United States Government Syllabus for 2026-2027
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor.

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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 Enrollment Center, Suite 700. 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.

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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:

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.

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.

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Statement on State-Authorized Courses at Amarillo College

For-credit academic and workforce education courses offered at Amarillo College are limited to the course options available in the statewide inventory for two-year public institutions. Courses in the state-authorized lower-division Academic Course Guide Manual and Workforce Education Course Manual have specific descriptions that prescribe course content and may include specific student learning outcomes. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) maintains and regularly updates these manuals. Amarillo College faculty and leaders ensure that these courses are aligned with THECB guidelines and evaluated based on student performance outcomes. Students enrolled in these courses are expected to engage with and learn course content. According to the AC Board of Regents Policy Manual, "faculty members are entitled to academic freedom in the conduct of research and teaching and are tasked with the associated responsibilities" (DGC). Students are entitled to academic freedom in the classroom, as well, and faculty "must not attempt to force on students a personal viewpoint and must at all times allow diversity of opinion" (Amarillo College Academic Affairs Manual).

Course

GOVT-2305-001 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

We the People: The Citizen & The Constitution

Fourth Edition (Level 3) Center for Civic Education

Supplies

Textbook and computer with reliable internet.

If and only if your computer does not have a microphone and camera, you will need a webcam also.

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 zero (F) for that assignment and may face institutional discipline. 

Generative AI, like ChatGPT, is not to be used for any assignment.

Grading Criteria

The final grade will be based on the average of four tests, 12 reading quizzes, and one syllabus quiz.

A= 90 and above

B= 80 and above

C= 70 and above

D=59 and above

F=58 and below

Grade Breakdown:

Four exams: 80%

Quizzes: 20%

This course has four units. Each unit will have one exam and 3 reading quizzes. Exams and quizzes will be both multiple choice and true/false. Exams and quizzes will cover both textbook readings and primary source readings, which will be separately linked in Blackboard. 

 How do I prepare for the exams?

 Studying in college is a complex task in that it involves many factors such as time management skills, reading ability, nutrition, exercise, study skills, motivation, sleep, and stress among others. The guidelines offered in this section may help to some degree. However, I recommend that you take the course on Student Success at AC (First Year Seminar), which teaches important areas such as study skills, motivation, time management, and stress management.
 

Achieving success in this course will require a time commitment. I recommend that you prepare for your exams and for class by ACTIVELY reading and outlining (taking detailed notes) the assignments.

I recommend that you use a word processor to create your own outline of the reading material. After you complete this process, you have a way to test your knowledge level and you will have covered the material in a systematic and comprehensive manner. This process will allow you to “chunk” the material into smaller pieces, which is more effective than trying to “digest” it all at once by cramming or just “reading over” or skimming over the reading.

If you are having difficulty with the material, you may want to receive tutoring or study skills training free of charge from the Access Center (Library; 3rd floor). There are also many web sites on study skills and strategies.

 How many questions are on the exams?  How much time do we have to take each exam.Each online exam will have 20-25 questions.  Each online exam will have a time limit of 20-25 minutes (1 minute per test item), so you will not have much time to look up the answers.  In other words, you will need to know the information well before you take the online exams.

What time do the exams open and close? 

The exams will be available during the same window the entire unit is available. Before taking an exam, however, you will need to finish all reading quizzes associated with that unit. Units will be opened at 12:00 AM and will close at 11:59 PM (see dates in calendar section of syllabus).

What are the basic instructions for taking the exams online?

All exams will be taken online.  A web camera is required in order to take an exam.  We will use Respondus LockDown Browser to ensure test security. 

LockDown Browser is a locked browser for use with exams in Blackboard. It prevents you from printing, copying, going to another URL, or accessing other applications during an assessment. If a Blackboard exam requires that LockDown Browser be used, you will not be able to take the exam with a standard web browser.

LockDown browser records the student as they take their exams in order to ensure test integrity. If a different person from whom started the exam is spotted in the video, the incident is flagged. It will also alert the instructor to the use of unauthorized materials during the exam. No other person apart from the student should be involved in the test.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS I NEED TO TAKE IN ORDER TO USE MY CAMERA DURING AN EXAM?

Make sure you have a broadband Internet connection.   Call your Internet provider if you are uncertain about which type of Internet connection you have.

2. A web camera is required for all exams. If your computer system does not have one, you will need to purchase one. 

3. A computer microphone is required for all online exams.   An embedded microphone is acceptable.  Go to your computer settings or control panel to check your microphone settings.

