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United States Government Syllabus for 2017-2018
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Instructor Information

Instructor

Debra Avara (Curriculum Vitae)

E-Mail

dpavara@actx.edu  (contact me using email from INSIDE your class)

Phone

Office Location

Office Hours

 

 

For online classes: All communication will be done through email. Email me THROUGH the class email  USING THE LINK ON THE LEFT OF THE PAGE IN BLACKBOARD. (not the one listed above). This is the best way to contact me. 

 Emails should be done THROUGH the class email (not the one listed above). This IS the best way to contact me.

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

GOVT-2305-001 United States Government

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills

Course Description

Origin and development of the U.S. Constitution, structure and powers of the national government including the legislative, executive and judicial branches, federalism, political participation, the national election process, public policy, civil liberties and civil rights.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact your advisor, the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Supplies

Access to a reliable computer and reliable internet. Smartphones have numerous problems with the Exams and Quizzes in this course. All students should have access to a desktop or laptop computer with a reliable internet access when taking Exams and Quizzes.

Student Performance

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

  1. Define and describe federalism and Intergovernmental Relations,the basis for federalism in the Constitution, and its changing character and development as well as explain other ways of organizing government.
  2. Identify and explain the three branches of government in the U.S.
  3. Explain the Constitutional powers and limitations of political actors.
  4. Identify and define the rights of U.S. citizens.
  5. Explain the philosophical development-theoretical concepts of the state, government, limited government, democracy, and authoritarian government and demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of each concept.
  6. Explain the historical development of Constitutionalism as a basis for political society and the historical development of the U.S. Constitution and the political system that has developed under that Constitution.
  7. Explain the concepts of limited Government, protection of the individual through the limitation of government power, and explain how American government is limited through through federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, the Bill of Rights, and democracy.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

1.  Come to Class prepared.

2.  Listen when others are speaking.

3.  Avoid side conversations.  They are distracting to me and to others who sit close by.

4.  Arrive on time for class and stay for the whole class period.

5.  Take care of personal needs before class.  Movement about the room is disrupting.  If this poses a problem for you please talk to me.

6.  Do not bring food or drinks into the classroom.

7.  Cell phones should be turned off before class begins.  If you feel you have an exception, see me.

Grading Criteria


There are 2111 total points available (not including extra credit assignment) 


A = 2444 - 2200

B = 2199 - 1955

C = 1954 - 1710

D = 1709 - 1466

F = 1465 down

 

Class Participation:  This is an ONLINE class. We do NOT meet on campus. All work is done ONLINE.

 

Make up Policy:  None - all quizzes are online through Pearson Revel, with due dates.

NO EXCUSE WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Attendance

INSTRUCTOR ATTENDANCE POLICY:

THIS IS AN ONLINE CLASS. ALL WORK IS DONE ONLINE.

Calendar

Date


Welcome to US Government 2305

Assignments and Exams

 

 

 

Read all of the information and instructions regarding this course on this page. Be sure to read the whole page and not just the first few dates. This information will help save you time later in the course. Be sure you have also read all of the start here page and the syllabus.

 

 

 

There is a Discussion tab on the left hand menu. Click on that tab and then click on the Topic for Introduction. Click on my introduction posting and then click on "reply". Write an introduction of yourself. It does not have to be long and is not graded. Simply state a few things about yourself for the class. Examples include: major, interests, family information, work, how far you live from campus, etc. There is no due date on this; but the quicker the better. This is just to let you get an idea of how the discussion works. The rest of the discussions assigned in this course are graded.

 

 

 

 

There are weekly chapter assignments that state what chapters are assigned for the week. Each of those have several components that must be completed by the weekly deadline to receive any credit for the points related to those components. Be sure to read ALL OF THE ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS PAGE linked to the LESSONS-ASSIGNMENTS TAB in the course. 

