“I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion.”
– Thomas Jefferson
The goal of this course is for Cadets to understand the general forms of government that exist in the world, the differences between core political theory, and then understand the evolution of the American Form of Government – as studied through our “Founding Documents.” The second term focuses on the structure and makeup of the U.S. Government and concludes with the responsibilities of American Citizens.
KEY NOTE: In order to graduate high school in the State of Utah, a student must pass a “Citizenship Test,” consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions, taken from the Utah Government website. A passing score is 70% (35 questions correct). Taking and passing this exam is part of this course as well.
The course is divided into
Unit 1 – Forms of Government
Unit 2 – Documents of Freedom
Unit 3 – American Government
A few key reminders:
- The Link for “live stream” is https://meet.google.com/czq-dfhi-xrj
- A recording for the beginning of each class (TO INCLUDE THE JOURNAL QUESTION) will be posted.
That recording WILL include entire lectures, activities, or projects, but NOT quizzes, tests, etc. - While lectures will be recorded and streamed, the PDF version of each PPT is also available on the schedule.
- This is a ONE Semester Class, but required for Graduation
- Direct any questions to CPT Curtis at jcurtis@utahmilitaryacademy.org
Government – A Day Schedule – Spring 2020
Wednesday, Jan 20 – Classroom Orientation / Disclosure (DUE Jan 25)
Friday, Jan 22 – Island Nation Handout / Creating Class Government
Monday, Jan 25 –Presenting Island Nations / Creating Class Gov’t Continued
Wednesday, Jan 27 – Day 1 – Why Government / (Quiz?) / Institute Class Gov’t
Monday, Feb 1 – Forms of Government Handout (DUE Feb 5) / FOG Poster (DUE Feb 19)
Wednesday, Feb 3 – Day 2 – Forms of Government
Friday, Feb 5 – FOG Poster (DUE Feb 19)
Monday, Feb 8 – Day 3 – Communism vs Capitalism
Wednesday, Feb 10 – C vs C Handout (DUE Feb 17) / QUIZ – FOG / Communism
Presidents’ Day Feb 15
Wednesday, Feb 17 – Day 4 – Propaganda
Friday, Feb 19 – Study Guide – Forms of Government (DUE Feb 24)
Monday, Feb 22 – Jeopardy / Prep for Test
Wednesday, Feb 24 – TEST – Forms of Government / Extra Credit Article
Monday, Mar 1 – Day 1 – Magna Carta and Philosophes
Wednesday, Mar 3 – QUIZ – M.C. and Philosophes
Friday, Mar 5 – Mayflower Handout (DUE Mar 15) / Rewriting the Compact
Monday, Mar 8 – Day 2 – Mayflower and Flushing
Wednesday, Mar 10 – Day 3 – The Declaration of Independence
Monday, Mar 15 – Declaration Vs. Treatise Handout (DUE Mar 22)
Wednesday, Mar 17 – Day 4 – AOC and Constitutional Convention
End Term 3 (20 Days)
Monday, Mar 22 – Study Guide – Documents of Freedom (DUE Mar 26)
Wednesday, Mar 24 – Jeopardy / Prep for Test
Friday, Mar 26 – TEST – Documents of Freedom / Extra Credit Article
Monday, Mar 29 – Day 1 – Articles and Three Branches
Wednesday, Mar 31 – Checks and Balances Handout (DUE Apr 12) / Quiz on 3 Branches
SPRING BREAK Apr 5-9
Monday, Apr 12 – Day 2 – Remaining Articles and Themes
Wednesday, Apr 14 – Day 3 – How A Bill Becomes A Law
Friday, Apr 16 – Writing A Bill (DUE Apr 19)
Monday, Apr 19 – Mock Congress Day 1
Wednesday, Apr 21 – Mock Congress Day 2
Monday, Apr 26 – Day 4 – Amendments – Process
Wednesday, Apr 28 – Amendment Handout (DUE May 3)
Friday, Apr 30 – U.S. Civics Test (*Required for Graduation)
Monday, May 3 – Day 5 – Amendments – Changes
Wednesday, May 5 – Study Guide – Constitution (DUE May 12)
Monday, May 10 – Jeopardy / Prep for Test
Wednesday, May 12 – TEST – Constitution
Friday, May 14 – Civics Test Make-up / Vote on Final Debate Topics
Monday, May 17 – Political Issues & Debate
Wednesday, May 19 – Political Issues & Debate
Monday, May 24 –Ten Rules for Life (Final Lesson)
Wednesday, May 26 – TBD
Friday, May 28 – LAST DAY OF SCHOOL / Graduation
End Term 4 / Semester 2 (22 Days)
Direct Questions to CPT Curtis at jcurtis@utahmilitaryacademy.org
