Week One: Foundations of U.S. Government

The Essential Question for this week is: What are the roots of our democracy?



The Georgia Performance Standards that you'll work with this week are:

SSCG1 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the political philosophies that shaped the development of United States constitutional government.
a. Analyze key ideas of limited government and the rule of law as seen in the Magna Carta, the Petition of Rights, and the English Bill of Rights.
b. Analyze the writings of Hobbes (Leviathan), Locke (Second Treatise on Government), and Montesquieu (The Spirit of Laws) as they affect our concept of government.

SSCG2 The student will analyze the natural rights philosophy and the nature of government expressed in the Declaration of Independence.
a. Compare and contrast the Declaration of Independence and the Social Contract Theory.
b. Evaluate the Declaration of Independence as a persuasive argument.

The assignments for this unit are listed below. Please be sure to follow all instructions for completing assignments and receiving the maximum points possible.

Week One Assignment 1: Roots of U.S. Democracy Notes
SCCG 1, element a
- Using the Roots of Democracy power point, complete the Roots of Democracy Student Notes that analyze key ideas of limited government and the rule of law as seen in the Magna Carta, the Petition of Rights, and the English Bill of Rights.

* Complete the notes and answer each question thoroughly. Place in teacher's drop box when notes are completed. *15 possible points.

Week One Assignment 2: Enlightenment Philosophers and Their Influential Ideas Notes
SCCG 1, element b
- Using the Enlightenment Philosophers power point, complete the Enlightenment Philosophers Student Notes that analyze the writings of Hobbes (Leviathan), Locke (Second Treatise on Government), and Montesquieu (The Spirit of Laws) as they affect our concept of government.

* Complete the notes and answer each question thoroughly. Place in teacher's drop box when notes are completed. *15 possible points.

Week One Assignment 3: Habeas Corpus and the "War on Terror" Case Study
SCCG 1, element a
- In this assignment you will reflect upon the recent U.S. government's actions in regards to not providing the right of Habeas Corpus to suspected terrorists being held at Guantanamo Bay Prison in Cuba. Follow all instructions in the document Habeas Corpus and the "War on Terror" Case Study for completing this assignment.

* Place your finished paper in your teacher's drop box when completed. *30 possible points.


Week One Assignment 4: Understanding the Declaration of Independence
SCCG 2, element a, b
- Using the Declaration of Independence Background Information power point, and the Declaration of Independence Text document, complete the Declaration of Independence Student Notes that compare and contrast the Declaration of Independence and the Social Contract Theory, and evaluates the Declaration of Independence as a persuasive argument.

* Complete the notes and answer each question thoroughly. Place in teacher's drop box when notes are completed. *25 possible points.

Week One Assignment 5: Social Contract Interview Project
SCCG 1

Do Americans believe we are “united”? Do people also believe there is “liberty” and “tranquility” in the U.S., as expressed as a goal in the preamble to the Constitution?

This project will revolve around interviewing members of our community to determine their attitude toward this idea of Social Contract, and whether it has been upheld by our government. You are going to record their responses and share their responses as well as your thoughts on the topic in a paper. Please follow all instructions and expectations found in the Social Contract Interview Project.

* Place your finished paper in your teacher's drop box when completed. *100 possible points.

Week One Assignment 6: Week One Quiz
SCCG 1

SCCG2

After you have completed the first five assignments and turned them in to your teacher, take the Week One quiz to check for understanding of standards you worked with in week one. You will need to get the quiz from your teacher.

* 20 possible points.

Week Twelve: Final Exam Review

Weekly Assignments TBA

Week Eleven: Foreign Policy

Weekly Assignments TBA

Week Ten: Forms of Government

Weekly Assignments TBA

Week Nine: Voting and Elections

The Essential Question for this week is:

Are you prepared to vote?

