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  2. American Government

American Government

 

Welcome to Fall 2019 American Government

Students will explore facets of our shared system of government in the United States.  From an understanding of the foundations of our government to an exploration of our three branches, students will have the skills necessary to take part in their civic duties in electing officials and participating in government.

 

Objectives (Embedded though KSDE Standards):

Students will...

  • Analyze. how the rule of law can be used to protect the rights of individuals and to promote the common good.
  • Describe core civic values inherent in the United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence that have been the foundation for unity in American society.
  • Explain Constitutional powers.
  • Examine the role of political parties in channeling public opinion, allowing people to act jointly, nominating candidates, conducting campaigns, and training future leaders.
  • Examine the purpose and functions of multi-national organizations.

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Syllabus

Stock Portfolio Spreadsheet

Unit 1:  Preamble - Form and Functions of Government

Student Outcome Objectives:

  • Analyze. how the rule of law can be used to protect the rights of individuals and to promote the common good.
  • Describe core civic values inherent in the United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence that have been the foundation for unity in American society.

During this unit, we will be discussing the basic philosophies driving governments and the means for that rule.  We will discuss the nature of citizenship and how our own founding fathers were influenced by the needs of the time and the philosophies of the enlightenment.

Unit Vocabulary and Objectives:  


Exam Study Guide

 

Unit 2:  Article I - Legislature

Student Outcome Objectives:

  • Analyze. how the rule of law can be used to protect the rights of individuals and to promote the common good.
  • Describe core civic values inherent in the United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence that have been the foundation for unity in American society.
  • Explain Constitutional powers.
  • Examine the role of political parties in channeling public opinion, allowing people to act jointly, nominating candidates, conducting campaigns, and training future leaders.

During this unit, we will be discussing the basic structure of the national legislature. As it is the first article of the constitution and the longest passage, students will delve into the basic structure of Congress and the powers of Congress, as laid out in the Constitution.

Vocab & Objectives

 

 

 
 
 
 

 

Mock Congress Directions

Week of November 11 Instructions

November 16 Committee Instructions

 

News Orientation

In order to make our students more well grounded in the day-to-day function of government, students will be required to read an article about current events in the government (local, regional, state, or federal) each week and submit a 1 paragraph summary of the article.  This will be submitted on Edmodo and may be tasked to a particular aspect of government, per the weekly description (i.e. as we study the legislative unit, students may have to find an article specific to a legislature - state or federal).  

Listed below are a number of on-line news sources that might be helpful in finding an article.  This list is by no means the entirety of news sources, however they should represent a wide spectrum of political perspective, as well as national vs. local.  Other publications may be used, but should be cleared with Mr. English before the student uses it.