1. American Government

2. “The inherent purpose of American Government is to let people seek their own goals and to encourage them to be responsible on the various adventures they have on their way to those goals, good, bad, and otherwise.” - P.J. O’Rourke

3. American Government Semester course, designed to help students examine the way in which government in the U.S. is organized and the impact that many aspects of government have on the lives of citizens. Students will analyze and define the U.S. political system and its effectiveness in fulfilling the needs of the public.

4. Concepts covered Political Foundations Principles of Democracy Constitutional Government Political Processes World Affairs Citizenship Public Good Executive, Legislative, Judicial Branches

5. Grading Tests 40% Homework 30% Projects 20% Classwork/Participation 10% Final Exam

6. Projects Mock Congress Judicial Review Political Cartoons Current Events CNN Student News Daily Warm-up Quick quizzes – after each homework assignment

7. Make-up Policy All homework is due on the day you return from the absence. Ask for work ahead of time if you know you are going to be absent All work, tests, quizzes, projects must be made up by the end of the chapter.

8. Classroom Rules/Procedures ARRIVE TO CLASS ON TIME or fill out a tardy slip in the hall by the door. Three tardies will result in an after school detention with Mrs. Guscott. BRING ALL MATERIALS WITH YOU KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF ONE PERSON TALKS AT A TIME NO ONE TALKS WHEN THE TEACHER IS TALKING NO CELL PHONES OR I WILL: VERBAL WARNING TEACHER DETENTION ADMINISTRATOR DETENTION

9. BYOD Policy You may bring your own devices to class to use when needed. We will use the STOP Light to indicate if you can have your cell phone out in class that day or not. If you see a RED circle on the board, we will not use cell phone that day, YELLOW means we will be using them for something very specific, GREEN means you can use them liberally. Failure to adhere to the STOP light will result in a verbal warning for the first offense, a teacher detention for the second offense, and a administration detention for the third.

10. DISCIPLINE Failure to follow any of the previously mentioned rules/procedures will result in an after school detention with Mrs. Guscott. After school detentions are held every MONDAY from 2:30 until 3:00. The key to this class is RESPECT! For yourself, each other, and the teacher.

11. Mrs. Guscott 867-7700 x4123 dguscott@acschools.org Check my webpage for project directions/rubrics (under assignment page) Check my webpage calendar for homework assignments, project due dates, and upcoming tests/quizzes