United States Government Syllabus for 2026-2027
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Instructor Information

Course Information

AI Statement

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.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct Reporting

Amarillo College prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, under Title IX and Texas Education Code §51.253–255. Faculty and staff are mandatory reporters and must share any related concerns with the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@actx.edu. Reports and additional information are available at https://www.actx.edu/hr/title-ixtitle-ix. Confidential counseling and advocacy services are available through the Counseling Center and Advocacy & Resource Center.

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.

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:

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.

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 .

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-DC012 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

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Students will be provided with a free online educational resource to use alongside other course materials. All chapters and relevant assignments will be linked and accessible through our online learning platform, Blackboard.

Supplies

Technology Requirements

Students are expected to have access to:

• Reliable internet/Wi-Fi for accessing Blackboard, the online textbook, and other course materials.

• A tablet, laptop, or desktop computer capable of completing and submitting coursework.

• A current web browser and the ability to access required online course platforms and resources.

• Basic computer skills, including the ability to navigate Blackboard, access digital materials, upload assignments, and complete online assessments.

Student Performance

By the end of this course, students should be able to do the following:

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

As scholars at Amarillo College, students are expected to uphold the following standards:

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% - Online Discussions

20% - Quizzes

20% - Assignments

50% - Exams

Total - 100% 

Letter Grades

89+ = A 

79+ = B 

69+ = C 

59+ = D 

58 and below = F

Exam Information

There will be five unit exams throughout this 16-week course, held online through Blackboard as specified in the course schedule. The best way to prepare for exams is to complete the assigned readings, discussions, and quizzes. Exams will include material from the unit modules, as well as supplemental information provided in Blackboard and the textbook.

Make-Up Policy

If a student misses an exam, they must notify the instructor as soon as possible. Any student who misses an exam without a documented, excused reason will receive a grade reduction on that exam.

Late Work

Late work may be accepted at the instructor’s discretion but is expected to be submitted by the deadlines provided in Blackboard and the course schedule. Late submissions may incur a deduction of 10% of the total possible points for each day late, up to a maximum deduction of 50% after five days. Exceptions may be considered for documented medical issues, family emergencies, or other significant and justifiable reasons. Students must contact the instructor as soon as possible to discuss their situation and provide appropriate documentation.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

Due to the ever-increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and the growing concern that students may rely on AI rather than completing their own work, it is important to establish clear expectations regarding its use. As the instructor, I reserve the discretion to address suspected AI use in a manner I believe is appropriate for the assignment and circumstances.

If I suspect that a student has used AI to complete an assignment in a manner that violates the expectations of the course, the assignment will initially be assigned a grade of zero with a note indicating that AI use was detected. The student will then be asked to contact me to discuss the assignment. At that time, the student will have one of the following three options:

1. Acknowledge the use of AI. Students who honestly acknowledge using AI inappropriately will have the opportunity to resubmit the assignment for full credit, with no grade deduction. Honesty is greatly appreciated and valued as an important part of demonstrating strong moral character and academic integrity.

2. Contest the AI detection. Students may contest the determination and provide an explanation or additional information regarding how the assignment was completed. The use of Grammarly for proofreading, spelling, and basic grammar assistance is permitted. However, using Grammarly or another tool to substantially restructure, rewrite, or generate a student's work may result in the work no longer representing the student's own writing.

3. Accept the grade of zero. Students may choose to accept the zero and continue with the course with the expectation that all future work will be completed in accordance with the course's academic integrity expectations.

The purpose of this policy is not to discourage students from using technology as a learning aid, but to ensure that submitted coursework reflects the student's own knowledge, understanding, and ability. Students are responsible for understanding and following the expectations outlined in this policy.

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.

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