This document provides an overview of an American Government and Economics course taught by Mrs. Leathery. The American Government portion focuses on the origins and functions of the US government, while Economics focuses on modern economic systems and theory. Key units in American Government include the three branches of government, elections, and levels of government. Key units in Economics include economic systems, supply and demand, and economic policy. Grades are calculated based on tests, quizzes, classwork, and homework. The document outlines classroom expectations, discipline policies, and required materials.

1. American Government & Economics 2014-15 ~ Mrs. Leathery
DESCRIPTION
American Government focuses on the origins and functions of government as well as the intellectual
influences in the development of representative democracy in America. Through a study of the United
States Constitution, students become knowledgeable of the structure and workings of government at all
levels, national, state and local. You will also learn the role of politics in creating public policies and
the interrelationship between people, institutions and policies in the U.S. political system. Students will
draw on their knowledge of US history, world history, and Geography as background information in
their study of politics.
Economics focuses on the workings and institutions of modern-day economic systems and economic
theory rather than consumer economics content. Once completed, the student should have an
understanding of the functions of supply and demand in market economies, strengths and weaknesses
of Capitalism, and the impact of government policies on the economy. Students apply the knowledge
and understanding acquired in their study of economic factors over time to their study of contemporary
problems in economics. The study of economics includes the use and interpretation of maps, charts,
graphs, tables, and other expressions of statistical data.
UNITS OF STUDY
 Government and its role (types, functions…)
 Citizenship and Immigration (law, policy, census, …)
 History and Documents of the U.S. government (Magna Carts, Mayflower Compact, Declaration of
Independence, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights…)
 Three Branches of Government (executive, legislative, judicial)
 Criminal & Civil Law (process, juvenile law, etc…)
 Elections (two-party system, political parties, electoral college, public opinion, interest groups…)
 Taxation
 Levels of Government (federal, state, local…)
 Economic Systems (types, supply and demand, opportunity cost, types of businesses, stock market …)
 Economic Policy (national debt, GDP…)
GRADING PROCEDURES
All grades will be calculated as follows:
Assignments will be given a point value and those points will be entered into Progress Book under one of the
following categories. Those grades are then weighted based upon the following percentages to calculate the
student's overall grade for the marking period. ** Please be mindful of this, especially regarding eligibility for
extra-curriculars.
Tests - 35%
Quizzes - 30%
Classwork - 25%
Homework - 10%
All late work will receive a 10% deduction – also all late work goes to the bottom of the work pile, so it may
take me longer to get it graded and into Progress Book. If you need it graded and updated on time, them turn it
in on time!!!!!!

2. CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
1. Be respectful of the rights of others: beliefs, ideas, feelings, belongings, personal space, needs and time.
2. Don’t expect equal treatment – expect fair treatment. I strive to help ALL be successful in our
classroom. That being said none of you are the same, you are unique individuals and therefore need to
be treated as such.
3. Accept nothing but the best from yourself and don’t be surprised that I will do the same. This is true for
classwork, homework, discussions and more!!!!
4. Keep me in the loop – some days we all need a little extra TLC.
CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE
Based on the offense, students will receive the following, please note that for each level all of the subsequent
will also occur. For example, for a level 3 infraction, the student will be notified, a student teacher conference
will occur and the parent will be notified.
Level 1 offense – notify student of infraction
Level 2 offense – student/teacher conference
Level 3 offense - parent notification
Level 4 offense – probationary period
Level 5 offense – office referral
MATERIALS
Required daily:
1. Sharpened pencil
2. Eraser
3. Textbook – this will be provided to you
4. Notebook – feel free to use whatever system works best for you, however you will be expected to bring
all materials including HW, CW, handouts etc to class daily. SO…..make sure you pick something that
really does work for you! You will also be expected to quickly retrieve all materials when requested, so
make sure you have also figured out a system that works for you.
5. Notebook paper
BYOD
If you have your own I highly recommended bringing them to class daily, otherwise you will be provided a
classroom owned item to use. When this comes to technology, remember
1. old fashioned paper copies may need to be substituted
2. you never know when something may not be working properly
3. failure to bring a device on a given day when your work is stored on it, does not constitute a valid excuse, just
like someone who forgets the paper copy it is late!
Also, it is my expectation that you are only using your device when and as directed. This means it should be
turned off and out of sight “PARKED”. Students who violate this expectation will be subject to classroom
and/or school disciplinary procedures as needed.