Each Chapter Assignment is very similar as far as the reading and study material are concerned. Each chapter will have several sections of reading and study material. Each section has a short 3 to 5 question quiz. Each chapter has a review quiz and a shared writing assignment. Those are all graded and count toward the overall Weekly Assignment total. Be sure that you complete all of the reading, quizzes, and shared writing assignment by the deadline of each assignment.

 

ALL ASSIGNMENTS ARE OPEN NOW.  You may work ahead, you may NOT work behind. I do NOT turn assignments back on.

 

 

CHAPTER ASSIGNMENTS -

Introduction due by 8pm 6/7/2018

 

Chpt 1 & 2 assignments

DUE BY 8PM 6/8/2018

 

 

 

 


WEEK 1

Introduction: Government by the People 

  • Introduction: Government by the People
  • The Idea of America
  • A Distinctive Constitutional Democracy
  • Government Of, By, and For the People
  • Shared Writing: Government by the People (20 points)
  • Learning Objectives
  • Conclusion
  • Learn the Terms
  • Explore Further

Chapter 1: Constitutional Democracy

  • Introduction: Constitutional Democracy
  • 1.1 U.S. Government and Politicians in Context (9 points)
  • 1.2 Defining Democracy (18 points)
  • 1.3 The Roots of the American Constitutional Experiment (15 points)
  • 1.4 The Constitutional Convention of 1787 (15 points)
  • 1.5 To Adopt or Not to Adopt? (15 points)
  • Shared Writing: 1.5: By the People: To Adopt or Not to Adopt? (20 points)
  • Review the Chapter: Constitutional Democracy
  • Learn the Terms
  • Explore Further
  • Chapter Quiz: Constitutional Democracy (75 points)

Chapter 2: Constitutional Foundations

  • Introduction: Constitutional Foundations
  • 2.1 Views of the Constitution (9 points)
  • 2.2 Checking Power with Power (15 points)
  • 2.3 Judicial Review and the “Guardians of the Constitution” (15 points)
  • 2.4 Informal Change: The Unwritten Constitution (15 points)
  • Shared Writing: 2.4: Informal Change: The Unwritten Constitution (20 points)
  • 2.5 Changing the Letter of the Constitution (15 points)
  • Review the Chapter: Constitutional Foundations
  • Learn the Terms
  • Explore Further
  • Chapter Quiz: Constitutional Foundations (75 points)

Introduction Discussion

 

 

Chapter 3 & 4 assignments due by 8pm 6/15/2018

 

 

 

Discussion 1 in Blackboard  -  DUE 6/15/2018 by 11:55pm  

 


WEEK 2

Chapter 3: American Federalism

  • Introduction: American Federalism
  • 3.1 Defining Federalism (15 points)
  • 3.2 The Constitutional Structure of American Federalism (15 points)
  • 3.3 The National Courts and Federalism (15 points)
  • 3.4 The National Budget as a Tool of Federalism (15 points)
  • Shared Writing: 3.4: The National Budget as a Tool of Federalism (20 points)
  • 3.5 The Politics of Federalism (9 points)
  • Review the Chapter: American Federalism
  • Learn the Terms
  • Explore Further
  • Chapter Quiz: American Federalism (75 points)

Chapter 4: The American Political Landscape

  • Introduction: The American Political Landscape
  • 4.1 An Exceptional America (6 points)
  • 4.2 Geography and National Identity (12 points)
  • 4.3 Where We Live (15 points)
  • 4.4 Who We Are (15 points)
  • Shared Writing: 4.4: Who We Are (20 points)
  • 4.5 How Much We Own (15 points)
  • 4.6 Unity in a Land of Diversity (6 points)
  • Review the Chapter: The American Political Landscape
  • Learn the Terms
  • Explore Further
  • Chapter Quiz: The American Political Landscape (75 points)

Discussion 1 in Blackboard  -  DUE 6/15/2018 by 11:55pm
 

Notice that some chapters are skipped after this assignment

 

 

Chapter 10 & 11 assignments due by 6/22/2018

 

