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Moy, Mr. Steven » US Govt / Principles of American Democracy

US Govt / Principles of American Democracy

The United States Government / Principles of American Democracy course is designed to engage students on:

-- The fundamentals of US Government
-- The purpose of government
-- The origin of government
-- The various functions of government
-- The principles of democracy
-- The election process

Course Syllabus 

Course: Principles of American Democracy/US Government 

Grade: 12 

Course Length: One Semester 

Classification of Course: LAUSD History/Social Science Graduation Requirement: A-G requirement section “A”. 

Instructor: Mr. Moy 

Contact Information Email: [email protected] 

Room: 156 

Textbook (online or physical version): United States Government: Our Democracy 2018 McGraw Hill Education 

Course Description: 

The major purpose of the course is to analyze the American system of government and the historical background, fundamental concepts and principles that underlie American democracy. Students will be engaged in the analysis, discussion, and evaluation of the following topics/units: 

  1. Principles of Government (CA State Standards: #1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8) 

Related Project: “The Ideal Home Government Project” 

  1. The United States Constitution (CA State Standards: #1, 5, 7, 8) 

Related Project: “Proposing New Constitutional Amendments Project” 

  1. Political Parties and the Electoral Process (CA State Standards #5, 7, 8) 

Related Project: “The Mock Election Project Part 1” 

 

 

  1. The Presidency (CA State Standards: #1, 5, 8) 

Related Project: “The Mock Election Project Part 2) 

  1. Civil Liberties (CA State Standards: #7, 8) 

Related Project: “The School Reform Project” 

  1. The Media and Interest Groups (CA State Standards: #4, 7) 

Related Project: “The Propaganda Project” 

*Standards: California History-Social Science Content Standards 

(Pacing: 1-2 weeks for each unit and 1-2 weeks for each project) 

(Activities for each unit will include Warm-Up activities, Cornell Notes, Pair-Share activities, a Schoology exam, and a team/group-based project) 

Grading Scale: 

Rubrics are used to grade class assignments and are available to all students on the class bulletin board and on the Schoology Materials Page for this course.  Unless the teacher feels that student grades should be curved, grades will be based on the following scale: 

90% -100% = A 

80% - 89%  = B 

70% - 79%  = C 

60% - 69%  = D 

0%   - 59%  = F 

Grade Weights: Tests-20%, Projects-20%, Classwork-40%, Homework-10%, and Speaking and Listening/Schoology Discussions/Class Participation-10% 

Students are expected to maintain good attendance and to arrive to class on time and prepared, bringing with them their necessary class devices and supplies. 

Make-up work for legitimate excused absences will be accepted but must be submitted in a timely manner. 

All students are encouraged to monitor their academic progress on Schoology. 

During times where Remote Learning programs are in place, Schoology Conferences participation with video camera on id highly encouraged. 

Daily Supplies: An up-to-date electronic learning device (Chromebook, laptop, desktop computer, or tablet) with reliable internet connectivity, access to Schoology, textbook (online or physical), assigned handouts/readings (available via Schoology), pen, pencil, lined paper, 3-ring binder with dividers.