“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
LINK TO UTAH STATE CORE STANDARDS FOR THIS COURSE
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
- Your grade will be shown and accurate on Aspire, NOT Canvas! (Canvas and my website are mirrored schedule and links for assignments and notes)
- Direct any questions to MAJ Curtis at jcurtis@utahmilitaryacademy.org
GOVERNMENT – A Day Schedule – Spring 2026
Wednesday, Jan 7 – Classroom Orientation / Disclosure (DUE Jan 12)
Friday, Jan 9 – NOTES – Day 1 – Why Government?
Monday, Jan 12 – Island Nation Handout (DUE Jan 12) / Create Class Government
Wednesday, Jan 14 – Forms Of Government Handout (Due Jan 23), FOG Poster (Due Feb 4)
Wednesday, Jan 21 – NOTES – Day 2 – Forms of Government
Friday, Jan 23 – FOG Poster Work (DUE Feb 4)
Monday, Jan 26 – NOTES – Day 3 – Communism vs Capitalism
Wednesday, Jan 28 – C vs C Handout (DUE Feb 4) / Quiz?
Monday, Feb 2 – NOTES – Day 4 – Propaganda
Wednesday, Feb 4 – Study Guide – Forms of Government (DUE Feb 9)
Friday, Feb 6 – Jeopardy / Review for Test
Monday, Feb 9 – TEST – Forms of Government (DUE Feb 18) / Extra Credit Article
Wednesday, Feb 11 – NOTES – Day 1 – Magna Carta and Philosophes
Wednesday, Feb 18 – QUIZ – M.C. and Philosophes (DUE Feb 25)
Monday, Feb 23 – NOTES – Day 2 – Mayflower and Flushing
Wednesday, Feb 25 – Mayflower Handout (DUE Mar 2) / Rewriting the Compact
Friday, Feb 27 – NOTES – Day 3 – The Declaration of Independence
Monday, Mar 2 – Declaration Vs. Treatise Handout (DUE Mar 9)
Wednesday, Mar 4 – NOTES – Day 4 – AOC and Constitutional Convention
Monday, Mar 9 – Study Guide – Documents of Freedom (DUE Mar 16)
Wednesday, Mar 11 – Jeopardy / Review For Test
End Term 3 (21 Days)
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Monday, Mar 16 – TEST – Documents of Freedom (DUE Mar 20) / Extra Credit Article
Wednesday, Mar 18 – NOTES – Day 1 – Articles and Three Branches
Friday, Mar 20 – Checks and Balances Handout (DUE Mar 25) / Quiz on 3 Branches
Monday, Mar 23 – NOTES – Day 2 – Remaining Articles and Themes
Wednesday, Mar 25 – Writing A Bill (DUE Apr 6)
Spring Break Mar 30 – Apr 3
Monday, Apr 6 – NOTES – Day 3 – How A Bill Becomes A Law
Wednesday, Apr 8 – Mock Congress Day 1
Friday, Apr 10 – Mock Congress Day 2
Monday, Apr 13 – Mock Congress Day 3
Wednesday, Apr 15 – NOTES – Day 4 – Amendments – Process and Bill of Rights
Monday, Apr 20 – NOTES – Day 5 – Amendments – Remaining Changes
Wednesday, Apr 22 – Special Guest – Due Process
Friday, Apr 24 – U.S. Civics Test (STUDY PREP HELP)
Monday, Apr 27 – Study Guide – Constitution (DUE May 4)
Wednesday, Apr 29 – Jeopardy / Review For Test
Monday, May 4 – TEST – Constitution (DUE May 8) / Extra Credit Article
Wednesday, May 6 – Political Issues & Debate (DUE May 13)
Friday, May 8 – Special Guest – TBD
Monday, May 11 – Political Issues & Debate (DUE May 13)
Wednesday, May 13 – Ten Rules for Life (Final Lesson)
Monday, May 18 – Political Issues & Debate
Wednesday, May 20 (Graduation) – TBD (Class Party?)
Thursday, May 21 – Last Day of School
End Term 4 / Semester 2 (22 Days)
*SUBJECT TO CHANGE (Changes will be updated weekly on class website and Canvas)
Direct Questions to MAJ Curtis at jcurtis@utahmilitaryacademy.org
MAJ Curtis' FOB 