“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be”

This course, open only to seniors, seeks to familiarize students with the concepts on which our government and economic systems are built. Major emphasis is placed on understanding the three branches of government and their interaction, and an understanding of the free market system.

Q Remy, Richard C. and Congressional Quarterly. United States Government: Democracy in Action-2003 Edition. New York, NY: Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 2003.

REQUIREMENTS

It must be understood at the outset that there is extensive reading; it must be completed in advance of the material covered in class. By reading each day=s assignment before coming to class, the presentation and discussion for that day will mean more to you, and you will find it easier to take notes. You are expected to have a comprehensive understanding of all topics treated in the text and the classroom. Examinations will test for understanding of both the readings and classroom discussions. Class discussions are intended to embellish the readings, not repeat the material. Readings, activities, and discussions are all means of carrying on an inquiry into the topic at hand and are meant to supplement rather than duplicate each other (although some repetition and reinforcement is intended and desirable). Class participation is mandatory!

EVALUATION

Your grade will be based on the following:

TESTS AND QUIZZES:

Tests will be given following each Unit in the text, see the assignment page of my Government Web Site for specific dates. The tests will consist of a variety of different types of questions such as multiple-choice, true/false, matching, fill in the blank, short answer, and essay. You will also be given a quiz every Friday on the material covered during the week including class notes, readings from the textbook, current events, and 20^th century history.

ASSIGNMENTS:

Reading assignments in the textbook and from various other sources will be made almost every night. See the assignment part of my Government Web Site for specific dates. In addition to the readings, you will have the following assignments.

< NOTEBOOK

You will be responsible for keeping a Notebook in which you will outline readings and define key terms. You will also briefly summarize and react to specific readings.

< THE INTERNET

I will post information about the course, including assignments, due dates and many other resources, on the Government Web Site. The address of the Government Web Site is http://www.boballey.org/trinity/u_s__government_and_economics.htm

< CURRENT EVENTS

You will be responsible for staying informed about Current Events. Sources and specific assignments may be found on the Government Web Site.

< RESEARCH PAPER

See the Government Web Site for details.

< OTHER ASSIGNMENTS

Various essays, simulations, debates, The Current Events Game

See the Government Web Site for specific dates and details.

LATE WORK POLICY:

Three days are allowed for the submission of late work, but there will be a deduction of one letter grade per day.