GOVERNMENT COURSE OUTLINE
Teacher Mr. Stanley
Course Description This course is intended to provide students with a basic understanding of the principles behind the U.S. Government including its beginnings, functions, political parties and electoral system. Special focus will be made on the impact of government on students as well as the role of individuals in government participation.
Course Outcomes 1. Develop knowledge and skills in the principles and documents of government including arguments for the necessity of government, principles that shape government, sources and functions of law, and how law promotes the common good and protects individual rights. PA Standards 5.1.12
2. Acquire knowledge and skills related to the rights and responsibilities of citizenship including participation in government, forms and roles of political leadership, how individual rights promote or conflict with the common good. PA Standards 5.2.12
3. Acquire knowledge in the functions and processes of how government works including the structure, organization, and operation of government as well as powers of government, legislative process, law enforcement, public policy, political parties, campaigns, impact of interest groups, and role of media. PA Standards 5.3.12
Course Requirements Students grade will be determined using a total point system and will consist of the following assignments:
Weekly Participation (5 Points Daily)
Worksheets (10-20 pts. Ea.)
Minor Projects (50 pts. Ea.)
Major Projects (100 pts. Ea)
Exams (100 pts Ea.)
Final Grade Final Grades will be a combination of quarterly grades, midterm exam, and a final exam. Weighted value:
1st Quarter= 20% 2nd Quarter= 20%
3rd Quarter= 20% 4th Quarter= 20%
Final and Midterm= 20% (10% each)
Class Participation Participation is key and will include student participation in classroom lectures and discussions, proper respect of the classroom community, being prepared for class and being in class ON-TIME.
Due Dates Work is due on the date assigned. Any late assignments will be deducted 15% for each day late, after 3 days the max grade will be 50%. Exams missed due to unexcused absences will also be deducted 15% for each day late.
Notebook Students are required to have a NOTEBOOK AND FOLDER, which will be brought to class everyday. A 3 ring binder is preferred. Notebooks will be checked periodically for content and counted as a worksheet grade.
Extra Help I am available to help any student who requests additional help. Time will be given before or after school to accommodate any student who needs assistance.
Parents or students please do not hesitate to contact me either at school or via email-
Grading Policy
· 15% reduction for each day late up to 50% max after 3 days.
· 5% reduction for no name.
· Writing Assignments
o 10% for each page short
o 10% for incorrect font, font size, spacing.
o 10% for inappropriate content (profanity etc.)
· Notes and assignments will be given out once, if you lose them and need a replacement a 5-point penalty will be assessed to your participation score.
Laptop Expectations
· Students are expected to bring laptops to class every day.
· Laptops should be left on but closed except when instructed otherwise.
· Any student having a problem with their laptop is expected to inform the instructor at the start of class.
· Printing should be done prior to arrival in class using one of the student printers located throughout the building.
· Strictly Prohibited Activities:
o Personal Email
o Instant Messaging
o Chatting
o Playing Games
o File Sharing
o All other prohibitions listed in student acceptable use policy
· You will need your laptop almost every day for class work. If you lose laptop privileges either in this class or another it WILL impact your grade.
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Student Signature Parent Signature
Parents: Because of time constraints email is the easiest way to contact me and vice-versa. If you have email, please write your address below. Thank You.
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Government/Economics Curriculum Plan
Unit Overview
UNIT 1: Foundations of American Government
A. Principles of Government
B. Evolution of American Democracy
PA Standards: 5.1.12a,I,j 5.3.12a,k
UNIT 2: The Constitution
A. Principles
B. Structure
C. Amendments
PA Standards: 5.1.12e,f,g,I,j,l 5.2.12c,f 5.3.12g
UNIT 3: Federalism
A. National and State Powers
B. Politics of Federalism
PA Standards: 5.1.12e,f,g,I,j,l 5.2.12c,f 5.3.12g
UNIT 4: Political Parties
A. Development
B. Organization
C. Function
PA Standards: 5.1.12c 5.2.12a 5.3.12e
UNIT 5: Electoral Process
A. Campaigning
B. Voting Rights
C. Voter Behavior
PA Standards: 5.1.12c 5.2.12a,e,f,j
UNIT 6: Legislative Branch
A. Organization
B. Powers
C. Process
PA Standards: 5.1.12b 5.2.12d 5.3.12b,c,d,I
UNIT 7: Executive Branch
A. Organization
B. Powers
C. Process
PA Standards: 5.1.12b 5.2.12d 5.3.12b
UNIT 8: Judicial Branch
A. Federal Court System
B. Supreme Court
PA Standards: 5.1.12b,e,l 5.2.12d 5.3.12a,b
UNIT 9: Interest Groups and Media
A. Organization and Role of Interest Groups
B. Impact of Interest Groups and Media
C. Regulating Media
PA Standards: 5.3.12e,f,h,j, 5.3.12e,f,j
UNIT 10: Public Policy
A. Social
B. Economic
C. Foreign
UNIT 11: Civil Liberties
A. Bill of Rights
B. Due Process
PA Standards: 5.1.12b,c,e,f,j,l 5.2.12c,f 5.3.12g, 5.1.12b,c,f,j,l 5.2.12c,f 5.3.12g