Advanced Government

Teacher: Mr. Regner

Email address: regnerjf@lcsedu.net
School number: 434-515-5370
Classroom: S210
Google classroom Codes: ​p.4 - “uvq7n8”​, ​p.5 - “ytsikl2”​, ​p.7 - “​9nyh1sb”

Course Description
This advanced-level government course focuses on the theory and practice of leadership and political behavior
from the social scientist point of view as students study topics such as theories of government, federalism,
state and local government, and decision-making at the national level. Additional units of study include the
American Free Enterprise System, the law and society, and the involvement of the United States in foreign
affairs. As in all advanced level classes, students must be prepared to complete independent reading, writing,
and research assignments.

Course Outline
First Semester Second Semester

Chapter 1 Principles of Government Ch. 12 Congress in action

Ch. 2 Origins of American Government Ch. 14 The Presidency in Action
Ch.3 The Constitution Ch. 16 Financing Government
Ch. 4 Federalism Ch. 17 Foreign Policy and National Defense
Unit 1 Test and Project Ch. 18 The Federal Court System
End of first Quarter Unit 3 Test and History Day
Ch. 5 Political Parties End of Third Quarter
Ch. 6 Voters and Voting Behavior Ch. 19, 20, 21 Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
Ch 8 Mass Media and Public Opinion Ch. 24 State Government
Ch. 9 Interest Groups Ch. 25 Local Government
Unit 2 Test and Project Final (half Test and half Project)
End of First Semester

Grading Policy and Procedures

Categories ​- Each assignment falls into one of the following categories. Assignments are weighted differently
within their category based on difficulty and complexity.

Classwork - 30% (Forms and Edpuzzles)

Homework - 10% (No more than 10 assignments per quarter)
Class Participation - 15% (warm-ups, current events, and test review)
Research - 15% (History day, Unit Projects, Portfolio website, and 1-2 day projects)
Tests - 30% (chapter tests, unit tests, and quizzes)
Late Work - ​Most assignments are due by midnight the following day unless otherwise stated.​ ​ ​All late work
loses 30%​. ​The last time to turn in late work is the beginning of school on Monday the next week unless
otherwise stated. For example, work due on Wednesday of Week One will not be accepted after 7:35 on
Monday of Week Two. The exception to this rule is a test. You have until Friday the next week to complete any
test.

Chapter tests​ - Every chapter test has a five paragraph essay. You will get the essay question at the
beginning of the chapter and the essay is due the day of the test. You can either write the essay beforehand or
on the day of the test not start it before and finish it on the test.

Unit Projects​ - You will have a Unit Project for Units One, Two, and Four. You will work on your History Day
project during Unit Three. For these projects you have to complete at least one by yourself and at least one
with another person. The topic for your unit projects is anything in that unit. You will receive a menu that
explains the different project formats.

Portfolio Website​ - In this class you will create a Portfolio Website that shows off all of the work you did this
year and any additional information you want a potential employer or college to know about you. We will work
on this throughout the year and I will grade it periodically.

Grading Expectations​ - Please understand that assignments are not necessarily going to be graded and/or
posted the day they are turned in. This is especially true for large assignments such as tests, essays, and
projects. You took the time to thoroughly complete the assignment and that effort deserves my time to
thoughtfully grade it. Your student can expect 2-5 graded assignments per week.

Classroom expectations
Be here​. Your attendance is important! Get to school and class on time by being in class when the bell rings or
you will be counted tardy. After receiving three tardies to class, you will be assigned to after-school detention.
With your fifth and each following tardy, you will receive an administrative referral. Seniors can be exempt from
their Government final if they have an A average and 5 or less absences (excused or unexcused) each
semester.
For example (with A average for the year)
4 first semester and 4 second semester. Exempt
8 first semester and 0 second semester. Not exempt

Be responsible.​ Bring everything you’ll need. For this class that means bring your charged Chromebook. All
assignments and projects are turned in online and I am not going to remind you at the beginning of class. So
you need to be on top of it.
 
Be respectful.​ You are expected to be courteous and respectful to all students, teachers, and guests. Use
appropriate volume and language and be a part of an environment that is inclusive and conducive to learning.

Be safe.​ You are expected to follow the teacher’s (or other adult’s) directions during all classroom room
activities and drills and be aware of your surroundings. Please tell the teacher or another adult if you are
worried about another student or situation.