Participation in Government                                                                    

Mr. Ferguson

I)                   Course Description:

This one semester course emphasizes the interaction between citizens

and government at all levels: local, state, federal.  Key civic values

and analytical concepts are developed and reinforced so that all students

are prepared for effective participation in the United States democratic

process.  The course includes the study of political decision-making.

II)                 Goals: 

The major goal of this course is to develop students’ awareness of the

complexities of American Government.  In this light, students will

examine the roles of the national, state and local governments.  Additionally,

students will develop an appreciation of the role of the presidency and

Congress.  Finally, students will discover the importance of state and local

governments and how they (students) participate as both citizens and voters

in our governmental system.

III)              Classroom Expectations:

Students are expected to arrive to class promptly and have a writing instrument (pen/notes, pencil/tests), textbook, and a notebook.  Students should be aware of the revised comprehensive student attendance policy

(student handbook).  Since the title of the course states the term “participation,” I encourage active involvement in both discussion and

debate.  Cutting class not only results in disciplinary action but more

importantly the loss of instructional time.  If you need to be excused,

simply raise your hand and indicate so.  If  absent, it is your responsibility

to get both notes and missing assignments.  The readmit policy will be

enforced.

IV)              Textbooks and Materials:

Magruder’s American Government-McClenaghan, William A. Prentice

Hall, 1997.  U.S. Government Book 1-2 Caliguire, Jacobs, Leach.

The Center for Learning.

V)                Major Topics and Activities:

Chapter                   Topics

     1                         Principles of Government

4                                                  Federalism

5                                                  Political Parties

6                                                  Voter and Voter Behavior

10                                              Congress

13                                              Presidency

24                                              State and Local Government

                  Activities:         

                       Mock Congress

                       Voter Registration (on-site)

                       Semester Projects and Presentations

VI)              Homework:

Homework (chapter assignment/questions) must be done in blue or black

ink on lined loose-leaf paper.  Homework will be collected and considered

in the quarter grade.  Assignments are due on the given date.  Assignments

given in more than one day late will not be accepted. 

VII)           Grading:

Students will complete chapter tests, homework assignments and a final

project/ presentation.

Grading:          Quarter                            Final (semester grade)

                         Tests               70%         Average of the two quarter grades

                         Homework     20%          x 70%

                         Participation  10%           Final Project/Presentation x 30%

VIII)         Progress Reports/Boosters:

Progress reports are sent five weeks prior to the first quarter report card.

Individual boosters are sent as necessary.

IX)              Extra Help:

I will be available for student assistance at the request of the student.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to your senior year in high school.  I understand the challenges that face you: college applications,

grades, senior year and its unique complexities, along with where do I go from here?  It is my hope that I can be of some assistance with some of these issues

as you go through the academic year.  The course presents a very good over-

view of our complex system of government.  I hope that you develop a good

understanding of this system and as a result becomes an active and participating citizen.