US Government Syllabus

Mrs. Creech 2015-2016

Course Outline

1st Quarter: Illinois Government

Ch. 1- 7 in Governing Illinois
Officers of Illinois
Illinois Constitution: Preamble, Articles 1-14
3-4 day review and then Illinois Government TEST
2nd Quarter: US Government (Government in America)
Unit 1: Foundations of American Government
Unit 4: National Government: Legislative Branch
Unit 5: National Government: Executive Branch
Unit 6: National Government: Judicial Branch
US Constitution: Preamble, Articles 1-7, Bill of Rights, Amendments 11-27
3-4 day review and US Government TEST

Expectations
All students are expected to:
1.) Arrive to class on time.
2.) Bring all necessary supplies to class.
3.) Show respect towards Ms. Kettner and other students.
4.) Make an effort to do well.

Assignments
Generally, you will have time at the end of class to complete assignments. This means
that there is NO EXCUSE for assignments that are incomplete. If you are not using
your assigned homework time in class wisely, there will be points deducted from your
assignments. Make it easy, finish your homework at school so you can spend your
night doing things you want to do, not things you HAVE to do.
You will be required to keep track of current events WEEKLY. You will need to find one
news story from each of the following categories: World, National, and Local. These will
be due every FRIDAY.

Projects

Throughout the year you will have a few projects assigned. Although the content of
these projects will vary, the requirements and expectations will be similar:
Each project will require you to think deeper about one or more of the topics that we
have covered in class.
Each project will serve as a large percentage of your overall course grade.
You will have some opportunity within the projects to choose the direction of your
assignment ( this could mean choosing your own topic, choosing the style you present
your information, etc.).
You will have plenty of time in class to work on these projects, so do not stress about
finding time at home to complete them.

Academic Honesty
Please make sure that all of the work you turn in to me is your own. If you are caught
copying assignments from other students, you will receive zeros on those assignments.
If you are caught plagiarizing sources from the internet, you will receive a zero on the
assignment. NOTE: This is pretty lenient, if you are caught plagiarizing in COLLEGE,
you will not only receive zeros but may also be removed from school and have LEGAL
action brought against you. Save yourself the time and learn to do it the right way now!

Grading Policy
My grade book will be based on points. Projects, quizzes, and tests will be worth more points
than your everyday assignments. You will also receive participation points for taking and
keeping your notes.
If you disagree with a grade that you receive on an assignment, project, or test you have the
right to question this grade. I do, however, require that you take this right seriously. All grade
concerns need to be submitted to Ms. Kettner IN WRITING within 48 hours of receiving the
grade in question. Complaints not submitted in writing will not be eligible for review.
****YOU MUST PASS THIS CLASS TO GRADUATE****