The Georgia Performance Standard that you'll work with this week is:
SSCG8 The student will demonstrate knowledge of local, state, and national elections.
a. Describe the organization, role, and constituencies of political parties.
b. Describe the nomination and election process.
c. Examine campaign funding and spending.
d. Analyze the influence of media coverage, campaign advertising, and public opinion polls.
e. Identify how amendments extend the right to vote.

The assignments for this week are listed below. Please be sure to follow all instructions for completing assignments and receiving the maximum points possible.


Week Nine Assignment 1: NovaNet Module 9
SSCG8
- Complete lessons a, b, c,  d and mastery assessment in Module 9-Voting and Elections.   It is required that you take notes as you work through each module. Half of your points will come from your notes, and the other half will come from your test scores. Be sure to include the following information in your NovaNet notes that are turned in for credit:

• Date
• Title of Module
• Title of Lesson
• Significant (important) information from lessons: definitions, notable people/places/things, historical information, explanation of concepts, charts, etc.

* 140 possible points

Week Nine Assignment 2: Organization, Role and Constituencies of Political Parties Notes and Activity
SSCG8 element a
- Using the Organization, Role, and Constituencies of Political Parties power point,  complete the Organization, Role, and Constituencies of Political Parties student notes that describe the organization, role, and constituencies of political parties.  The second half of the assignment assesses and has you evaluate which political party you would associate with more.

* Complete the notes and answer each question thoroughly. Place in teacher's drop box when notes are completed. *32 possible points.
 

Week Nine Assignment 3: Winning the Media Campaign Case Study

SSCG8 elements c and d

In today’s society most of the information you receive is through the media; TV, Internet, radio, newspapers, etc.  Candidates for political office know that the media coverage of their campaign can make or break their chances of being elected.  In this case study, you will look at how the media coverage of the 2008 presidential race portrayed each candidate, and how the media’s portrayal helped shape the outcome of the 2008 presidential election.   

* Follow all instructions in the document Winning the Media Campaign Case Study for completing this assignment. Place in teacher's drop box when completed. *25 possible points      

Week Nine Assignment 4: Week Nine Quiz

SSCG8

After you have completed the first three assignments and turned them in to your teacher, take the Week Nine quiz to check for understanding of standards you worked with in week Nine. You will need to get the quiz from your teacher. * 20 possible points.

Week Eight: State and Local Government

The Essential Question for this week is:

How do state and local governments impact your life?

The Georgia Performance Standards that you'll work with this week are:

SSCG17 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the organization and powers of state and local government described in the Georgia Constitution.a. Examine the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
b. Examine the structure of local governments with emphasis on county, city, and town.
c. Identify current state and local officials.
d. Analyze the relationship among state and local governments.
e. Evaluate direct democracy by the initiative, referendum, and recall processes.

SSCG18 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the powers of Georgia’s state and local governments.a. Examine the powers of state and local government.
b. Examine sources of revenue received by each level of government.
c. Analyze the services provided by state and local government.

The assignments for this week are listed below. Please be sure to follow all instructions for completing assignments and receiving the maximum points possible.


Week Eight Assignment 1: Georgia's State and Local Government Notes
SSCG17, SSCG18

- Using the State and Local Government power point complete the State and Local Government Student Notes that will provide information about of the organization, powers, and purposes of the State and Local governments in Georgia.

* Complete the notes and answer each question thoroughly. Place in teacher's drop box when notes are completed. *22 possible points.



Week Eight Assignment 2: Scavenger Hunt- State and Local Government in Downtown Athens, GA
SSCG17, SSCG18

- To complete this assignment, you are going to have to go downtown.  Give yourself at least an hour to complete the scavenger hunt.  Follow all instructions and clues carefully, and be sure to complete the last step if you want to receive any credit for the assignment.

* You will need to pick up a print out of the scavenger hunt from your teacher before you go.  Please pre-arrange a time with your teacher as well.  Turn in your completed scavenger hunt to your teacher
*50 possible points.

Week Eight Assignment 3: Local Issue Research

SSCG18

Here in Athens, we face a number of problems that challenge us and make life more difficult for residents. 

