuals, political parties, interest groups, and the media on the American political system, evaluate the importance of voluntary individual participation in a constitutional republic, and analyze the rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Students examine the relationship between governmental policies and the culture of the United States. Students identify examples of government policies that encourage scientific research and use critical-thinking skills to create a product on a contemporary government issue.
Instructor: Clifford L Barnes Jr.
Office: White Oak High School Rm 155
E-Mail: [email protected]
Conference Hours: M-F 7:55-8:40 Make an appointment, and we can meet by phone or face-to-face.
Email Policy: Instructors and students should use White Oak school email for email correspondence.
Course Rationale
To support the teaching of the essential knowledge and skills, the use of a variety of rich primary and secondary source material such as the complete text of the U.S. Constitution, selected Federalist Papers, landmark cases of the U.S. Supreme Court (such as those studied in Grade 8 and U.S. History Since 1877), biographies, autobiographies, memoirs, speeches, letters, and periodicals that feature analyses of political issues and events is encouraged.
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS:
REQUIRED:
Textbook United State Government issued by White Oak High School
Chrome Book Issued by White Oak High School
Paper, Pencils, Pens provided by the student.
EVALUATION:
Test grades will account for 60% of your 9 weeks grade. Tests include written tests as well as research papers, and other written assignments.
Daily grades will account for 40% of your 9 weeks grade. Daily grades can include quizzes, short written or oral assignments, puzzles, worksheets and other short assignments including weekly classroom input via story telling assignments.
(1) Test average x .60
(2) Quiz average x .40
Grade scale: A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F=59 and below.
CLASSROOM POLICIES
1. School Rules are class rules.
2. No Headphones, Cell Phones, Smartwatches etc. – Only when appropriate for classroom activities. And allowed by the instructor.
3. Class Time – Class time is for class work while I understand football and physics are important, they have their own time.
4. No sleeping in class if you are tired stand up.
5 Your work is your responsibility if you miss work get with me to make it up.
6. Blog page– The student will be responsible for checking the Government Blog page and Skyward, where all information about assignments, changes to assignments, course proceedings, and grades will be posted for students to access individually.
7. If a student is absent when a test or quiz is given, or an assignment is due the student with have 1 week to make the work up the quiz or test may be a variation of the one given to the rest of the class to maintain course integrity.
8. Missing Class –In the case of missing a class period, students are responsible for obtaining information they missed during that session and will be held accountable for all assignments.
Disclaimer:
As instructor, I reserve the right to amend and/or modify this syllabus as necessary to promote the best education possible within prevailing conditions affecting this course.
