“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 – Fall 2020

Monday, Aug 24 – Classroom Orientation / Disclosure (DUE AUG 31)

Wednesday, Aug 26 – Island Nation Handout (DUE Aug 28) / Day 1 – Why Government

Friday, Aug 28 – Create Class Government

Monday, Aug 31 – QUIZ – Day 1 / Class Rules / Why Gov’t – Institute Class Government

Wednesday, Sep 2 – Forms of Government Handout (DUE Sep 9) / FOG Poster

Labor Day Sep 7

Wednesday, Sep 9 – Day 2 – Forms of Government

Friday, Sep 11 – Special 9/11 Lesson / Discussion / Sept 11 Article

Monday, Sep 14 – Day 3 – Communism vs Capitalism

Wednesday, Sep 16 – C vs C Handout (DUE Sep 21), QUIZ – FOG / Communism

Monday, Sep 21 – Day 4 – Propaganda

Wednesday, Sep 23 – Study Guide – Forms of Government (DUE Sep 30)

Monday, Sep 28 – Jeopardy / Prep for Test

Wednesday, Sep 30 – TEST – Forms of Government / Extra Credit Article

Friday, Oct 2 – FOG Poster Work (DUE Oct 5)

Monday, Oct 5 – Day 1 – Magna Carta and Philosophes

Wednesday, Oct 7 – QUIZ – M.C. and Philosophes

Monday, Oct 12 – Day 2 – Mayflower and Flushing

Wednesday, Oct 14 – Mayflower Handout (DUE Oct 19) / Rewriting the Compact

Fall Break Oct 15-16

Monday, Oct 19 – Day 3 – The Declaration of Independence

Wednesday, Oct 21 – Declaration Vs. Treatise Handout (DUE Oct 28)

End Term 1 (20 days)

 

Monday, Oct 26 – Day 4 – AOC and Constitutional Convention

Wednesday, Oct 28 – Study Guide – Documents of Freedom (DUE Nov 2)

Friday, Oct 30 – Jeopardy / Prep for Test

Monday, Nov 2 – TEST – Documents of Freedom / Extra Credit Article

Wednesday, Nov 4 – Day 1 – Articles and Three Branches

Monday, Nov 9 – Checks and Balances Handout (DUE Nov 13) / Quiz on 3 Branches

Wednesday, Nov 11 – Day 2 – Remaining Articles and Themes

Friday, Nov 13 – Writing A Bill (DUE Nov 16)

Monday, Nov 16 – Day 3 – How A Bill Becomes A Law

Wednesday, Nov 18 – Mock Congress Day 1 A2 / A3

THANKSGIVING BREAK Nov 23-27

Monday, Nov 30 – Mock Congress Day 2 A2 / A3

Wednesday, Dec 2 – Day 4 – Amendments – Process

Friday, Dec 4 – Catch Up Day / Extra Credit – Amendment Handout

Monday, Dec 7 – Day 5 – Amendments – Changes

Wednesday, Dec 9 – Study Guide – Constitution (DUE Dec 16)

Monday, Dec 14 – Finish Study Guide

Wednesday, Dec 16 – TEST – Constitution

Friday, Dec 18 – Vote on Final Debate Topics / Holiday Party

WINTER BREAK Dec 21-Jan 1

Monday, Jan 4 – U.S. Civics Test

Wednesday, Jan 6 – Political Issues & Debate (DUE Jan 11)

Monday, Jan 11 – Political Issues & Debate (DUE Jan 11)

Wednesday, Jan 13 – Ten Rules to Live By (Final Lesson)

End Term 2 / Semester 1 (22 days)

Direct Questions to CPT Curtis at jcurtis@utahmilitaryacademy.org