Grade 11 American Government for High School Syllabus
Course Description:
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the American government system. It covers key topics such as the Constitution, the three branches of government, civil rights and liberties, political parties, and the electoral process. Students will also explore the role of the media in shaping public opinion and the impact of interest groups on policy-making.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand the principles and foundations of the American government
- Analyze the structure and functions of the three branches of government
- Evaluate the impact of the Constitution on American politics
- Examine the role of political parties and interest groups in the political process
- Discuss civil rights and liberties and their significance in a democratic society
- Critically analyze the media's influence on public opinion and the electoral process
Grading Policy:
- Class participation: 15%
- Homework and assignments: 25%
- Quizzes and tests: 40%
- Final exam: 20%
Course Outline:
Unit 1: Foundations of American Government
- Introduction to American government
- The Constitution and its principles
- The Bill of Rights and civil liberties
- Federalism and the division of power
Unit 2: The Three Branches of Government
- The legislative branch: Congress and the lawmaking process
- The executive branch: The presidency and the bureaucracy
- The judicial branch: The Supreme Court and the interpretation of laws
Unit 3: Political Parties and Elections
- The two-party system and third-party movements
- The electoral process: Primaries, caucuses, and general elections
- Campaign finance and political advertising
Unit 4: Civil Rights and Liberties
- The struggle for civil rights: African Americans, women, and other marginalized groups
- The Supreme Court and landmark cases on civil rights
- Freedom of speech, religion, and the press
Unit 5: Media and Interest Groups
- The role of the media in shaping public opinion
- Media bias and its impact on political discourse
- Interest groups and their influence on policy-making
Required Materials:
- Textbook: "American Government: Institutions and Policies" by Wilson, DiIulio, and Bose
- Notebook or binder for taking notes
- Pens, pencils, and highlighters
- Access to online resources for research and assignments
Course Policies:
- Attendance: Regular attendance is essential for success in this course. Students are expected to be punctual and actively participate in class discussions and activities.
- Late work: Late assignments will be accepted with a penalty of 10% per day, up to a maximum of five days. After five days, late work will not be accepted.
- Academic integrity: Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated. All work submitted must be the student's original work, with proper citations for any external sources used.
- Make-up exams: Make-up exams will only be given in case of a documented medical or family emergency. It is the student's responsibility to inform the instructor as soon as possible in such situations.
Note: This syllabus is subject to change at the instructor's discretion. Students will be notified of any changes in advance.
This course is helpful for the following exams: Grade 11