The Mercy High School Honor Pledge: "As a woman of Honor, I pledge that this work is my own".

Your Government course is centered on several essential questions:

1. How does the Constitution divide the powers of government into three branches and three levels?,

2. What are the offices at the federal, state, county and local levels? Who occupies those offices today?

3. How does the U.S. Government work under the U.S. Constitution?

4. How does the United States seek to establish and carry out its foreign policy?

5. How do the courts at the national and state levels affect the enforcement of the Constitution?

This one- semester course, will concentrate on having you gain an understanding of the fundamentals of the United States government through a study of the the creation of a constitutional, representative democracy under a capitalistic federal system. This course examines the workings of the federal government and its three branches, and the role of Media and Interest Groups in American society.

Class Requirements:

Materials: Your government textbook and if necessary The Americans textbook; your iPad ( see iPad instructions for use in class); a special Government folder or a loose-leaf binder with a separate government section for your tests/quizzes ; and a folder

Complete all Homework assignments- You are expected to read assigned sections and complete questions/worksheets/notes that complement the reading before coming to class. Homework and class notes should be dated and labeled with the chapter title and section headings. It is a good idea to leave space within your homework notes/questions, to fill in key ideas and explanations provided during class discussion. We will finish approximately 1 chapter each week and do current events. Homework should be completed each night and brought to class, but it will be evaluated on the day of your chapter test unless you are otherwise notified. Although you may do your reading questions/homework terms, etc., on your iPad, you must print out a copy of your homework for me to evaluate on the day of a chapter test.

Participate in Class- Your ideas, questions, and analysis of issues will make this class interesting. Class participation includes answering questions, but more importantly, asking thoughtful questions and sharing ideas that are on topic. Taking notes and being a good, respectful listener are a part of class participation. Class participation is factored into your grade.

Essays and other Writing Assignments- Written work, whether on paper or on-line, should follow Mercy Standards for form and neatness and will be counted as a quiz or test grade depending on the assignment. All essays written outside of class should be typed (12 point, Times New Roman, double spaced) Expect that you will be given both in- class and at home writing assignments.

Activities/Projects- Projects and graded assignments will be assigned throughout the semester. Projects will vary between group and individual assignments and will count as a quiz or test grade depending on requirements.

Tests/Quizzes- It is a good idea to begin studying for tests and quizzes a few days before the test/quiz date. Expect to have a test for every chapter and at least 1 quiz . The format of tests/quizzes will vary and may include but will not be limited to multiple choice, matching, short answer, and essay questions. Tests and quizzes will be based on textbook reading, homework, and class notes/discussion.

Grading System

This course uses a total points system. Each assignment will vary in number of points based on the requirements. If you fail to turn in an assignment that is to be graded, it is recorded as a zero. Your grades for the quarter are based on the points you earn on your assignments.

At the end of the quarter your points earned are divided by the total points possible. The resultant quotient is converted to a percentage which is then applied to the Mercy Grading Scale found in the handbook (93 and above: A, etc.)

Your assignments will align with one of these four categories.

A. Knowing and Understanding

B. Investigating

C. Communicating

D. Critical Thinking

If you fail to turn in an assignment that is to be graded, it is recorded as an Incomplete or a 0 at teacher's discretion. Quizzes, tests, and assignments are graded on a point system. Your grades for the quarter are based on your tests, quizzes, homework, activities/projects, essays and the quality and consistency of your class participation.

Late Assignments:

Homework: Any missing or incomplete homework is due the following day between 8:00am and 8:15am and will receive a check or the equivalent of a C.

Graded and Other Assignments: Assignments are due as assigned. If you are sick the assignment is due the day you return. In the event of an emergency or sudden, serious or prolonged illness, arrangements can be made with me to accept the assignment without late penalty.

Absences:

If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to contact a classmate. The syllabus is a daily log of material covered in class and homework. You are expected to keep up with assignments by checking the syllabus if you are at home.

Assignments will be due on the date expected unless there are special circumstances( see above). I do not arrange make-up via e-mail. See me the day you return to schedule an appointment to make-up the assignment. You should make every effort to make up a test/quiz within 2 days of your return.

Homework Contact:         <>Student contact __________________________________________

Cell phone ______________________

Home phone ______________________

Email Address ____________________

Updated 9/4/2017