 In this research activity, we will find three local articles that discuss a local problem problem, find how another locality deals with this issue and come to a conclusion about what should happen.

* Follow all instructions in the document Local Issue Research for completing this assignment. Place in teacher's drop box when completed. *50 possible points Week Eight Assignment 4: Week Eight Quiz SSCG17, SSCG18

After you have completed the first three assignments and turned them in to your teacher, take the Week Eight quiz to check for understanding of standards you worked with in week eight. You will need to get the quiz from your teacher. * 20 possible points.

Week Seven: The Judicial Branch

The Essential Question for this week is:

How do the courts work?

The Georgia Performance Standard that you'll work with this week is:

SSCG16 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the operation of the federal judiciary.
a. Explain the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, federal courts and the state courts.
b. Examine how John Marshall established the Supreme Court as an independent, coequal branch of government through his opinions in Marbury v. Madison.
c. Describe how the Supreme Court decides cases.
d. Compare the philosophies of judicial activism and judicial restraint.

The assignments for this week are listed below. Please be sure to follow all instructions for completing assignments and receiving the maximum points possible.


Week Seven Assignment 1: NovNET Module 6- Lessons c,d, and mastery assessment
SCCG16
- Complete lessons c and d and take the mastery assessment from Module 6 (Branches of Government Part 2). It is required that you take notes as you work through each module. Half of your points will come from your notes. Be sure to include the following information in your NovaNet notes that are turned in for credit:

* Date
* Title of Module
* Title of Lesson
* Significant (important) information from lessons: definitions, notable people/places/things, historical information, explanation of concepts, charts, etc.

* 60 possible points.

Week Seven Assignment 2: Jurisdiction of the Federal and State Courts Student Notes
SCCG 16, element a

- Using the Jurisdiction of the Federal and State Courts power point complete the Jurisdiction of the Federal and State Courts Student Notes that will provide information about of the operation of the federal judiciary and explain the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, federal courts and the state courts.

* Complete the notes and answer each question thoroughly. Place in teacher's drop box when notes are completed. *10 possible points.


Week Seven Assignment 3: Levels of Judicial System Research
SSCG16, element a
In this assignment you will research current court cases under jurisdiction of the different levels of the courts.

* Follow all instructions in the document Levels of the Judicial System Research for completing this assignment. Place in teacher's drop box when completed. *40 possible points.


Week Seven Assignment 4: The Federal Judiciary Student Notes
SSCG16 elements b,c,d

- Using the Federal Judiciary power point complete the Federal Judiciary Student Notes that examine how John Marshall established the Supreme Court as an independent, coequal branch of government through his opinions in Marbury v. Madison, and  describes how the Supreme Court decides cases, and compares the philosophies of judicial activism and judicial restraint.

* Complete the notes and answer each question thoroughly. Place in teacher's drop box when notes are completed. *30 possible points.



Week Seven Assignment 5: Supreme Court Cases on the Docket Case Study
SSCG16

In this case study you will read about and express your opinions about Supreme Court Cases that were on the docket (to be heard) this year.  Very Interesting stuff!

* Follow all instructions in the document Supreme Court Cases on the Docket Case Study for completing this assignment. Place in teacher's drop box when completed. *20 possible points.


Week Seven Assignment 6: Following a Case to the Supreme Court Case Study:
Korematsu v. United States

SSCG16 a,c
In this case study  you will follow a case through the Court System that revolves around discrimination against a Japanese American, Korematsu,  during WWII. 

*Please follow all instructions and expectations found in the Following a Case to the Supreme Court Case Study for completing this assignment.  * Place your finished work in your teacher's drop box when completed. *10 possible points.


Week Seven Assignment 7: Week Seven Quiz
SSCG16
After you have completed the first six assignments and turned them in to your teacher, take the Week Seven quiz to check for understanding of standards you worked with in week seven. You will need to get the quiz from your teacher.

* 20 possible points.