 

 


WEEK 3

Chapter 10: Congress: The People’s Branch

  • Introduction: Congress: The People’s Branch
  • 10.1 Congressional Elections (21 points)
  • Shared Writing: 10.1: Congressional Elections (20 points)
  • 10.2 The Structure and Powers of Congress (15 points)
  • 10.3 Congressional Leadership and Committees (18 points)
  • 10.4 How a Bill Becomes a Law (12 points)
  • 10.5 The Job of the Legislator (15 points)
  • 10.6 An Assessment of Congress (6 points)
  • Review the Chapter: Congress: The People's Branch
  • Learn the Terms
  • Explore Further
  • Chapter Quiz: Congress (80 points)

Chapter 11: The Presidency

  • Introduction: The Presidency
  • 11.1 The Structure and Powers of the Presidency (15 points)
  • 11.2 Controversies in Presidential Power (15 points)
  • 11.3 Managing the Presidency (15 points)
  • Shared Writing: 11.3: Managing the Presidency (20 points)
  • 11.4 The President’s Job (15 points)
  • 11.5 Congress and the Presidency (15 points)
  • 11.6 Judging Presidents (12 points)
  • Review the Chapter: The Presidency
  • Learn the Terms
  • Explore Further
  • Chapter Quiz: The Presidency (75 points)

 

 

 

Chapters 12 & 13 assignments due by 6/29/2018 8pm

 

 

 


WEEK 4

Chapter 12: The Federal Bureaucracy and the Public Policy Process: Creating and Executing the Laws

  • Introduction: The Federal Bureaucracy and the Public Policy Process: Creating and Executing the Laws
  • 12.1 Understanding the Federal Bureaucracy: Constitutional Origins, Organizations, and Employees (15 points)
  • 12.2 The Job of the Federal Bureaucracy (15 points)
  • 12.3 Controlling the Federal Bureaucracy (15 points)
  • 12.4 Defining Public Policy (15 points)
  • Shared Writing: 12.4: Defining Public Policy (20 points)
  • 12.5 The Public Policy Process (15 points)
  • 12.6 Citizens and Public Policy (6 points)
  • Review the Chapter: The Federal Bureaucracy and the Public Policy Process: Creating and Executing the Laws
  • Learn the Terms
  • Explore Further
  • Chapter Quiz: The Federal Bureaucracy and the Public Policy Process (75 points)

Chapter 13: The Judiciary: The Balancing Branch

  • Introduction: The Judiciary: The Balancing Branch
  • 13.1 Understanding the Federal Judiciary (15 points)
  • 13.2 The Three Types of Federal Courts (15 points)
  • 13.3 The Politics of Appointing Federal Judges (15 points)
  • Shared Writing: 13.3: The Politics of Appointing Federal Judges (20 points)
  • 13.4 How the Supreme Court Decides (15 points)
  • 13.5 Judicial Power and Its Limits (12 points)
  • Review the Chapter: The Judiciary: The Balancing Branch
  • Learn the Terms
  • Explore Further
  • Chapter Quiz: The Judiciary (75 points)

 

 

Chapters 14 & 15 assignments due by 7/6/2018 8pm

 

Discussion 2 in Blackboard  -  DUE  7/6/2018 11:55pm  

 


WEEK 5

Chapter 14: Civil Liberties: Protections Under the Bill of Rights

  • Introduction: Civil Liberties: Protections Under the Bill of Rights
  • 14.1 The Basis for Our Civil Liberties (15 points)
  • 14.2 First Amendment Freedoms (15 points)
  • 14.3 Property Rights (12 points)
  • 14.4 Due Process Rights (9 points)
  • 14.5 Privacy Rights (9 points)
  • 14.6 Rights of Criminal Suspects (15 points)
  • Shared Writing: 14.6: Rights of Criminal Suspects (20 points)
  • 14.7 Protecting Our Civil Liberties in an Age of Terror: Whose Responsibility? (9 points)
  • Review the Chapter: Civil Liberties: Protections Under the Bill of Rights
  • Learn the Terms
  • Explore Further
  • Chapter Quiz: Civil Liberties (75 points)

