United States Government
U.S. Government coincides
with the AZ State Standards, MCCCD Official Course Competencies, & Common
Core Standards
Instructor: Mr. Anthony D.
Fusco Jr. M.Ed.
Fall 2013/2014
Arizona Agribusiness &
Equine Center
Course Description: Study of the historical backgrounds,
governing principles, and institutions, of the national government of the
United States. Students will be
able to identify current and past governmental practices and gain a unique
comprehension of how the American system of governance functions on a day to
day basis. Additionally, students
will be able to understand the basic principles of government and the rule of
law prescribed by the constitution.
Required
Reading: Varies (i.e., Textbook, Assigned Readings, Historical Facsimiles,
etc.)
Course
Objectives:
To foster Historical/Governmental Awareness.
The principle objective of this survey course is to provide students
with an interpretative analysis of the operational function of
Government:
·
Comprehend
the reasons for exploration and colonization.
·
Describe
the American Revolution and the development of U.S.
Governance.
·
Analyze
the political social trends following the American
Revolution.
·
Discuss
the contributing historical factors throughout the Presidential Administrations
of Washington to Johnson.
·
Understand
the American Civil War & Reconstruction Period.
·
Assess
early American History from colonization to the American Civil
War.
Course Structure:
Attendance: Excused absences are doctor’s appointment, court
appearance, funeral of immediate family member (documentation must be
provided). Excessive absences
will lead to the instructor taking immediate action by communicating with AAEC
Administration. Attendance will
be taken at each class meeting.
Students are required to stay for the entire class.
It is distracting and rude to other students and the instructor if any
student leaves the classroom during class time. If any student engages in this
activity, it will result in 1/3rd of an unexcused absence. Being tardy is also rude to other
students and the instructor; thus be on time for class.
If accommodations need to be met, please consult with the
instructor.
Class Guidelines
A.
Rules
of Classroom Behavior
·
Mutual
Respect with a mature, intellectual mentality
·
Intellectual
responsibility
·
Active
Class Participation: No Technology (CELL
PHONES)
Electronic Devices
As a courtesy to all of us, all cell phones, beepers, GPS
tracking devices, etc. should be turned off during class. If you are expecting
an urgent communication, please have that communication be made via the main
office of AAEC. Additionally,
texting and laptop computers for activities that do not relate to class are not
allowed.
Taping ANY PART of class is
prohibited.
Course Requirements
How you will learn
·
Reading
Assignments (Primary and Secondary Sources)
·
Lectures,
Class Notes (Cornell)
·
Written
Assignments
·
Class
Work and Benchmark Assessments
·
Research,
Reports, and Oral Presentations
·
Power
Point Presentation
·
Documentaries
and Segments of Historical based (accurate) motion
pictures.
Materials
·
Student
must come prepared to learn every day
·
Student
must have a notebook
·
Three
Ring Binder is optional
·
Pen
or Pencil
·
Assigned
Reading
Homework
·
A
majority of students work will be finished outside of class. Homework
assignments vary with specific assignments
prescribed.
Grading
40% : Unit Tests & Quizzes
20% : Participation, Attendance, Organization,
Behavior
30%: Research Paper (Signature
Assignment)
10%: Class Notes
Grading
A (90-100)
B (80-89)
C (70-79)
F (69- Below)
Special
Note:
No late papers will be accepted without a written medical note
and no make-up exams will be given without a medical note.
Additionally, students must take the make-up exam ONE WEEK of regularly
scheduled exams. Finally, students
are allowed to take only ONE make up exam per
semester.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism will NOT be tolerated.
To plagiarize is to steal and use (the ideas or writing of another) as
one’s own. More than three
consecutive words, and ideas appropriated from another source constitute
plagiarism. It must NEVER be
engaged in and is grounds for failure in the course.
You must ALWAYS provide appropriate citation for sources used. If you are uncertain whether you might
be in danger of plagiarizing, ask your instructor for
advice
United States Government (Course
Calendar)
Topic and Date
(Aug.) Week 1-2: (Introduction to History) Early forms of
Governance
·
Greece
(Democracy) & Rome (Republic)
·
Differences
between Monarchy, Oligarchy, Tyranny, Aristocracy,
etc.
·
Constitutional
Monarchy V. Absolute Monarchy (Early British Gov. Magna
Carta).
·
The
Mayflower Compact (A First Social Agreement)
(Aug.) Week 3-4: The American Revolution
·
Causes
of the American Revolution: “No Taxation w/o
Representation”
·
The
First & Second Continental Congress’ & the
Delegates
·
The
Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, & the
Constitution
·
Establishing
a new form of Governance (Ratification of U.S.
