United States Government Mr. Dickson Website: http://monomoygovt.weebly.

com
Email: monomoydickson@gmail.com jdickson@monomoy.edu Twitter: @monomoydickson
Course Description:
In this course, we will explore government and its influence on our lives. Our focus will be on the
national government. We will consider some of the philosophical foundations of our system, look at the
mechanics of how democracy in our country works, study the central institutions of the national
government, compare our system to those of other countries and to Orwells vision in 1984, and learn
about how governments work at the state and local level. Throughout, we will focus on connecting
current events with our curriculum.
In addition, we will work at developing high level thinking, reading and writing skills. We will read daily
from the textbook, and other readings, we will write frequently in different formats, and throughout, we
will analyze, criticize, and discuss the topics and material we explore.
Grading:
~40% of your grade each quarter will be based on the unit tests. These tests will consist of some
multiple-choice questions, some IDs, and an essay. You will be given the essay questions before the test.
~25% of your grade will be essays written at home. These will be graded based on a rubric emphasizing
effective presentation of your ideas. Analytical essay writing is a critical skill for college and beyond, and
this will be a major focus of our work. All essays can be rewritten.
~25% of your grade will be based on homework. These will be graded out of 10 points, usually. Having
the homework assignment done satisfactorily and on-time will earn you full credit. Points will be
deducted for lateness and/or for incomplete work. By keeping up with the daily assignments, you will be
able to get 100% for this part of your grade.
10% of your grade will be a participation grade based on your respect for your colleagues, your active
participation in class, your effective communication in discussions, and your cooperative collaboration on
group work.
Extra Help is available Monday to Friday, 2:30-2:45, in Mr. Dicksons room.
Textbook: McClennaghan, William A., Magruders American Government, 2003 Edition, Needham,
Mass.:Prentice Hall, 2003.
Unit One: Political Philosophy
Unit Two: Foundations of US Government and The Constitution
Unit Three: Political Participation
Unit Four: Congress
Unit Five: The Presidency
Unit Six: The Supreme Court, Civil Liberties, Civil Rights
Unit Seven: Comparative Government
Unit Eight: State and Local Government
Unit Nine: Human Rights and Foreign Policy
For a detailed overview of the Lesson Sequence, visit the course website listed at the top of the page.

Community Service Learning Opportunities:

Students who do government-related volunteer work and who hand in a reflection on their experience
may receive up to two homeworks worth of extra credit per quarter. Some examples: Serve on a town
committee. Follow/advocate for an issue before a town committee. Volunteer for a candidate running for
town/state/federal office. Volunteer for an interest group/non-profit.