Week Six: The Executive Branch

The Essential Question for this week is:

Would you want to be the President?

The Georgia Performance Standards that you'll work with this week are:

SSCG12 The student will analyze the various roles played by the President of the United States; include Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, chief executive, chief agenda setter, representative of the nation, chief of state, foreign policy leader, and party leader.

SSCG13 The student will describe the qualifications for becoming President of the United States.
a. Explain the written qualifications for President of the United States.
b. Describe unwritten qualifications common to past presidents.

SSCG14 The student will explain the impeachment process and its usage for elected officials.
a. Explain the impeachment process as defined in the U.S. Constitution.
b. Describe the impeachment proceedings of Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton.

SSCG15 The student will explain the functions of the departments and agencies of the federal bureaucracy.
a. Compare and contrast the organization and responsibilities of independent regulatory agencies, government corporations, and executive agencies.
b. Explain the functions of the Cabinet.

The assignments for this unit are listed below. Please be sure to follow all instructions for completing assignments and receiving the maximum points possible.


Week Six Assignment 1: NovNET Module 6- Lessons a and b
SCCG 12, SSCG13, SSCG14
- Complete lessons a and b from Module 6 (Branches of Government Part 2). It is required that you take notes as you work through each module. Half of your points will come from your notes. Be sure to include the following information in your NovaNet notes that are turned in for credit:

• Date
• Title of Module
• Title of Lesson
• Significant (important) information from lessons: definitions, notable people/places/things, historical information, explanation of concepts, charts, etc.
  

* 20 possible points.

Week Six Assignment 2: Roles and Qualifications of the President
SCCG 12, SSCG 13

- Using the Roles and Qualifications of the President power point complete Roles and Qualifications of the President Student Notes that analyze the various roles played by the President of the United States; include Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, chief executive, chief agenda setter, representative of the nation, chief of state, foreign policy leader, and party leader. The notes will also describe the written and unwritten qualifications for becoming President of the United States.


* Complete the notes and answer each question thoroughly. Place in teacher's drop box when notes are completed. *20 possible points.

Week Six Assignment 3: President as Commander in Chief Case Study

SSCG12

In this case study you will watch a film that revolves around President Obama's recent decision to send more troops to Afghanistan.

* Follow all instructions in the document President as Commander in Chief Case Study for completing this assignment. Place in teacher's drop box when completed. *24 possible points.

Week Six Assignment 4: Presidential Impeachment

SSCG14

- Using the Presidential Impeachment power point complete the Presidential Impeachment Student Notes that explain the impeachment process and its usage for elected officials.

* Complete the notes and answer each question thoroughly. Place in teacher's drop box when notes are completed. *20 possible points.

Week Six Assignment 5: The Impeachment Trial of President Clinton Case Study
SSCG14 b

In this case study you will read in depth about the events leading up to and the impeachment trial of President Clinton. Afterward you will write a reflection essay discussing your opinion of the case.

* Follow all instructions in the document The Impeachment Trial of President Clinton Case Study for completing this assignment. Place in teacher's drop box when completed. *25 possible points.

Week Six Assignment 6: Federal Bureaucracy Background and Cabinet Scenarios

SSCG15

In this activity you will find out what the Federal Bureaucracy is all about, and you will work with different scenarios that the President's Cabinet members might advise the President on.

*Please follow all instructions and expectations found in the Federal Bureaucracy Background and Cabinet Scenarios document.

* Place your finished work in your teacher's drop box when completed. *35 possible points.

Week Six Assignment 7: Coal Ash Spill Case Study- Executive Branch Responsibilities

SSCG15

In this assignment, you will examine a case in which the Executive Branch of the U.S. government is being questioned.

*Please follow all instructions and expectations found in the Coal Ash Spill Case Study document.

* Place your finished work in your teacher's drop box when completed. *10 possible points.

Week Six Assignment 8: OSHA Case Study

SSCG15 element a

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is the main federal agency charged with the enforcement of safety and health legislation. In this case study you will analyze an issue OSHA faced regarding poultry plants.

