U.S. Government Syllabus

Dear Students and Parent(s),

I would like to take a few moments of your time to briefly explain the U.S. Government course. To start, this course is a required course for graduation, so failure is not a realistic option for you if you plan to graduate from high school. In regards to content, this course will cover in depth the foundations of our government, its three branches, other World Political Systems, and state and local governments. The purpose of this course is to build a wider knowledge of U.S. Government so the student can understand that government policies directly affect his/her life, as well as show that through active participation one can in turn affect governmental change. The course's studies will show that our Democracy's future can be shaped only to the degree to which its citizens are willing to educate themselves on the issues and share in the responsibilities of upholding the common good.
The grading procedures are as follows:

1. Each nine weeks grade will be based on the following formula:
   a. TESTS- 50%
   b. NOTEBOOK (Collected at the end of each grading period)- 25%
   c. QUIZZES and HOMEWORK- 25%
2. It is the student's responsibility to communicate with the teacher concerning missed assignments due to absences. I WILL NOT HUNT YOU DOWN TO TELL YOU WHAT ASSIGNMENT(S) YOU NEED TO MAKE-UP.
3. The day a homework assignment is due; it is to be turned in that period. Not later that day. A day late will be half credit and after that a zero. Notebooks are ten points off for each day late.
4. Missed quizzes or homework assignments must be made up within two weeks. Tests can be made up by the end of the grading period.
5. There is a $5.00 Social Studies fee for this class.