US Government
Objective
We will learn the roles, organization, purpose & operation of our federal, state and local government. We will also examine how our government interacts with the rest of the world. Then we will take that knowledge and apply it in three large group simulations. By the end of this course you will be prepared to fully participate as a citizen in our political process.
The class will consist of these elements
The three group simulations will be
For each group simulation you will be assigned roles to fulfill and assignments to complete.
Grading will be based on the following criteria:
Expectations
Objective
- Learn how and why our federal, state and local government was formed
- Understand how federal, state and local governments function
- Learn your individual citizen’s responsibilities in federal, state and local government
- Understand how the USA interacts with other countries
We will learn the roles, organization, purpose & operation of our federal, state and local government. We will also examine how our government interacts with the rest of the world. Then we will take that knowledge and apply it in three large group simulations. By the end of this course you will be prepared to fully participate as a citizen in our political process.
The class will consist of these elements
- Lectures and presentations
- Quizzes and tests
- Large group simulations
The three group simulations will be
- Mock trial
- Model Congress
- Model United Nations
For each group simulation you will be assigned roles to fulfill and assignments to complete.
Grading will be based on the following criteria:
- Class participation 50%
- Simulation assignments 20%
- Quizzes 15%
- Final at the end of each quarter 15%
Expectations
- Be in class. Because participation and fulfilling assignments is a large part of the grade. It is imperative that you be there.
- Follow the Rules of Common Courtesy (more on this in class).
- Help create a safe learning space by being kind and courteous to your fellow students.
- If you need help, ask. I’m a terrible mind reader.
- Have fun. I will do my best to make it interesting and fun.
This week in government
UN debate assignment
The General Assembly is considering additional sanctions against North Korea in the wake of their recent nuclear missile tests on small islands off the coast of Japan.
You should:
Be prepared to speak for 5 minutes in the assembly
The General Assembly is considering additional sanctions against North Korea in the wake of their recent nuclear missile tests on small islands off the coast of Japan.
You should:
- Understand the current sanctions
- Propose additional sanctions or argue against addition sanctions
- Base your argument on the interests of your country
- In formulating your argument consider your alliances
Be prepared to speak for 5 minutes in the assembly
- Be persuasive
- Use facts
- Know your audience
Tuesday 10/24 We started to learn about congressional debate and Robert's Rules of Order through a series of instructional videos.
Congratulations to everyone on a successful mock trial! I'm very happy with your hard work and participation.
We have been prepping for our mock trial which was postponed to 10/17. We will hold the trial regardless of who will be missing. If you have not made prior arrangements your participation points can not be made up for missing this assignment.
Tuesday 9/26 This week we will prepare for our mock trial set for next week.
mock_trial_sept_17_assignments_weebly.pdf | |
File Size: | 11 kb |
File Type: |
Tuesday 9/19 we watched and discussed President Trumps UN Speech.
Thursday 9/14 I lectured on the history of US foreign policy. If you weren't able to attend that lecture please ask your fellow students to share their notes with you.
Tuesday 9/12 we worked in small groups to researched the most influential Supreme Court decision and present the findings to the class. We used the document below to help us organize the in class presentation.
major_supreme_courts_cases.docx | |
File Size: | 44 kb |
File Type: | docx |
bill_proccess_simple.pptx | |
File Size: | 260 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
Tuesday 9/12 This is the group of videos the class watched about taxes and fiscal policy.
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