American Government Mrs. Kubacki Mrs. Dignan Great Expectations American Government Mrs. Kubacki Mrs. Dignan

I. Course Description: Teach you to be a good Citizen. You will learn about the structure and functions of local, state, and national government. to develop a better understanding of the American political system. The U.S. and Illinois Constitution Test, is taken during this course. Length of Course: One semester Credit: .5 credit per semester

III. Course Materials Text: Magruder’s American Government (Prentice Hall) Materials Writing Utensil American Government Folder Spiral notebook and loose-leaf paper Bell ringer Sheet (provided every 2 weeks by teacher.

Some other stuff Bell ringers- Readings At the beginning of class you will be given a question. +5 points a day Readings At the start of each section you will be given a reading. Analyze readings and answer questions You may use your readings and notes for the chapter quiz. The Quiz is an assessment and is recorded at 90% It all Adds up……..

CLASSROOM HANDOUTS Daily handouts are on table by door Pick up handouts as you enter Extra Bell ringers and Readings are also there

Attendance Your presence in class is very important absences should be kept to the minimum.

…If you are absent All assignments and notes will be posted on Edline. http://www.edline.net/pages/Romeoville_High_School

V. Assessment policies: Evaluation: Grades will be computed on the following: tests, quizzes, daily work and Projects as assigned Grades will be computed by a weighted point system: 90% Tests & Quizzes 10% Homework/Assignments/Projects 25% Final Exam Grading Scale: Revised in 8/2012

Grading Scale LETTER GRADE * PERCENTAGE POINTS A 100-93 % B+ 89.9-87 F 59.9 and below

VII. Retakes Retakes are designed for you if you are performing below a 70%. If you score below 70% on your first retry, you will be eligible to take the test one more time. To Qualify you must complete required work And complete an Additional Project to Show Mastery. The grade earned on the retake will be the final grade for all retakes for the assessment. Retakes must be taken within 2 weeks of the initial test.

Unit 1 – Documents of Freedom Essential Question: Why are written documents necessary to insure personal freedoms? Chapter Topic Assessment 1 Principles of Government Chapter 1 Test 3 US Constitution Amendment Test 24/25 Illinois Constitution/Flag Illinois Constitution Flag Test Unit 2 – Government in Action Essential Question: How do Political Beliefs Influence Actions? 4 Federalism   13 and 14 The Presidency 10,11,12 Congress 18 The Federal Court System Unit 2 Test Unit 3 – The Political Experience Essential Question: How do Political Beliefs Influence Actions? 6 Voters and Voter’s Behavior 5 Political Parties 7 The Electoral Process Unit 3 Test

Constitution Test Students will be taking the U.S. Constitution Test US Amendments Test Illinois Constitution Test

Popsicle Stix Write name on Stick Used to call on in class.

Eating/Drinking in Classroom No Eating IF you do not have a lunch period Sack Lunches are ok Drinks OK, if they have a lid CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF MESS CAN ELIMINATE ABILITY TO EAT IN CLASS

Behavior Violation Form The form used will be 2-ply; one copy for the student, one copy given to the dean’s office. BEHAVIOR VIOLATION Name:_____________________ Date:________ Period:_____ ID #:______________________ Tardy (time)___________ ID Electronic Device Dress Code Disruption Inappropriate Hallway Behavior Language Inappropriate Location Teacher (print):_________________________

Rules Be Respectful Be Trustful Be Responsible Brainstorm – What does this look like? How does Technology impact this? How does Tardy impact this. Make Class Poster

FIRST ASSIGNMENT Write down 3 ways that the government affects your life Turn to the person next to you and compare lists. Add items you didn’t have Go to a third person and compare lists. Add additional items. Once you have 10 different items – return to your desk. Highlight the most important way government affects you and write a paragraph (at least 5 sentences of why)