Course+Description

Course Desription Seton High School 2009-2010

American Government
__ **Description** __ : More than 2300 years ago Aristotle observed that “Man is by nature a political animal.” While we understand man as much more, we must live “in the world,” a political world. This course will help Seton students better understand and appreciate today’s political environment, and our system of government. We will examine the foundation of our democratic process and federal system, analyze how our political system is meant to work, how it does (or sometimes doesn’t) work, and how we can voice our Catholic values and beliefs within the “public square.” Early on our text states that, “Democracy is not inevitable. It will exist in the United States only for as long as we, the people, continue to subscribe to—and practice—those democratic concepts…” This course will help us become better informed citizens to meet this challenge. __ **Approach** __ : Daily lessons are based upon readings from the text. We now have the capability to bring internet resources into the classroom to study on-going political issues as they happen. Quizzes and tests are drawn from text assignments, worksheets and class discussion of current events and personal experiences. Students keep lecture notes and text summaries in an American Government notebook. (The //Washington Times// “//Etimes”// is available for daily discussion and individual student use at home). Several short reports and classroom exercises (such as a Presidential press conference) will require role playing and independent research. Short papers and assignments will be made rather than extensive term papers. Outside speakers and a field trip to Washington D.C. may be scheduled as opportunities arise during the year. __ **Book** __ : __Magruder’s American Government__, William McClenaghan, Prentice Hall, 2009. __ **Outline** __ : Preface: Basic Facts of American Government, and U.S. Budget overview,  I. Foundations of American Government Principles, Origins, Constitution, Federalism II Politics of American Government Political Parties, Voting Behavior, Electoral Process, Media, Interest Groups III. Legislative Branch Congressional Powers, Senate, House, Bills IV. Executive Branch Presidency, Presidential Power, Executive Departments, Federal Budget, Income Tax, Foreign Policy, National Defense V. Judicial Branch Federal Courts, Civil Liberties VI. Comparative Political and Economic Systems Great Britain, Japan, Russian Federation  Capitalism, Socialism, Communism VII. State and Local Government Organization, Funding—Virginia, Manassas  __ **Grading Policy** __ : Tests and Papers 50%; Quizzes, projects/exercises 30%; Daily homework and Government Notebook 10%; Class participation/attitude/decorum 10% (may vary; auditors must fully participate in all work except tests). Any late tests/quizzes are to be made up during the lunch-time testing period. Extra credit is available for detailed government note/notebook, and participation in the campaigns of local pro-life candidates. AP testing in American Government is an option – see Col Jones for additional details.  __ **Materials Needed** __ : Textbook. Notebook for class notes and text questions/summaries. All other materials provided. Regular reading of newspapers/news magazines, and viewing of news programs recommended. Internet access to political fora and for research encouraged. Good luck and God bless your efforts this school year! Col Jones stevenj1224@comcast.net