Constitution)
·
Differences
between State, Local, and Federal Government
(Sept.) Week 5: The Constitutional (Philadelphia) Convention
of
1879
·
Why
the Articles of Confederation were too weak & the struggle of ratification
for the Constitution. (i.e., Federalist v.
Anti-Federalist)
·
7
Articles, The Bill of Rights (1-10 Amendments), & the Electoral
College
·
Implied
Powers, Separation of Powers, & Framework of the Constitution (Checks
& Balances)
(Sept.) Week
6-8: Article I: The Legislative
Branch (The Congress)
·
Requirements
and Qualifications of Senators &
Representatives
·
The
Powers afforded to Congress and the lawmaking
process.
·
Leadership
of the Congress (Rules & Ethics)
·
The
Current 113th Congress compared to past
Congresses
(Oct.) Week 9-11:
Article II: The Executive Branch
·
Requirements
and Qualifications of the President
·
The
unique history of the Presidency & the Cabinet
·
The
Powers of the Executive Branch
·
The
Current Obama Administration (44) compared to past Presidents
(Oct./Nov) Week 12-14:
Article III: The Judicial Branch
·
Requirements
and Qualifications of the Supreme Court
·
The Constitutional Powers afforded to the
Judicial Branch
·
The
Current Roberts Court compared to past
courts.
·
Breakdown
of the Federal Court System (District, Appellate, Superior, etc.)
·
The
American Criminal Justice System
(Dec) Week 15-17:
The Two Party System, Civic Responsibilities, & the Election Process
·
Political
Platforms of multiple political parties
·
The
Responsibilities of a U.S. Citizen
·
The
difference between direct (indirect) primaries, general elections, mid-term
elections, and special elections.
·
Why
U.S. Governance is the longest standing form of governance in world
history.
Any Student who receives this syllabus is responsible for
following the guidelines outlined on it.
Any student who receives this syllabus is responsible for adhering to
the policies of AAEC as outlined in the AAEC student handbook.
The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus. Students will be informed of any such
changes. By signing the line below the student acknowledges these terms and
agrees to adhere to this outlined policy.
Student Signature:
________________________________________
Parent Signature:
_________________________________________
U.S. Government coincides
with the AZ State Standards, MCCCD Official Course Competencies, & Common
Core Standards
Instructor: Mr. Anthony D.
Fusco Jr. M.Ed.
Fall 2013/2014
Arizona Agribusiness &
Equine Center
Course Description: Study of the historical backgrounds,
governing principles, and institutions, of the national government of the
United States. Students will be
able to identify current and past governmental practices and gain a unique
comprehension of how the American system of governance functions on a day to
day basis. Additionally, students
will be able to understand the basic principles of government and the rule of
law prescribed by the constitution.
Required
Reading: Varies (i.e., Textbook, Assigned Readings, Historical Facsimiles,
etc.)
Course
Objectives:
To foster Historical/Governmental Awareness.
The principle objective of this survey course is to provide students
with an interpretative analysis of the operational function of
Government:
·
Comprehend
the reasons for exploration and colonization.
·
Describe
the American Revolution and the development of U.S.
Governance.
·
Analyze
the political social trends following the American
Revolution.
·
Discuss
the contributing historical factors throughout the Presidential Administrations
of Washington to Johnson.
·
Understand
the American Civil War & Reconstruction Period.
·
Assess
early American History from colonization to the American Civil
War.
Course Structure:
Attendance: Excused absences are doctor’s appointment, court
appearance, funeral of immediate family member (documentation must be
provided). Excessive absences
will lead to the instructor taking immediate action by communicating with AAEC
Administration. Attendance will
be taken at each class meeting.
Students are required to stay for the entire class.
It is distracting and rude to other students and the instructor if any
student leaves the classroom during class time. If any student engages in this
activity, it will result in 1/3rd of an unexcused absence. Being tardy is also rude to other
students and the instructor; thus be on time for class.
If accommodations need to be met, please consult with the
instructor.
Class Guidelines
A.
Rules
of Classroom Behavior
·
Mutual
Respect with a mature, intellectual mentality
·
Intellectual
responsibility
·
Active
Class Participation: No Technology (CELL
PHONES)
Electronic Devices
As a courtesy to all of us, all cell phones, beepers, GPS
tracking devices, etc. should be turned off during class. If you are expecting
an urgent communication, please have that communication be made via the main
office of AAEC. Additionally,
texting and laptop computers for activities that do not relate to class are not
allowed.
