This course syllabus outlines a high school government and citizenship course that will prepare students for civic participation and decision making. The course will cover the foundations and branches of the US government as well as state and local government through case studies, projects, and assessments. Students will demonstrate their understanding of concepts like the Constitution, the legislative process, and citizens' rights and responsibilities.

1. CCPGovernmentSyllabus
2012/2013
Ms. Aquilini
Alison.Aquilini@timberlane.net
Course Description:
The focus of this course is a government and citizenship program that prepares
todays students to be tomorrow’s decision-makers. The course employs case
studies in citizenship, government, and law that provide students life examples of
civic participation. The course meets one half of the graduation requirements for
first year Social Studies.
Competencies:
Student will demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of Government and
the roots and ideals of the US Constitution.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of how the Congress is organized
and will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how a bill becomes a law.
Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze the powers of Congress.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the powers and duties of the
Presidency.
Students will demonstrate an ability to analyze their relationship to political
parties and the political spectrum.
Students will demonstrate knowledge of the electoral process.
Students will demonstrate and understand the organization of the American
Court System.
Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze the Bill of Rights and other
amendments and apply them to their personal lives.
Students will demonstrate the ability to apply the courtroom procedure to real
experiences.
Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze the similarities and differences
between state, local, and national government.
Students will demonstrate the ability to exhibit the role of a citizen in a town or
city.

2. Course Topics:
The Foundations of Government
The Legislative Branch
The Executive Branch, Parties, Elections
The Judicial Branch and Bill of Rights
State and Local Government
Expectations:
Come to class prepared
Keep a binder for notes and handouts
Keep your cell phones off and away (zipped in your bag)
Come to class on time
Grading:
Grading will be done on a point system. All assignments in and out of
class will count toward your grade. You will be graded on class
assignments, homework, projects, quizzes, tests, and writing. A “rough”
breakdown of percentages is: 30% project based learning and writing,
30% in class activities, 30% tests and quizzes, 10% homework.
*Please refer to student handbook for the following policies: late work, cell
phones, hats, iPods, etc.