Cloverdale High School
American Government

American Government is a one-semester length course at Cloverdale High School. It is a graduation requirement, which means you must pass this class in order to graduate. The focus of this class is to study the origins and structure of American Democracy. We will also study other forms of government in comparison to our government.

How to Succeed in American Government

  • Be in class ready to begin learning when the bell rings
  • Actively participate in lessons; provide positive, thought-provoking contributions to the class.
  • Do and understand your homework and turn it in on time.
  • Study regularly for tests. Take them seriously, as they are a significant part of your grade.
  • Ask if you don't understand. It's important that you ask so that you will be able to comprehend the material.
  • Tutorial is on Tuesdays and Thursdays after 1st period. It is extremely important that you utilize your tutorial period.
  • My prep period is 5th period... if you have questions or concerns, please feel free to come in - Room 22, Mr. Stewart.

Grading Policy

Your grade will be based on the following:

  • Tests: 30-40%
  • Homework: 15-20%
  • Interactive Student Notebook: 15-25%
  • Class Participation: 10-20%
  • Projects: 15-20%

Your semester grade will be a combination of your 1st quarter, 2nd quarter and final exam score.

Homework is important to your grade. Do it and keep it to help you with tests and projects.

If you miss a test or assignment, it is your responsibility to make it up within the allotted time.

Too many absences will affect your grade.

You will only receive three hall passes per semester. Use them wisely.

Everyone deserves to learn. What we do in class is valuable. We will not tolerate anything that compromises our learning environment.

Areas of Study/Time Allotted

  1. Foundations of American Government: 3.5 weeks
    • Principles of Government
    • Origins of American Government
    • The Constitution
  2. Civil Rights and Civil Liberties: 3 weeks
    • The First Amendment Freedoms
    • Due Process of the Law
    • Equal Protection of the Law
  3. Political Participation: 3.5 weeks
    • Public Opinion in American Politics
    • Political Parties
  4. National Government - Three Branches of Government: 4.5 weeks
    • The Lawmaking Process
    • The Powers of the President
    • The Supreme Court and the Federal Court System
  5. State and Local Governments: 3.5 weeks
    • Structure/Function of State and Local Governments
  6. Comparative Governments: 1 week
    • The Role of Government in the Economy
    • Comparing Systems of Government

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Cloverdale High School
509 N. Cloverdale Blvd. | Cloverdale, CA 95425

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