Valiant College Preparatory

Ms. Watters

Government

Fall 2022

Course Description:

In Government, the focus is on the principles and beliefs upon which the United States was founded and on the structure, functions, and powers of government at the national, state, and local levels. Students learn major political ideas and forms of government in history. A significant focus of the course is on the U.S. Constitution, its underlying principles and ideas, and the form of government it created. Students analyze major concepts of republicanism, federalism, checks and balances, separation of powers, popular sovereignty, and individual rights and compare the U.S. system of government with other political systems.

 The student is expected to analyze the structure and functions of the three branches of government starting with the legislative branch of government, including the bicameral structure of Congress, the role of committees, and the procedure for enacting laws. They then go on to analyze the structure and functions of the executive branch of government, including the constitutional powers of the president, the growth of presidential power, and the role of the Cabinet and executive departments. And finally they analyze the structure and functions of the judicial branch of government, including the federal court system and types of jurisdiction.

Because this is only a 9 week course it is fast-paced.  Students will need to focus on keeping up with assigned readings and work in order to not fall behind.  

Students will also take the Arizona Civics exam at the end of this course in addition to a cumulative final exam.

Grading: 

Students will be graded on the VCP standard grading scale

Grades will be based on a variety of assessments such as classwork, homework, quizzes, essays, unit exams, projects, a midterm exam and a final exam. Unit Exams will consist of multiple-choice questions along with short essay-answered questions 

Cheating or plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in a 0 and call/email to parents. The late work policy is as follows:

• 1 Day late 20% off
• 2 Days late 50% off
• 3 Days late 0
• This policy extends to Fridays and weekends.  If an assignment is due on Thursday a student can turn it in during Friday tutoring for 20% off or email it on Friday or Saturday for the appropriate deduction. Monday will be considered 3 days late.

Students who are absent are responsible for collecting the work they missed.  They will have the same amount of time given initially to complete the assignment.  For example, if a student misses school on Tuesday and an assignment is given on Wednesday and they return on Wednesday they will have until Thursday to turn it in. 

All Essays and papers must be typed.  If they are not printed or received electronically by the beginning of the class it is due it will be considered a late grade. 

Daily Materials Needed:

• Notebook/binder with lined paper
• Writing utensil
  • Assignments being turned in must be done in pen (erasable pen is ok) notes and non-turned-in work can be done in pencil if preferred
• Folder or pocket for binder for History ONLY
• Access to Edmodo Classroom
• Student planners are suggested but not required
• NO cellphones or smart watches will be allowed in class

If you do not have paper or a writing utensil ready for class it will be considered a deduction from participation. Please make sure you have your materials with you and ready for every class.

I look forward to sharing my knowledge of US History with you this year!