US Government

Instructor: Mr. McHugh

Contact Information: &nb= sp; 508-764-5450

Website: http://www.shshistorydept.net

Extra Help Hours: Monday – Friday=

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to help you gain a better understanding of the reasons for government and its place in your life. We will focuses on the r= ole of government in history, organization and operation of local, state, and national government. You will study the U.S. Constitution with particular emphasis on the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The course is intended to enable students to become active citizens in the democratic pro= cess.

The goals of this course are set in the nine concepts. These are listed below, and will be the used as a guide to r= each an understanding of purpose of this course.

1. Investigate the purpose of government.=

2. Understand the significance and impact= of the Constitution on your everyday life.

3. Investigate the structure and function= of federal, state and local government.

4. Understand the protections and privile= ges of individuals and groups in the U.S.

5. Understand the different power among t= he national, state, and local governments in the United States federal system and s= how that I know the different responsibilities of each level of government.

6. Understand the responsibilities of citizens in the United States.

7. Understand basic economic principles a= nd how the influence everyday life.

8. Understand the relationship between the United States and the international systems of government.

9. Compare different political systems wi= th that of the United States; (e.g., dictatorship, democracy, theocracy, monar= chy, and totalitarianism.

Methods of Learning

Individual, group, and paired activities, guided reading, study drills, extension activities, class discussion, technol= ogy, projects, reflective writing, lecture, note taking, primary source document analysis, presentations, essays, research writing<= /span>

Grading Policy

Homework / Notebook: 20% ( late homework will not be accepted)
Class work: 10% (class work is to be completed by t= he end of class unless absent)
Quizzes: 10% (Quizzes must be made up after school = within one week from date administered)
Essays and Meeting Summaries: 20% (late essays will= be subject to a 10 point deduction for each day late) Each student will be required to attend at le= ast one Town Council Meeting; one School Committee meeting, Town Council meeting and one town board meeting each quarter and provide at least a= 5 paragraph summary of the meeting.
Projects: 20% (late projects will be subject to a 10 point deduction for each day late)
Exams: 20% (exams must be made up after school with= in one week from date administered)

Midterm and Final exams will be = as per School Policy.

Classroom Procedures<= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast= -font-family: "Times New Roman"'> To help us learn and work together

Raise your hand if you have a question, need help or need to leave your seat
While waiting for others to finish work: read silen= tly, study, begin extension activity
Daily class work and homework assignment location (= for those absent)
Paper distribution and flow
Rubric policy: staple to and return with assigned w= ork (minus 10 points w/out rubric)
When tardy enter quietly, hand in pass and take sea= t
Respond immediately to my request for attention, du= ring an announcement, visitor, and phone ring (silence)
Student closest to door responds to knock
Work cooperatively in groups

Daily Routine

Enter classroom in a quiet and orderly manner and be seated
Textbook, Notebook, Pen/Pencil only on desk
Bell Rings: Silence please, Read agenda, begin warm= -up
Lesson Core: listen carefully to instruction and fo= llow the first time
Closing Activity: Follow instructions for closing activity, time and activity may vary
Begin extension activity or read silently if finish= ed early
MAKE IT A GOOD DAY!!!!

Rules of Engagement <= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast= -font-family: "Times New Roman"'>

Be in assigned seat when bell rings
Have all materials ready (text, notebook, pen/penci= l, homework)
Do not use vulgar or offensive language<= /span>
Be respectful of others (eye contact, listen attentively)
Listen to instructions and raise hand to speak=
Adhere to rules in student handbook
Work hard and study hard
MAKE IT A GOOD DAY!!!

________________________________Tear and Return_________________= ______________

· = We are here for you and will let not= hing interfere with your success in US Gov.

· = LET’S MAKE IT A GOOD YEAR!!!!

· = Student Name:___________________________________

· = Student Signature __________________________________ = ; Date _____________

· = Parent Signature ___________________________________ &nbs= p; Date _____________