4. Before you begin an online exam, make sure that LockDown Browser is the only open program on your computer. 

5. LockDown Browser is required for all online exams. It is not required for the Reading Quizzes. To install the software, go to this link and follow the directions:

https://www.actx.edu/ctl/respondus-lockdown-browser-download-instructions

6. If you are having trouble with these procedures, you can call Student and Faculty Help Center (806.371.5429) for assistance.  Visit the Underground website for hours of operation.

7. On a Mac, the LockDown Browser program will be located in the Applications folder.  On a Windows PC, you can find the program in the Start menu. On a Chromebook, LockDown Browser is an extension of the Chrome browser and will be automatically activated when needed if installed properly.  

8. If you try to log in to an exam through your regular browser, you’ll get an error message and a request for a password. If that happens, close your browser and run LockDown Browser.

9. At the beginning of the exam, LockDown Browser will ask you to take a picture of yourself and then it will ask you to show your identification. You need to use either your driver’s license or your Amarillo college ID. You must show a valid photo ID to the web camera.  If you fail to show a valid photo ID, you will receive no credit for the exam.

10. After you show your valid ID to the web camera, then you need to do a complete environment scan.  Turn your web camera in a 360-degree pan to look at the room. Lift your webcam or laptop and slowly turn it around to give a 360-degree view of your exam environment.  It is required for you to show each corner of the room and your desktop area. Do not move the camera too fast or it won't provide a clear video.

11. A student who has any music or audio recordings playing during exams, or who talks with anyone for any reason during the exam, will receive no credit for the exam. No one besides the student is allowed to be in the room during an exam or quiz. The student should alert family/friends of your need for privacy. 

12. The only resource you are allowed to use during the exam is your notes.  You may not use your textbook or any electronic devices other than the computer you are taking the exam on.  If you are recorded with unauthorized material, you will receive no credit for the exam and potentially face additional disciplinary action.

GENERAL EXAM INSTRUCTIONS

You are not penalized for guessing.  Remember to click the “submit” button at the end of your exam. 

2. The computer will allow you to stop the exam at any given time during the time allowed.  You can then go back into the exam and resume taking the exam.  However, no matter how many times you stop and resume the exam, the timer NEVER STOPS.

A student may be able to take a missed exam if he/she emails the instructor before the exam is given explaining the circumstances that require him or her to miss it. Being granted permission to make up a missed exam is not guaranteed: all excuses will be evaluated on a case by case basis, and how timely a student gets in touch with the instructor will be considered as well. Students should not casually miss exams: generally, only unavoidable and serious matters (e.g., death in the family or serious illness) will be considered acceptable excuses. 

 Am I allowed to use notes on the exams?

Yes.  You may use hand-written or typed notes on the exams. You may not use the textbook or other electronic device.

What is the penalty for cheating on an exam or quiz?

You may NOT have another person with you at the time that you are taking one of the online exams or quizzes.  If there is indication that you received help during an online exam or quiz, the penalty will be an F in the course and possible expulsion from Amarillo College.  

Honesty and ethical behaviors are imperatives in any career.  Therefore, cheating will not be tolerated.  Amarillo College’s “Student Code of Conduct” will apply to all work in this course.  Cheating on an Exam includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:

• Copying from another student’s work.
• Using test/study/related materials not authorized by the person administering the test.
• Collaborating with or seeking aid from another person during a test without permission from the test administrator.
• Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, or soliciting, in whole or in part, the contents of an unadministered test.  
• Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for one’s self, to take a test.
• Bribing another person, or in any other way exchanging goods or services to obtain an unadministered test or information about an unadministered test

Do you offer extra credit?

There is not an “extra credit” option.  I want you to learn how to do college level work and do well in your class as opposed to passing a class based on extra credit.  I want you to learn the study skills necessary to be successful as you continue taking courses in college.  I recommend that you take the First Year Seminar course at AC on how to be a successful student - you would need to talk to your advisor about this class.  That course teaches you how to study and take exams so you can be successful in your future college courses.

Attendance

The Census date is June 15th. You will have one assignment due before then. That assignment is a syllabus "quiz," which will require you to only type your name, indicating you understand the terms of the syllabus. 

Completion of this assignment will give you a 100% for a quiz grade.

Failure to complete this assignment will result in an automatic removal from the course.

Calendar

Additional Information

The instructor reserves the right to change the calendar if needed