American+Government

**__American Government-Syllabus__**  **Ms. Fast Room 301**

**__Class Expectations:__**
1) Be Respectful of self, others and school 2) Be on Time to class and when turning in assignments 3) Come to class prepared to learn (pencils sharpened, pen, paper & notebooks) 4) Respect all ideas given in class & do not criticize anybody’s ideas or thoughts 5) Do your very best!

**__Supplies needed for Government Class:__**
v Pen and/or pencils v Loose leaf paper or spiral notebook with neat sheet rip v 3 prong paper folder specific for Government Class v Post-it notes v Box of tissues (5 points extra credit)

**__Basic Principles of the U.S. Constitution__**

 * Principles which help define the government of the United States as a federal republic including its structure, powers and relationship with the governed
 * Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, Supreme Court decisions, legislation and informal practices.

**__Structure and Functions of the Federal Government__**

 * Three branches compose the basic structure of the federal government. Public policy is created through the making of laws, the execution of the laws and the adjudication of disputes under the laws.

**__Role of the People__**

 * The government of the United States protects the freedoms of its people and provides opportunities for citizens to participate in the political process.
 * Historically, the United States has struggled with majority rule and the extension of minority rights. As a result of this struggle, the government has increasingly extended civil rights to marginalized groups and broadened opportunities for participation.

**__Ohio’s State and Local Governments__**

 * The State of Ohio acts within the framework of the U.S. Constitution and extends powers and functions to local governments
 * As a framework for the state, the Ohio Constitution complements the federal structure of government in the United States.

**__Public Policy__**

 * Federal, state and local governments address problems and issues by making decisions, creating laws, enforcing regulations and taking action.

**__Government and the Economy__**

 * The actions of government play a major role in the flow of economic activity. Governments consume and produce goods and services. Fiscal and monetary policies, as well as economic regulations, provide the means for government intervention in the economy.

**__Financial Literacy__**

 * Examine the importance of planning and budgeting your money for lifelong financial security

**__Ways we will cover the above topics:__**
{ Lecture { Videos American Gov't videos { Explore National Documents { Current Events (Thursdays, schedule coming soon) { Read novels (Book Club Fridays) { Written Assignments (research paper) { Guest Speakers
 * “Animal Farm” by George Orwell
 * “Seven Days in May” by Fletcher Knebel & Charles Bailey
 * Just to name a few, more may be added at teacher’s discretion.

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