Chapter 15: Civil Rights: Equal Rights Under the Law

  • Introduction: Civil Rights: Equal Rights Under the Law
  • 15.1 Equality and Equal Rights (15 points)
  • 15.2 The Quest for Equal Justice (15 points)
  • 15.3 Equal Protection of the Laws: What Does It Mean? (15 points)
  • 15.4 Voting Rights (15 points)
  • 15.5 Rights to Equal Access: Accommodations, Jobs, and Homes (15 points)
  • 15.6 Education Rights (15 points)
  • 15.7 Equal Rights Today (6 points)
  • Shared Writing: 15.7: Equal Rights Today (20 points)
  • Review the Chapter: Civil Rights: Equal Rights Under the Law
  • Learn the Terms
  • Explore Further
  • Chapter Quiz: Civil Rights (75 points)

Discussion 2 in Blackboard  -  DUE  7/6/2018 11:55pm


 

 

Chapters 16 & 17 due by 7/13/2018 8pm

 

 


WEEK 6

Chapter 16: Making Economic Policy

  • Introduction: Making Economic Policy
  • 16.1 An Introduction to Economic Policy (15 points)
  • 16.2 Fiscal Policy (15 points)
  • 16.3 Monetary Policy (15 points)
  • 16.4 Promoting the Economy (15 points)
  • 16.5 Regulating the Economy (15 points)
  • Shared Writing: 16.5: Regulating the Economy (20 points)
  • 16.6 The Deregulation Movement (12 points)
  • A Continued Federal Role
  • Review the Chapter: Making Economic Policy
  • Learn the Terms
  • Explore Further
  • Chapter Quiz: Making Economic Policy (75 points)

Chapter 17: Making Social Policy

  • Introduction: Making Social Policy
  • 17.1 The Role of the Federal Government in Social Policy (15 points)
  • 17.2 The Expansion of Social Policy in the Twentieth Century (18 points)
  • 17.3 Social Policy Challenges for the Future: Health, Education, and Crime (15 points)
  • Shared Writing: 17.3: Social Policy Challenges for the Future: Health, Education, and Crime (20 points)
  • Review the Chapter: Making Social Policy
  • Learn the Terms
  • Explore Further
  • Chapter Quiz: Making Social Policy (75 points)

 

 

Chapters 18 & conclusion due by 7/20/2018 8pm

 

 


WEEK 7

Chapter 18: Making Foreign and Defense Policy

  • Introduction: Making Foreign and Defense Policy
  • 18.1 Understanding Foreign Policy and Defense (15 points)
  • Shared Writing: 18.1: Understanding Foreign Policy and Defense (20 points)
  • 18.2 The Foreign Policy and Defense Agenda (15 points)
  • 18.3 The Foreign Policy and Defense Bureaucracy (18 points)
  • 18.4 Foreign Policy and Defense Options (15 points)
  • Prospects for the Future
  • Review the Chapter: Making Foreign and Defense Policy
  • Learn the Terms
  • Explore Further
  • Chapter Quiz: Making Foreign and Defense Policy (75 points)

Conclusion: Sustaining Constitutional Democracy

  • Conclusion: Sustaining Constitutional Democracy
  • The Case for Government by the People
  • Participation and Representation
  • The Role of the Politician
  • The Importance of Active Citizenship
  • Explore Further

 

 

 

Additional Information

****The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus if circumstances warrant****

All communication with me should be done through the Class email link.  My responses to you will be found in your AC gmail account. It is recommended that you check your AC gmail on a regular basis. All College emails are sent to you AC Gmail Account. If you do not know how to access it - call the AC help desk - 371-5000.

Syllabus Created on:

05/08/18 12:49 PM

Last Edited on:

07/13/18 1:36 PM