American Government
Rancho Buena Vista High School
1601 Longhorn Drive, Vista Ca. 92081
(760) 727-7284 x 3235 – scottwtaylor@gmail.com
Scott Taylor, Instructor
This class will introduce the student to the workings of the American system of government. The American system of representative democracy is dependent for success upon the participation of an informed citizenry, which brings ethical as well as intellectual considerations to bear in pursuit of political goals. Students will become aware, not only of the nature and complexity of the American system itself, but of their own role within it. Critical thinking, oral and written communication and cooperative learning behaviors are all emphasized.
The course follows the California Social Studies
Framework, meets the state requirement for high school graduation and the
University of California entrance requirements. Five credits are awarded for the
one semester course.
Course Objectives –
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12.1 |
Students explain the fundamental principles and moral values of American democracy as expressed in the U.S. Constitution and other essential documents of American democracy. |
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12.2 |
Students evaluate and take and defend positions on the scope and limits of rights and obligations as democratic citizens, the relationships among them, and how they are secured. |
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12.3 |
Students evaluate, take, and defend positions on what the fundamental values and principles of civil society are (i.e., the autonomous sphere of voluntary personal, social, and economic relations that are not part of government), their interdependence, and the meaning and importance of those values and principles for a free society. |
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12.4 |
Students analyze the unique roles and responsibilities of the three branches of government as established by the U.S. Constitution. |
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12.5 |
Students summarize landmark U.S. Supreme Court interpretations of the Constitution and its amendments. |
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12.6 |
Students evaluate issues regarding campaigns for national, state, and local elective offices. |
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12.7 |
Students analyze and compare the powers and procedures of the national, state, tribal, and local governments. |
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12.8 |
Students evaluate and take and defend positions on the influence of the media on American political life. |
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12.9 |
Students analyze the origins, characteristics, and development of different political systems across time, with emphasis on the quest for political democracy, its advances, and its obstacles. |
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12.10 |
Students formulate questions about and defend their analyses of tensions within our constitutional democracy and the importance of maintaining a balance between the following concepts: majority rule and individual rights; liberty and equality; state and national authority in a federal system; civil disobedience and the rule of law; freedom of the press and the right to a fair trial; the relationship of religion and government. |
Each student will be required to complete 6 hours of approved community participation within the semester in order to receive a passing grade in the American Government course. This is an absolute requirement to pass each class and to graduate from high school. There are no waivers or exceptions. If the entire six hours are not completed prior to the 12-week progress report, a grade of “F” will be assigned for that grading period despite whatever grade may have been earned on the balance of the semesters work. If the community participation work is not completed by the semester’s end, a grade of “Incomplete” will be assigned.
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McGruder's American
Government Textbooks should be checked out from the library prior to the first day of class. A current RBV Student ID card is required to check out books. Books may be checked out prior to school, during Nutrition, or after school. Students will not be permitted to leave the class to check out textbooks. Books will be used in class daily. Failure to have textbook in class will negatively impact grade. |
Additional items required for the class are: A 3-Ring, notebook paper, sufficient pens and pencils. The textbook must be brought to class every day. It is a vital tool used in the course. Failure to have needed materials including the textbook as needed in the class may result in loss of grade or credit for the course.
Grades will be posted at 6 weeks, 12 weeks and semester. The 6- and 12-week grades are progress reports and do not become a permanent part of the student's record. The semester grade is part of the permanent record. The grades for this class will be based upon the following:
Homework and class work, Amount and quality of work produced, Results of written quizzes and tests, Special Projects, Classroom participation, Attendance, Citizenship including adherence to classroom rules
Grades will be calculated as follows:
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97-100% |
A+ |
74-76% |
C |
|
94-96% |
A |
70-73% |
C- |
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90-93% |
A- |
67-69% |
D+ |
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87-89% |
B+ |
64-66% |
D |
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84-86% |
B |
60-63% |
D- |
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80-83% |
B- |
0-59% |
F |
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77-79% |
C+ |
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When a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to make up the assignments that were missed. If the assignment was due on the date the student was absent, the student should bring the completed assignment to class upon his/her return. If the assignment was given out on the date the student was absent, the student will have an equal number of days to complete the assignment, time permitting. Late work will only be given full credit if the lateness was due to an excused absence. Otherwise late work may be turned in up to one week late for a maximum of 50% credit.
Make-up tests will only be given during lunch on a day to be determined in the week following the absence. Unless special alternate arrangements acceptable to the instructor are made prior to the scheduled make-up date, a grade of zero will be given on the test with no chance of make-up. Make-up exams are never given during class time.
All school policies and rules will be enforced in class. This includes school policies regarding cell phones, mp3 players, attendance and tardies, dress standards, and academic policy.
No food or drink in class. Any food or drink must be consumed outside of the classroom before before class starts or after class ends. Students who are late to class due to trying to eat or drink prior to coming to class will be subject to a tardy. The "no food or drink" rule above applies to gum and candy as well.