Taping ANY PART of class is
prohibited.
Course Requirements
How you will learn
·
Reading
Assignments (Primary and Secondary Sources)
·
Lectures,
Class Notes (Cornell)
·
Written
Assignments
·
Class
Work and Benchmark Assessments
·
Research,
Reports, and Oral Presentations
·
Power
Point Presentation
·
Documentaries
and Segments of Historical based (accurate) motion
pictures.
Materials
·
Student
must come prepared to learn every day
·
Student
must have a notebook
·
Three
Ring Binder is optional
·
Pen
or Pencil
·
Assigned
Reading
Homework
·
A
majority of students work will be finished outside of class. Homework
assignments vary with specific assignments
prescribed.
Grading
40% : Unit Tests & Quizzes
20% : Participation, Attendance, Organization,
Behavior
30%: Research Paper (Signature
Assignment)
10%: Class Notes
Grading
A (90-100)
B (80-89)
C (70-79)
F (69- Below)
Special
Note:
No late papers will be accepted without a written medical note
and no make-up exams will be given without a medical note.
Additionally, students must take the make-up exam ONE WEEK of regularly
scheduled exams. Finally, students
are allowed to take only ONE make up exam per
semester.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism will NOT be tolerated.
To plagiarize is to steal and use (the ideas or writing of another) as
one’s own. More than three
consecutive words, and ideas appropriated from another source constitute
plagiarism. It must NEVER be
engaged in and is grounds for failure in the course.
You must ALWAYS provide appropriate citation for sources used. If you are uncertain whether you might
be in danger of plagiarizing, ask your instructor for
advice
United States Government (Course
Calendar)
Topic and Date
(Aug.) Week 1-2: (Introduction to History) Early forms of
Governance
·
Greece
(Democracy) & Rome (Republic)
·
Differences
between Monarchy, Oligarchy, Tyranny, Aristocracy,
etc.
·
Constitutional
Monarchy V. Absolute Monarchy (Early British Gov. Magna
Carta).
·
The
Mayflower Compact (A First Social Agreement)
(Aug.) Week 3-4: The American Revolution
·
Causes
of the American Revolution: “No Taxation w/o
Representation”
·
The
First & Second Continental Congress’ & the
Delegates
·
The
Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, & the
Constitution
·
Establishing
a new form of Governance (Ratification of U.S.
Constitution)
·
Differences
between State, Local, and Federal Government
(Sept.) Week 5: The Constitutional (Philadelphia) Convention
of
1879
·
Why
the Articles of Confederation were too weak & the struggle of ratification
for the Constitution. (i.e., Federalist v.
Anti-Federalist)
·
7
Articles, The Bill of Rights (1-10 Amendments), & the Electoral
College
·
Implied
Powers, Separation of Powers, & Framework of the Constitution (Checks
& Balances)
(Sept.) Week
6-8: Article I: The Legislative
Branch (The Congress)
·
Requirements
and Qualifications of Senators &
Representatives
·
The
Powers afforded to Congress and the lawmaking
process.
·
Leadership
of the Congress (Rules & Ethics)
·
The
Current 113th Congress compared to past
Congresses
(Oct.) Week 9-11:
Article II: The Executive Branch
·
Requirements
and Qualifications of the President
·
The
unique history of the Presidency & the Cabinet
·
The
Powers of the Executive Branch
·
The
Current Obama Administration (44) compared to past Presidents
(Oct./Nov) Week 12-14:
Article III: The Judicial Branch
·
Requirements
and Qualifications of the Supreme Court
·
The Constitutional Powers afforded to the
Judicial Branch
·
The
Current Roberts Court compared to past
courts.
·
Breakdown
of the Federal Court System (District, Appellate, Superior, etc.)
·
The
American Criminal Justice System
(Dec) Week 15-17:
The Two Party System, Civic Responsibilities, & the Election Process
·
Political
Platforms of multiple political parties
·
The
Responsibilities of a U.S. Citizen
·
The
difference between direct (indirect) primaries, general elections, mid-term
elections, and special elections.
·
Why
U.S. Governance is the longest standing form of governance in world
history.
Any Student who receives this syllabus is responsible for
following the guidelines outlined on it.
Any student who receives this syllabus is responsible for adhering to
the policies of AAEC as outlined in the AAEC student handbook.
The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus. Students will be informed of any such
changes. By signing the line below the student acknowledges these terms and
agrees to adhere to this outlined policy.
Student Signature:
________________________________________
Parent Signature:
_________________________________________