12 Grade United States Government 2013-2014 Course Outline

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Mrs. S. Netkin

A. 3 Simple Rules 1. Be PUNCTUAL. 2. Be PREPARED. 3. Be PRESENT. B. Coursework and Objectives nd 1. United States Government is a half year course. (2 half is Economics) 2. The Participation in Government curriculum is designed to be a culminating course of study that focuses on Civics, Citizenship, and Government. Upon entering 12th grade, students should be ready to synthesize and apply this content-rich experience to the study of contemporary and/or historic public issues and to increase the students awareness of their rights and responsibilities as a citizen. The term participation is interpreted in its broad sense. It is designed to engage students in the analysis of public policies and issues that are relevant to individual students. The course reflects: An issue-based approach to public policy, The tools and skills needed in real-world learning experiences, and The knowledge needed for effective citizenship. 3. Students will study the development of our countrys government and how it relates to them as they prepare to become active members of society. 4. Students will use prior knowledge as a foundation to gain new information and awareness of the country we live in. 5. Students will develop comprehension skills through text as well as writing skills based on related topics. C. Homework 1. Given 3-5 nights a week and is due the following day unless specified. 2. Must be completed on a separate sheet of paper (NOT ON NOTES) to be collected (unless a worksheet) 3. If a student misses a homework assignment, it must be completed by the following day for half credit to be given. If not, no credited will be given. D. Tests and Quizzes 1. Tests are given 2-3 times during each trimester. 2. Quizzes are given throughout each unit. E. Projects and/or Reports - TBA F. Trimester grade is calculated using the following percentages: Tests Quizzes Homework Class work activities Projects/Reports NY Times Summer Reading 25% 10% 20% 15% 20% 10%

G. Supplies 1. Loose-leaf binder and Loose-leaf paper minimum size, 1 inches (or a 5 subject notebook) 2. 3-hole puncher 3. Blue and/or black pens 4. Accordion Folder (Portfolio) 5. Subject dividers/tabs 6. Highlighter 7. Access to a newspaper, weekly

H. Discipline Policy 1. Students must abide by the discipline and school policies. I. You may email me at snetkin@mdyhs.net with questions or concerns about assignments.

12th Grade American Government Course Outline 1st Trimester Text: Magruders American Government Unit 1: Introduction and the Origins of Government a. What is government and why is it necessary? b. Basic concepts of democracy c. Universe of Obligation d. Civic duty and responsibility Unit 2: Political Parties a. Parties and What They Do (pp116-118) b. The Two Party System (pp119-124) c. The Two Party System in American History (pp126-131) d. Minor Parties (pp132-135) e. Party Organization (pp137-142) Unit 3: Voters and Voter Behavior a. The Right to Vote (pp146-150) b. Voter Qualifications (pp152-157) c. Suffrage and Civil Rights (pp159-163) d. Voter Behavior (pp164-172) Unit 4: The Electoral Process a. The Nominating Process (pp176-186) b. Elections (pp188-194) c. Money and Elections (pp196-202) Unit 5: Mass Media and Public Opinion a. The Formation of Public Opinion (pp208-213) b. Measuring Public Opinion (pp215-221) c. The Mass Media (pp223-230) Unit 6: Interest Groups a. The Nature of Interest Groups (pp236-240) b. Types of Interest Groups (pp242-247) c. Interest Groups at Work (pp249-254) Unit 7: The Presidency a. Job Description (pp354-358) b. Presidential Succession and the Vice Presidency (p359-363) c. Presidential Succession (pp365-367) d. Presidential Nominations (pp368-375) e. The Election (pp377-384)

Unit 8: The Presidency in Action a. The Growth of Presidential Power (pp390-392) b. The Presidents Executive Powers (pp393-397) c. Diplomatic and Military Powers (pp399-403) d. Legislative and Judicial Powers (pp405-408) Unit 9: Government at Work a. The Federal Bureaucracy (pp414-418) b. The Executive Office of the President (pp419-422) c. The Executive Departments (pp424-429) d. Independent Agencies (pp430-435) e. The Civil Service (pp437-440) Unit 10: Financing Government a. Taxes (pp446-452) b. Nontax Revenues and Borrowing (pp454-456) c. Spending and the Budget (pp458-462)