Mr.
Stanton
E-Mail: mr.s@worldjourney.net or
Office
Room: P6 Eugene_A._Stanton@fc.mcps.k12.md.us
Office Phone:
The
Course Description
In the first semester of Honors National, State and Local Government you will study the basic principles that shape our current political system. This includes the participation process and the functions of our government. In the second semester, you will learn how the basic functions of government work in relation to more complicated issues, like the economic system and foreign and domestic policies (equity, education, the environment, health care, etc.). You will be challenged to apply abstract concepts of government to everyday life. In the end, you will be expected to become a citizen who can read and learn about almost any issue, write to express understanding or support a point of view, and converse in a manner worthy of the title citizen. Please understand that passing the National, State, and Local Government A and B Exams are important components in the Maryland State Assessment Examination System and are requirements for graduation. This course will prepare you for the test.
"Information is the currency of
democracy." Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), 3rd
"If liberty and equality, as is thought
by some, are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be best attained when
all persons alike share in government to the utmost."
Aristotle (384-322 BC), Greek
Philosopher
"The experience of democracy is like the experience of
life itself-always changing, infinite in its variety, sometimes turbulent and
all the more valuable for having been tested by adversity."
Course
Objectives
NSL A
Unit One: Political
Principles and Structure of Systems
- Why
people form governments; how governments vary in purpose, form and type.
- The
key principles of
- How
federalism as outlined in the US Constitution is a system of separation of
power and checks and balances, judicial review, and an amendment process.
Unit Two:
Participation in the Political Process
- How
citizenship, the basis of our democracy, includes performing the duties of
a citizen, voting, and participating in the debate over what constitutes
the common good.
- How
and why citizens form political parties to shape the common good and have
their ideologies reflected in public policies and elected officials.
Course Objectives Continued
(NSL A)
Unit Three: Functions
and Power: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial
- How
your representatives make important decisions about government on your
behalf.
- How the
US Constitution establishes powers for national and state governments.
- How
branches and levels of government work together.
Unit Four:
Attaining Justice and Protecting Rights
- How
individual rights and responsibilities, rule of law, and a system of justice
are important to each of us.
- How
the 14th Amendment due process clause gives “equal protection for all.”
- How
the
- How
landmark Supreme Court decisions affect due process protections.
NSL B
Unit Five: The
Economic Common Good
- Basic
economic concepts and principles.
- The
different types of economic systems and how each answers the basic
economic questions of what to produce, how to produce it and how it is
distributed.
- The organization
of the mixed market economy of the
- International
trade and the role of the
Unit Six: Foreign
Policy
- The
role of foreign policy throughout the history of the
- Contemporary
foreign policy situations facing the
- The
complexities and balance involved in making foreign policy decisions for
the
Unit Seven: The
Role of Public Policy
- The
role of government in making public policy.
- How
public policy shapes areas such as the environment, entitlements, health
care and public health, censorship, crime, and equity.
Grading Format
Your final grade is based on your capacity to demonstrate
your ability to perform the objectives and required skills for each unit. You
will be assessed based on valued points on the basis of test, quizzes, essays (
Type of Evaluation Percentage
% Value
Test 30%
Alternative Assessments (This
includes Quizzes and ECR &
Essays)
Enhancement Assignments (This includes Projects, Group Projects, 40%
Group Presentations, Simulations, Class Assignments, ect.)
Homework (Work graded on accuracy or quality in relation to 10%
established learning outcomes)
There will be due dates and deadlines for assignments; if you turn in an assignment after the due date but before the deadline, you will be penalized 10%. Assignments turned in after the deadline will be corrected but will receive no credit.
Reassessment
The
opportunity for reassessment of quizzes will be offered, provided the student
has completed all work associated with the quiz being reassessed. Reassessments
must be taken when scheduled by the teacher. Reassessments must be taken within
three days of the original quiz. The reassessment grade will replace the
original grade with no exceptions.
Late Work
Please
note that MCPS guidelines state that late work received prior to the deadline
will receive a 10% deduction in grade. In
accordance to MCPS policy, late work submitted after the deadline will be corrected but will receive a grade of zero. Extenuating circumstances, like a death in the
family or a serious illness will be considered on an individual, one-time only
basis, if allowed under MCPS policy. This rule will be strictly adhered to, so
these circumstances must be exceptional and allowable under the MCPS policy.
Extra Credit
Please be aware that MCPS policy
does not allow teachers to give extra credit for any reason; therefore, it is important to
do your work properly and to turn it in early or on time.
Important information if you are
Absent
You are
responsible for the material discussed in class, this includes days you are
absent. Make-up tests are your responsibility. You must see me at lunch, the
day you return, to schedule a make-up test or quiz. Make-up tests will be
different and have a different format than the original test. They also must be
given with-in the MCPS designated
allotted days. It is your responsibility to
pick up your assignments and turn in your work the day after you return from
any excused absence. Being absent from class does not excuse you from
doing the assignment. It is your
responsibility to collect and complete missed assignments when you are absent.
EXTRA HELP
Course
Grades will be posted on Edline and Course
information can always be found at my website: www.worldjourney.net/phs. I am
available during lunch daily and periodically before and after school.
Seven Simple Rules
I) Be on time
each day. When the bell rings, you must be in your seat or well on your way. If
you are standing around outside talking, you will be marked tardy.
II) You will be assigned a seat and will be
expected to sit in that seat each day. If you are sitting in an unassigned
seat, you may be marked absent.
III)
Be prepared.
Bring paper, pen or pencil and your notebook to class each day. You will not be
permitted to go to your locker or to another classroom to get your notebook or
assignments once class has started.
IV) Do not bring food, drink, or gum into the classroom. Let’s
keep our school clean. It’s an issue of pride.
V) It is your responsibility to make sure that your assignments are
completed and turned in on time.
VI) No one will be allowed to sleep (or put their head down) in
class. If you have a health issue, please let me know. Your privacy will be
completely respected.
VII)
School rules will be adhered to strictly. You are expected to know them
and follow them. Any variation will result in immediate disciplinary action.