American Government/ Civics

Thomas County Central High School

Mrs. Caitlin Muse

  • Email:
  • Phone: 229-225-5050
  • Remind 101:To receive messages via text, text @cmuse to 81010, To receive messages via email, send an email to
  • Planning Period: 2:10-3:00

TEXT: The text that we will be using is called American Government. Students will not be issued a book. Instead, students will be given a book to use while in class.

1. COURSE DESCRIPTION: The main purpose of this course is to provide students with a background in the philosophy, functions, and structure of the United States government. Students will examine the philosophical foundations of the United States government and how that philosophy developed. Students also examine the structure and function of the United States government and its relationship to states and citizens.

  1. GRADING POLICY: 40%-Tests

30%-Classwork

10%-Projects/ Quizzes

20%-Benchmark / SLO

** Students will be allowed to retest in order to show mastery of the standards within 5 days of the original assignment date. However the following requirements must be met in order to retest:

  1. The student must show evidence of effort (tutoring, extra practice etc.)
  2. The student must make an appointment with the teacher in order to retest
  1. REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Notebook

Paper

Pen or Pencil

  1. COURSE OUTLINE:
  1. Foundations of the American System of Government
  2. Federalism
  3. The Constitution and the rights it guarantees Americans
  4. The Judicial Branch
  5. The Election Process
  6. The Executive Branch

VII. The Legislative Branch

  1. MY EXPECTATIONS:

1. You will show respect to everyone in the classroom. When one person is talking everyone is listening. You will not make any rude and unkind comments to other students.

2. You are here to learn and so it is imperative that you pay attention. Your focus should be on our government lesson and not anything else.

3. You will have a pen, a pencil, loose-leaf paper, and notebook every day that we meet.

4. You will be in your seat, sitting quietly and ready to begin when the tardy bell rings. You will remain in your seat unless you have permission to leave it.

5. You must read the text, assignments must be completed, and you must prepare properly for examinations.

6. You are required to maintain an orderly notebook containing all handout materials and class notes.

7. If you are absent, you are responsible for any work missed. If you miss a test, you will take the make-up test upon the next day of attendance. Please see me if we need to make arrangements to take the test on another date.

8. If you have questions, concerns, or need extra help, you understand that I am here to help and will be happy to meet with you to discuss any of these.

6. CLASS PROCEDURES:

1) Warm up questions must be written and answered daily. They will be graded every 20 days

2) You may go to the restroom whenever you wish during student work time

3) In accordance with school policy- after 4 tardies a discipline referral will be made.

4) 5 pts per day will be taken off for late work, with a maximum of 20 points being deducted.

5) Personal technology may only be used when instructed by the teacher.

The Georgia Performance Standards for AmericanGovernment can be found at

Students will abide by the policies of Thomas County Schools and Thomas County Central High School policies for tardiness, attendance, make-up work, and discipline. These policies will be strictly enforced.

------

YOUR GOAL FOR THIS COURSE:

______

______

Please return by Friday

I have read these course requirements and understand my responsibilities inthis course.

Student Signature: ______

Parent Signature: ______