“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 – Fall 2026

Wednesday, Aug 19 – Classroom Orientation / Disclosure (DUE Aug 24)

Friday, Aug 21 – Island Nation Handout (DUE Aug 26) / Create Class Government

Monday, Aug 24 – NOTES – Day 1 – Why Government?

Wednesday, Aug 26 – Forms Of Government Handout (Due Sep 2), FOG Poster (Due Sep 14)

Monday, Aug 31 – NOTES – Day 2 – Forms of Government

Wednesday, Sep 2 – FOG Poster Work (DUE Sep 14)

Friday, Sep 4 – NOTES – Day 3 – Communism vs Capitalism

Wednesday, Sep 9 – C vs C Handout (DUE Sep 16) / Quiz (DUE Sep 16)

Friday, Sep 11 – NOTES – Day 4 – Propaganda

Monday, Sep 14 – Study Guide – Forms of Government (DUE Sep 21)

Wednesday, Sep 16 – Jeopardy / Review for Test

Monday, Sep 21 – TEST – Forms of Government (DUE Sep 28) / Extra Credit Article

Wednesday, Sep 23 – NOTES – Day 1 – Magna Carta and Philosophes

Monday, Sep 28 – QUIZ – M.C. and Philosophes (DUE Sep 30)

Wednesday, Sep 30 – NOTES – Day 2 – Mayflower and Flushing

Friday, Oct 2  – Mayflower Handout (DUE Oct 7) / Rewriting the Compact

Monday, Oct 5 – NOTES – Day 3 – The Declaration of Independence

Wednesday, Oct 7 – NOTES – Day 4 – AOC and Constitutional Convention

Monday, Oct 12 – Study Guide – Documents of Freedom (DUE Oct 21)

Wednesday, Oct 14 – Jeopardy / Review For Test

Fall Break Oct 15-16

End Term 1 (20 days)

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Wednesday, Oct 21 – TEST – Documents of Freedom (DUE Oct 26) / Extra Credit Article

Friday, Oct 23 – NOTES – Day 1 – Articles and Three Branches

Monday, Oct 26 – Checks and Balances Handout (DUE Nov 2) / Quiz on 3 Branches

Wednesday, Oct 28 – NOTES – Day 2 – Remaining Articles and Themes

Monday, Nov 2 – Writing A Bill (DUE Nov 9)

Wednesday, Nov 4 – NOTES – Day 3 – How A Bill Becomes A Law

Monday, Nov 9 – Mock Congress Day 1

Wednesday, Nov 11 – Mock Congress Day 2

Friday, Nov 13 – Mock Congress Day 3

Monday, Nov 16 – NOTES – Day 4 – Amendments – Process and Bill of Rights

Wednesday, Nov 18 – NOTES – Day 5 – Amendments – Remaining Changes

Thanksgiving Break Nov 23-27

Monday, Nov 30 – Study Guide – Constitution (DUE Dec 7)

Wednesday, Dec 2 – Jeopardy / Review For Test

Monday, Dec 7 – TEST – Constitution (DUE Dec 9) / Extra Credit Article

Wednesday, Dec 9 – Special Guest – Due Process

Friday, Dec 11 – Political Issues & Debate

Monday, Dec 14 – Political Issues & Debate

Wednesday, Dec 16 – Ten Rules for Life (Final Lesson)

Winter Break Dec 18-Jan 3

End Term 2 / Semester 1 (18 days)

*SUBJECT TO CHANGE (Changes will be updated weekly on class website and Canvas)
Direct Questions to MAJ Curtis at jcurtis@utahmilitaryacademy.org