American Government is a rigorous class designed for high school juniors and seniors. It is recommended that students have a solid knowledge of American history; study skills involving reading, outlining, and memorizing; the ability to compose well-structured essays on a high school level.

American Government Student Text. Third Edition. Greenville, South Carolina: BJU Press, 2014. ISBN 978-1-60682-194-7.

1. Email address

2. Google Docs or Microsoft Word application

3. Computer and internet connection capable of video conferencing

4. Headset with attached microphone

5. Internal or external webcam

1. Understand the biblical basis for government

2. Understand the relationship between local, state, and federal governments

3. Gain an in-depth knowledge of the United States Constitution

4. Discern the historical roots of America’s unique system of government

5. Identify the responsibilities and limits of the three branches of government

6. Understand how political parties and elections operate

7. Identify current political and governmental leaders

8. Assess the current government through a biblical worldview

9. Analyze the impact of the Supreme Court, including recent and current court cases

10. Understand one’s civil role and potential impact in American politics and government

Homework Questions: Every week, students will submit answers to assigned questions regarding the content of each week’s lesson. These answers will vary in length and quantity. Submissions will be made via email and must be formatted according to the specifications given by the instructor.

Essays: There will be two assigned essays every quarter. Students will be able to select an essay topic from a list supplied by the instructor. Each essay must be properly formatted, meet grammatical expectations, and exceed 300 words. A rubric will be provided supplying specific grading expectations.

Exams: At the end of every lesson, students must complete a proctored exam. The questions for the test will be sent by the instructor to the student on the day of the test shortly before the test begins. Once class begins, the student will answer the test questions in a Google Docs or Word document. Use of the textbook or a web browser (with the exception of Google Docs) is forbidden. At the end of class, the test must be submitted to the instructor via email. Parental supervision is recommended.

Participation: Participation for the class will be determined on the student’s involvement in class discussions, activities, and peer-group assignments.

Conduct:  Students are expected to exhibit Christ-like behavior in their discussions and interactions.  While disagreements are permitted, disparaging comments or ad hominem attacks are not.

Attendance:  Students are required to view and participate in a live feed of class.  Class sessions will take place from 10:45-11:30 EST, Monday-Friday. If a student misses a class session, it is the student’s responsibility to identify and complete assigned work by either contacting a classmate or the instructor. Refer to the school calendar for days off due to holidays or other circumstances.

Plagarism:  Plagiarism is an act of theft and lying.  You must provide the source for any information posted in your assignments that is not a result of your own work or thinking, even if you paraphrase or summarize another author’s wording.  When three or more words are used from a source, quotation marks must also be supplied.  For more information, visit https://columbiacollege-ca.libguides.com/plagiarism/what_is_plagiarism or ask your instructor.

Late Assignments:  It is the responsibility of each CDA student to contact the course instructor in the event that an assignment will be turned in late.  Never assume that additional time will be granted based on your circumstances.  If you fail to contact your instructor, you may receive 0% for the assignment.

Contact Information:  Your instructor is available for questions and concerns via their email address.  Please use use instructor phone numbers for emergencies.  Contact information for the course instructor will be emailed to the students after enrollment is complete.

Grades for Individual Assignments:

Course Grades

Grading Weights for this Course