This one semester course is designed to give students a critical perspective on politics and government in the United States. The class involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret American politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that make up the American political reality.

Throughout the course, we will examine and assess the most exacting venture--government of, by, and for the people. Some say that democracy is a dream, an unattainable dream. Others say that American politics is a con game, with the leaders continually fooling the people. Still others say there is too much corruption in the American political system. . . that money, secrecy, or public relations distorts and undermines the ideals of the democratic republic. How valid are these complaints? Who really runs things here? What about the average American? Is (s)he really consulted and taken into account by our decision-makers?

We will also take the opportunity in this course to reappraise the American venture in self-government and an “amended” free market economy. How have these systems worked in practice? What is the gap between ideal and reality? What about the American Dream? Does our system need an overhaul, a reconstituting , a redirection of purpose? These are basic questions to keep in mind as we begin our study.

A political science course cannot provide easy answers to societal problems. However, it can help you distinguish the essential from the incidental; understand and evaluate competing arguments; formulate and express your own opinion on our political and policy-making processes; and carry on an intelligent discussion of political issues.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Daily attendance, daily note taking, and maintaining a “C” average is expected of each student. Additionally, there will be nightly current events journal writing, unit exams, unannounced quizzes, a final, and other written and oral products required during the course. Homework will be assigned and collected weekly. Students will also be researching and participating in debates.

GRADING WEIGHTS: All course materials falls within one of three categories:
Attendance and Participation 40%
Homework/Class work 35%
Tests: 25%

GRADING SCALE: All points will be weighted as noted above and letter grades allocated according to the following:

A= 90-100%

B= 80-89%

C=70-79%

D=68-69%

F=67% and below

Class Expectations
1. Each student is responsible to take his/her own notes.

2. All notes, handouts, and class work are expected to be kept neatly organized in a three-ring binder.

3. No late work will be accepted unless student has an excused absence. However, in real terms there are no "excused" absences, only explained ones. IF YOU ARE TRUANT, YOU CANNOT MAKE UP ANY WORK AND YOU WILL RECEIVE A“U” FOR THAT SIX WEEKS PROGRESS REPORT CONDUCT GRADE. YOU WILL ALSO SERVE ONE HOUR OF DETENTION AFTER SCHOOL ONLY.

4. Finding out about assignments, announcements, or lectures missed because of an absence is the sole responsibility of the student, not the teacher! It is HIGHLY recommended you check with several other students regarding what youmissed as well as checking with the teacher!

5. Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. First offense will result in an automatic “O” on the test / homework; Second offense will result in being dropped from the class with a “WDF”.

6. Students will not disrupt class in any way. Consequences:
1. Verbal warning
2. Parent contact
3. Referral / Drop from class

7. All tests must be made up the day you return from an absence unless it has been extensive, in which case you must see me immediately when you return. All make-ups will be done before or after school. There is no lunch or class time make-ups!

8. When in this class, students are expected to give it their full concentration. Preparing for another class or reading optional material is NOT ACCEPTABLE!

9. Students will make arrangements so that their work schedule does not interfere with their class responsibilities. Although I realize that many of you work at an outside job, do athletics, participate in multiple clubs, organizations, and extra-curricular activities, your MAIN focus must be on school. Please do not use any of the above as an excuse for missing assignments. I DO NOT ACCEPT LATE WORK!

(10) There is no “working together” allowed unless assigned that way. If you and any other student from any class turn in assignments which appear to be nearly identical either in words, sequencing, or writing style, I will confer with all parties and potentially a no credit will be assigned. DO YOUR OWN WORK EVERY DAY!!!!!

Course of Study
Topics addressed, in order (changes may occur so be alert):

1. Introduction to American Government and Federalism

2. The Constitution

3. Congress

4. Presidency

5. The Judiciary

6. The Bureaucracy

7. Political Parties / Political Participation

8. American Political Culture / Public Opinion

9. Interest Groups / Media

10.Elections and Campaigns / Media

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American Government Debate Topics and Directions:
You are required to participate in one oral debate in class this semester. Your debate team will consist of three people of your choice. You will sign up for one of the following with your team and either argue for the resolution as written or against it. All research will be done outside of class time. You should research your topic in the library and give a background to your topic then note down what points you want to use during the debate. Read and follow the other debate hand out so you are familiar with the format and the organization needed for the debate.

Topics:
(1) Resolved that a federal law be enacted for the legalization of the growth, use and distribution of marijuana.

(2) Resolved that every citizen of the United States serve a mandatory two year paid service to one of the four branches of the military immediately following high school.

(3) Resolved that all Federal affirmative action laws and statutes be repealed.

(4) Resolved the right to die should be legal for all individuals with or without their doctor’s informed consent and or participation.

(5) Resolved the death penalty is “cruel and unusual punishment” and should be abolished by a Constitutional amendment.

(6) Resolved that drug testing be declared an invasion of privacy and, thus, illegal for a business to require.

(7) Resolved that illegal immigrants should not be entitled to medical services or public education (Plyler v. Doe decision should be reexamined)

(8) Resolved that a federal law be passed to allow for the legal cloning of any living organism.


WELCOME TO AMERICAN GOVERNMENT: It is my goal to prepare each of you to be educated in the government and politics of our nation, both theoretically and practically. When you finish this course I expect that you will be able to make informed decisions about influencing the direction of our government, both locally and nationally, and that you will be able to tie-in pertinent global events as part of your decision-making process. Shall we begin......???

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--------------- Please read, sign and return this portion only to Mrs. Ballarin.--------------------------------------------------------                                                                                                     Period__________ ID #_________________

I have read and understood Mrs. Ballarin’s syllabus and class requirements.

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For Parents and Guardians attention:
I have read and understood Mrs. Ballarin’s syllabus and class requirements. I know that I may call West Hills at 596-3600 or write a note to contact Mrs. Ballarin with concerns regarding my student in her class and she will contact me so we may discuss my concerns.

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