American Government
Texts: Magruder's American Government
The Road to the White House 2000, Wayne
Topics we will cover:
q Important early American documents: The Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Northwest Ordinance
q The Constitution: The debate over it, Structure, Ratification, Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, Judicial Review and the Supreme Court, Federalism, Amendments, How Congress works
q The Presidency and Elections – Powers of the President, Selection Overview, Campaign Finance, Nominations, the Campaign, the Electoral College and the election
Two major tests = 30%
Four papers and projects = 40%
Quizzes, class work, and homework = 10%
Final exam = 20%
Tests, papers, and projects will be announced ahead of time; quizzes may be announced or unannounced. Papers, homework, and projects that are late will be graded down a letter grade for each day late (not each class period late, but each day late). Plagiarism or cheating will result in a Disciplinary Committee hearing.
Since we meet only twice a week, it is important that you be at each class on time. Unexcused absences may be penalized. If you miss class because of an excused absence, such as illness, it is YOUR responsibility to find out what work was missed and to make up that work immediately. You must make up any work, quizzes, or tests you miss right away (unless I absolve you), or you will be penalized for missed work.
If I am not in the room at the start of class, stay here until I show up. I might have some administrative business that will delay me. Do not leave without permission.
