
“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. CLICK HERE FOR A STUDY GUIDE FOR CIVICS EXAM
The course is divided into
Unit 1 – Forms of Government
Unit 2 – Documents of Freedom
Unit 3 – American Government
A few key reminders:
- CLICK HERE FOR ZOOM LINK FOR LIVE-STREAM CLASSES
- 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 & CITIZENSHIP – Spring 2023
Wednesday, Jan 18 – Classroom Orientation / Disclosure (DUE Jan 25)
Monday, Jan 23 – Island Nation Handout (DUE Jan 25)
Wednesday, Jan 25 – NOTES – Day 1 – Why Government
Friday, Jan 27 – Forms of Government Handout (Due Feb 1), FOG Poster (Due Feb 13)
Monday, Jan 30 – NOTES – Day 2 – Forms of Government
Wednesday, Feb 1 – FOG Poster Work (DUE Feb 13)
Monday, Feb 6 – NOTES – Day 3 – Communism vs Capitalism
Wednesday, Feb 8 – C vs C Handout (DUE Feb 15) / Quiz?
Friday, Feb 10 – NOTES – Day 4 – Propaganda
Monday, Feb 13 – Study Guide – Forms of Government (DUE Feb 22)
Wednesday, Feb 15 – Jeopardy / Review For Test
Wednesday, Feb 22 – Snow Day / Late Start / Catch-Up
Monday, Feb 27 – NOTES – Day 1 – Magna Carta and Philosophes
Wednesday, Mar 1 – TEST – Forms of Government / Extra Credit Article
Friday, Mar 3 – NOTES – Day 2 – Mayflower and Flushing
Monday, Mar 6 – Mayflower Handout (DUE Mar 8) / Rewriting the Compact
Wednesday, Mar 8 – NOTES – Day 3 – The Declaration of Independence
Monday, Mar 13 – Declaration Vs. Treatise Handout (DUE Mar 20)
Wednesday, Mar 15 – NOTES – Day 4 – AOC and Constitutional Convention
Monday, Mar 20 – Study Guide – Documents of Freedom (DUE Mar 22)
Wednesday, Mar 22 – TEST – Documents of Freedom / Extra Credit Article
End Term 3 (22 Days)
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Monday, Mar 27 – NOTES – Day 1 – Articles and Three Branches
Wednesday, Mar 29 – Checks and Balances Handout (DUE Apr 10) / Quiz on 3 Branches
Friday, Mar 31 – U.S. Civics Test (*Required for Graduation) (STUDY PREP HELP)
Spring Break Apr 3-7
Monday, Apr 10 – NOTES – Day 2 – Remaining Articles and Themes
Wednesday, Apr 12 – Writing A Bill (DUE Apr 19)
Monday, Apr 17 – NOTES – Day 3 – How A Bill Becomes A Law
Wednesday, Apr 19 – Mock Congress Day 1
Friday, Apr 21 – SERVICE DAY (No Formal Classes)
Monday, Apr 24 – Mock Congress Day 2
Wednesday, Apr 26 – NOTES – Day 4 – Amendments – Process and Bill of Rights
Monday, May 1 – NOTES – Day 5 – Amendments – Remaining Changes
Wednesday, May 3 – Special Guest – Due Process
Friday, May 5 – Study Guide – Constitution (DUE May 10)
Monday, May 8 – Jeopardy / Prepare For Test
Wednesday, May 10 – TEST – Constitution / Extra Credit Article
Monday, May 15 – Political Issues & Debate
Wednesday, May 17 – Ten Rules for Life (Final Lesson)
Friday, May 19 – Political Issues & Debate – Seniors’ Last Day
Monday, May 22 – Political Issues & Debate
Wednesday, May 24 – TBD (Class Party?)
End Term 4 / Semester 2 (19 Days)
*SUBJECT TO CHANGE (Changes will be updated weekly on class website and Canvas)
Direct Questions to CPT Curtis at jcurtis@utahmilitaryacademy.org