*Please follow all instructions and expectations found in the OSHA Case Study document.

* Place your finished work in your teacher's drop box when completed. *10 possible points.

Week Six Assignment 9: Week Six Quiz
SCCG 12
SCCG13
SSCG14
SSCG15
After you have completed the first eight assignments and turned them in to your teacher, take the Week Six quiz to check for understanding of standards you worked with in week six. You will need to get the quiz from your teacher.

* 20 possible points.

Week Five: The Legislative Branch

The Essential Question for this week is:

How does Congress work?

The Georgia Performance Standards that you'll work with this week are:

SSCG9 The student will explain the differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate, with emphasis on terms of office, powers, organization, leadership, and representation of each house.

SSCG10 The student will describe the legislative process including the roles played by committees and leadership.
a. Explain the steps in the legislative process.
b. Explain the function of various leadership positions within the legislature.

SSCG11 The student will describe the influence of lobbyists (business, labor, professional organizations) and special interest groups on the legislative process.
a. Explain the function of lobbyists.
b. Describe the laws and rules that govern lobbyists.
c. Explain the function of special interest groups.


The assignments for this unit are listed below. Please be sure to follow all instructions for completing assignments and receiving the maximum points possible.


Week Five Assignment 1: NovNET Module E
SCCG 9, SSCG10, SSCG11
- Complete all lessons and mastery assessment (Module E (Branches of Government) Lessons A-D). It is required that you take notes as you work through each module. Half of your points will come from your notes, and the other half will come from your test scores. Be sure to include the following information in your NovaNet notes that are turned in for credit:

• Date
• Title of Module
• Title of Lesson
• Significant (important) information from lessons: definitions, notable people/places/things, historical information, explanation of concepts, charts, etc.
  

* 80 possible points.

Week Five Assignment 2: Comparing the House of Representatives and the Senate
SCCG 9, SSCG 10 b
- Using the Comparing the House of Representatives and the Senate Power point complete the Comparing the House of Representatives and the Senate Student Notes that compare the differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate, with emphasis on terms of office, powers, organization, leadership, and representation of each house.

* Complete the notes and answer each question thoroughly. Place in teacher's drop box when notes are completed. *25 possible points.

Week Five Assignment 3: Legislation Today- Congressional Action Research Activity

SSCG10

In this activity, you will locate, analyze, and discuss an action that is currently being considered by the U.S. Congress.

* Follow all instructions in the document Legislation Today- Congressional Action Research Activity for completing this assignment. Place in teacher's drop box when completed. *20 possible points.

Week Five Assignment 4: How a Bill Becomes A Law

SSCG10

- Using the How a Bill Becomes a Law power point complete the How a Bill Becomes a Law Student Notes that describe the legislative process including the roles played by committees and leadership.

* Complete the notes thoroughly. Place in teacher's drop box when notes are completed. *20 possible points.

Week Five Assignment 5: Lobbyists and Special Interest Groups Background Information and Capital Crimes Case Study
SSCG11 a,b,c

In this assignment you will gain an understanding of lobbyists (business, labor, professional organizations) and special interest groups and how they influence the legislative process. The case study, Capital Crimes, will reveal how one lobbyists efforts made national and international headlines.

*Please follow all instructions and expectations found in the Lobbyists and Special Interest Groups Background and Capital Crimes Case Study document. * Place your finished work in your teacher's drop box when completed. *20 possible points.

Week Five Assignment 6: Investigating Your Representatives

SSCG9, SSCG11

In this activity you will research and investigate one of your representatives in Congress. What legislation does he support? What interest groups supported his campaign? The goal of this activity is to see whether or not you think that your representative “represents” you – meaning, is he looking out for your interests?

*Please follow all instructions and expectations found in the Investigating Your Representatives document.

* Place your finished work in your teacher's drop box when completed. *20 possible points.

