United States Government Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Course

GOVT-2305-017 United States Government

Prerequisites

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:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact 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

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Ginsberg, Tolbert, Campbell, Francis: We The People: An Introduction to American Politics

2025 (15th edition).

ISBN: 978-1-324-07249-2

Supplies

Paper, pen, and access to a computer with reliable internet.

Student Performance

1. Explain the origin and development of constitutional democracy in the United States
2. Describe separation of powers and checks and balances in both theory and practice
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the federal system
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the federal government
5. Evaluate the role of public opinion, interest groups and political parties in the political system and analyze the election process
6. Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens
7. Analyze issues and policies in U.S. politics

Students 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

Students caught cheating on exams or any other assignment will receive a failing grade (F) for that assignment and may face institutional discipline. 

Generative AI, like ChatGPT, is not to be used for creating, drafting, or otherwise producing written content/assignments.

Cell phones are not to be used during class. If you need to make/receive a call or a message, please step into the hall.

Grading Criteria

The final grade will be based on the average of four exams, in-class writing assignments, one out-of class written assignment, and participation. The grading scale is as follows:

A= 90 and above

B= 80 and above

C= 70 and above

D=59 and above

F=58 and below

Required Examinations: There will be four exams during the course of the semester. Exams will be multiple choice and cover both material presented in class and the textbook. Completing the assigned readings and taking notes during class are essential for success on the exams. Exams will be taken in class (see class schedule for dates). The four exams will comprise 75% of your class grade. I will drop the lowest score.

Make-up Policy: All make-up exams must be arranged with the instructor. If the student misses an exam, the student must arrange to take the exam within one week of the scheduled test date and are at the instructor's discretion. Make-up exams will be deducted -10 points unless accompanied by an excused absence at instructor's discretion.

In-Class Writing assignments: We will periodically do in-class short answer and essay responses. These will be a combination of open book/notes and closed book/notes. These will constitute 10% of the total class grade. 

Political Bias assignment: The instructor will provide instructions to the assignment in Blackboard. The assignment will constitute 10% of the total class grade. Late assignments will be deducted -10 points everyday they are late (including weekends). You will submit this assignment in blackboard. The assignment must be your original original work and used only for this course.

Participation: Participation will constitute 5% of the total class grade. I will drop the three lowest scores.

You are expected to do the assigned readings before class time and bring your book to every class.

Grade breakdown:

Four exams: 75%

In-Class Writing: 10%

Political Bias assignment: 10%

Participation: 5%

Total: 100%

Attendance

I will not deduct points from your overall class grade for absences. Repeated absences will be reflected in the Participation section of the total class grade.

Calendar

Additional Information

The instructor reserves the right to change the calendar if needed