United States Government Syllabus for 2025-2026
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Course Information

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Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

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.

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Course

GOVT-2305-007 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

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Pearson -  Government in America: People, Politics, and Policy, 19th Edition eTextbook

Supplies

- Access to textbook and access code

- Access to Wi-Fi and laptop or desktop computer for Blackboard and Norton

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

1. Engagement and Participation

   • Log in regularly to check announcements, deadlines, and course updates.

   • Actively participate in online discussions by posting thoughtful responses and replying respectfully to classmates.

2. Quizzes and Assignments

   • Complete all quizzes and assignments by the posted deadlines.

   • Quizzes are individual assessments and should reflect your own work.

3. Communication and Respect

   • Maintain a professional and respectful tone in all communication, both with the instructor and classmates.

   • Disagreeing with ideas is acceptable, but personal attacks, offensive language, or disrespect will not be tolerated.

4. Collaboration and Academic Integrity

   • Contribute meaningfully to group discussions and respect diverse perspectives.

   • Submit only your own work; plagiarism, cheating, or sharing quiz answers is strictly prohibited.

5. Discussion Forum Etiquette

   • Stay on topic when posting in forums.

   • Support your ideas with course materials, evidence, or examples when appropriate.

   • Respond to at least the minimum required number of peers, using thoughtful and constructive feedback.

6. Timeliness and Responsibility

   • Keep track of due dates using the course schedule and Blackboard.

   • Take responsibility for your own learning by asking questions early if you need clarification.

7. Technology and Preparedness

   • Ensure you have reliable internet access and test your technology before quizzes or discussions.

   • Familiarize yourself with Blackboard tools (quizzes, forums, assignments, and messaging).

8. Professionalism and Courtesy

   • Use complete sentences, correct spelling, and grammar in your posts and assignments.

   • Respect the confidentiality and privacy of your classmates in discussions.

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria 

10% – Pearson Assignments and Online Discussion Boards

15% – Common Assessment

25% - Exam One 

25% - Exam Two  

25% - Exam Three  

Total – 100%

Letter Grades: 

89+ = A 

79+ = B 

69+ = C 

59+ = D 

58 and below = F 

(Important Note: Any average .5 or above will be rounded up.) 

Exam Information: There will be three online exams via Blackboard throughout this 8-week course. The exams are not cumulative, meaning each exam will cover material up to the class before the exam (specific details will be provided on the course schedule below). The exams will include content presented in class, assigned reading material from your textbook, as well as supplemental material from Blackboard and lecture. 

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. There will be a 15% percent reduction of the overall grade on the exam for any student who does not have a documented, excused reason for missing the exam on the exam date. 

Late Work: All assignments are due by the specified date and time indicated on the syllabus or assignment instructions. Late assignments will be accepted, but penalties will apply. Late submissions will receive a deduction of 10% of the total possible points per each day late. The maximum deduction for late submissions is 50% after 5 days. Late submissions due to documented medical issues, family emergencies, or other significant and justifiable reasons will be considered. You must contact me as soon as possible to discuss your situation and provide appropriate documentation. 

Attendance

Attendance is not a factor in an online course; however, your participation in discussions, quizzes, written prompts, and other assignments is expected in order to maintain an active presence in the course.

Calendar

Additional Information

No additional information available