Week Five Assignment 7: Week Five Quiz
SCCG 9
SCCG10
SSCG11

After you have completed the first six assignments and turned them in to your teacher, take the Week Five quiz to check for understanding of standards you worked with in week five. You will need to get the quiz from your teacher.

* 20 possible points.

Week Four: Civil Liberties, Civil Rights, and Civil Life

The Essential Question for this week is:
Do you know your rights and responsibilities as a U.S. citizen?

The Georgia Performance Standards that you'll work with this week are:

SSCG6 The student will demonstrate knowledge of civil liberties and civil rights.
a. Examine the Bill of Rights with emphasis on First Amendment freedoms.
b. Analyze due process law expressed in the 5th and 14th Amendments.
c. Explain selective incorporation of the Bill of Rights.
d. Explain how government seeks to maintain the balance between individual
liberties and the public interest.
e. Explain every citizen’s right to be treated equally under the law.


SSCG7 The student will describe how thoughtful and effective participation in
civic life is characterized by obeying the law, paying taxes, serving on a jury, participating in the political process, performing public service, registering for military duty, being informed about current issues, and respecting differing opinions.


The assignments for this unit are listed below. Please be sure to follow all instructions for completing assignments and receiving the maximum points possible.

Week Four Assignment 1: Constitutional Amendments that Protect Civil Liberties
SCCG 6, elements a, b, c, d, e
- Using the Constitutional Amendments that Protect Civil Liberties power point, complete the Constitutional Amendments that Protect Civil Liberties Student Notes that examine the Bill of Rights with emphasis on First Amendment freedoms, analyze due process law expressed in the 5th and 14th Amendments, and explain selective incorporation of the Bill of Rights.


* Complete the notes and answer each question thoroughly. Place in teacher's drop box when notes are completed. *30 possible points.

Week Four Assignment 2: Freedom of Speech Case Study

SSCG6 Elements a, b

In this assignment you will read about a case that discusses whether or not First Amendment rights of free speech extend to symbolic speech by students in public schools. And, if so, in what circumstances is that symbolic speech protected?

* Follow all instructions in the document Freedom of Speech Case Study for completing this assignment. Place in teacher's drop box when completed. *16 possible points.

Week Four Assignment 3: Know Your 4^th Amendment Rights Case Study

SSCG6 elements a, d, e

In this assignment you will read about the different types of police searches and how they reflect your 4^th Amendment rights.

* Follow all instructions in the document Know Your 4th Amendment Rights Case Study for completing this assignment. Place in teacher's drop box when completed. *15 possible points.

Week Four Assignment 4: Life Sentences for Minors Case Study

SSCG6 elements a, d

In this assignment you will analyze opposing arguments about whether or not sentencing minors to life sentences is “cruel and unusual punishment”.

* Follow all instructions in the document Life Sentences for Minors Case Study for completing this assignment. Place in teacher's drop box when completed. *10 possible points.

Week Four Assignment 5: American Civil Liberties Union Research and Discussion
SSCG6 a,b,c,d,e

This assignment will involve researching and discussing an issue or topic that the ACLU has highlighted as something that needs to be addressed to preserve the individual rights that are guaranteed in the constitution.

*Please follow all instructions and expectations found in the American Civil Liberties Union Research and Discussion document. * Place your finished paper in your teacher's drop box when completed. *40 possible points.

Week Four Assignment 6: Participating in Civic Life-Are You a Good Citizen?

SSCG7

There are certain duties that the U.S. government requests of its citizens. They are called civic duties. In this assignment you will complete a chart b to see where you stand in your willingness to participate in civic life.

*Please follow all instructions and expectations found in the Participating in Civic Life- Are You a Good Citizen? document. * Place your finished work in your teacher's drop box when completed. *20 possible points.

Week Four Assignment 7: Week Four Quiz
SCCG 6
SCCG7

After you have completed the first six assignments and turned them in to your teacher, take the Week Four quiz to check for understanding of standards you worked with in week four. You will need to get the quiz from your teacher.

* 20 possible points.