Course Title: US Government (2 Trimesters) & Economics (1 Trimester)

Teacher: Mr. Scott Manson

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Web Site:

Extra Help: M-Th 2:30-3:30

Course Description:

This course expands on the student’s Civics and American History education. It focuses on how the federal government works, and what are the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Students will review the basic principles and foundations of American Government. This course will also prepare students to be active participants in their government and society by requiring them to observe a government or civic meeting and to participate in a community service activity. In numerous activities, students will analyze their role in a democratic society. They will examine how governmental issues are observable in current events, thus making strong connections between what is studied in class and what is happening in the world outside the classroom.

The study of economics during 3rd Trimester will focus on local, national, and global economics decision-making. Central to economic decision-making is the examination of how individuals, households, businesses, and governments use scarce resources to satisfy unlimited wants and needs. Through the course of this study, students will compare how the rules and procedures of various economic systems will impact market outcomes (demand, supply, price) in the product market and in the resource market. Students will examine resource use decisions by analyzing public issues (in terms of production, distribution, and consumption) and by exploring how policy alternatives impact local, national and global economic systems. Economic change and the resultant effects of such change on individuals, households, businesses, government, and the environment will be studied. Students will also analyze the behavior of public policy officials in the context of their honest and integrity. Students will thus understand how economic change influences their lives and will recognize the importance of using economic reasoning as a tool to evaluate public policy alternatives.

Essential Questions

• Who Governs & to What end do they govern?

• What are the consequences of economic choices?

• How do markets operate?

Content Standards

Essential Standards

The student can:

1. Know how constitutional amendments and Supreme Court interpretations of the Constitution have increased the impact of the Constitution on people's lives by:

a. Describing the Supreme Court’s function in interpreting the Constitution.

2. Understand how the three branches of government function and interact by:

a. Explaining the powers and operations of the legislative branch as defined in Article I of the Constitution and describe and evaluate the procedures involved in passing laws;

b. Explaining the powers and operations of the executive branch as defined in Article II of the Constitution and describe the roles and responsibilities of the president;

c. and Explaining the powers and operations of the judicial branch as defined in Article III of the Constitution and describe and evaluate the process used by the Supreme Court in choosing to hear, analyze, and decide cases.

3.Understand the role and influence of political processes and organizations by:

a. Examining the role of interest groups, think tanks, the media, and public opinion on the political process and public policy formation.

4. Apply economic theories and concepts to public policy issues.

Evaluation:

Class work/Essays/Daily Work, & Participation - 80%

Quizzes/Tests/Projects - 20%

Participation (Daily Points):

Every day, students have the opportunity to earn up to 15 daily points in class. These points are based on 5 areas:

Attendance (5 pts), Behavior (5 pts), and Work Completion (5 pts)

Description of Grading and Quality Work in American History:

A
90-100% / B
80-89% / C
70-79% / D
60-69% / F
0-59%
Class work and homework / Consistently on time
Exceeded stated expectations
High quality work
Mastered appropriate skills
Rarely missed assignments / Consistently on time
Occasionally exceeded stated expectations
Good quality work
Mastered appropriate skills
Rarely missed assignments / Usually on time
Met stated expectations
Average quality work
Mastered most appropriate skills
Occasionally missed assignments / Rarely on time or completed
Met minimum stated expectations
Poor quality work
Mastered some appropriate skills / Rarely on time or completed
Did not meet stated expectations
Poor quality work
Did not master appropriate skills
Consistently missed assignments
Essays and Projects / High quality product
Exceeded stated expectations
Consistently on time
Worked independently / Good quality product
Exceeded stated expectations
Consistently on time
Usually worked independently / Average quality product
Met stated expectations
Usually on time
Worked independently with some guidance / Poor quality product
Met minimum stated expectations
Rarely on time or completed
Did not work independently / Poor quality product
Did not meet minimum stated expectations
Not on time or completed
Did not work independently
Tests / Consistently scored high / Occasionally scored high / Rarely scored high / Scored below average / Failed or scored below average

Make-Up Work Guidelines:

If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to find out what you missed. Please look at your student handbook for more information on excused and unexcused absences.

*YOU are expected to make arrangements to make up missed work.

Textbooks and/or Workbooks:

AGS US Government Textbook

Online Textbook

Other Texts & Workbooks

Student Supplies:

Pencils

Blue or Black Pens

Highlighters

Note Book or Loose leaf paper (college ruled) in a 1-inch three ring binder

Strongly Recommended: 512MB USB Flashdrive (or larger)

Discipline Plan:

Consequences for Breaking Rules

1st Offense: Warning

2ndOffense: Teacher/Student Conference

3rdOffense: Parent phone call and Office Referral

***ANY SEVERE DISRUPTION OF CLASS WILL RESULT IN AN IMMEDIATE REFERRAL!!!!***

Tardy Policy:

Students need to be in their seats when the bell rings (or when teacher closes door).

If you are late, you MUST get a red pass from Security or Administration

Students need to come into class and immediately begin working on the warm-up activity.

Electronics:

Electronics of any kind are not permitted during class time. This Includes:

  • I-Pods, MP3 players, Cell Phones, Video Games, Laser Pointers, etc

If an electronic device is seen or used in class, it will be confiscated and turned in to the office. A parent must come in to pick upconfiscated electronic devices.