“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

A Day Schedule – Fall 2024

Wednesday, Aug 14 – Classroom Orientation / Disclosure (DUE Aug 19)

Friday, Aug 16 – Island Nation Handout (DUE Aug 21) / Create Class Government

Monday, Aug 19 – NOTES – Day 1 – Why Government?

Wednesday, Aug 21 – Forms Of Government Handout (Due Aug 29), FOG Poster (Due Sep 11)

Monday, Aug 26 – NOTES – Day 2 – Forms of Government

Wednesday, Aug 28 – FOG Poster Work (DUE Sep 11)

Friday, Aug 30 – NOTES – Day 3 – Communism vs Capitalism

Wednesday, Sep 4 – C vs C Handout (DUE Sep 11) / Quiz?

Monday, Sep 9 – NOTES – Day 4 – Propaganda

Wednesday, Sep 11 – Study Guide – Forms of Government (DUE Sep 18)

Monday, Sep 16 – Jeopardy / Review for Test

Wednesday, Sep 18 – TEST – Forms of Government (DUE Sep 23) / Extra Credit Article

Friday, Sep 20 – NOTES – Day 1 – Magna Carta and Philosophes

Monday, Sep 23 – QUIZ – M.C. and Philosophes (DUE Sep 30)

Wednesday, Sep 25 – NOTES – Day 2 – Mayflower and Flushing

Monday, Sep 30 – Mayflower Handout (DUE Oct 4) / Rewriting the Compact

Wednesday, Oct 2 – NOTES – Day 3 – The Declaration of Independence

Friday, Oct 4 – Declaration Vs. Treatise Handout (DUE Oct 9)

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

Wednesday, Oct 9 – Study Guide – Documents of Freedom (DUE Oct 21)

Fall Break Oct 10-11

End Term 1 (20 days)

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Wednesday, Oct 16 – Jeopardy / Review For Test

Monday, Oct 21 – TEST – Documents of Freedom (DUE Oct 25) / Extra Credit Article

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

Friday, Oct 25 – Checks and Balances Handout (DUE Oct 30) / Quiz on 3 Branches

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

Wednesday, Oct 30 – Writing A Bill (DUE Nov 6)

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

Wednesday, Nov 6 – Mock Congress Day 1

Friday, Nov 8 – Mock Congress Day 2

Monday, Nov 11 – NOTES – Day 4 – Amendments – Process and Bill of Rights

Wednesday, Nov 13 – Mock Congress Day 3

Monday, Nov 18 – Special Guest – Due Process

Wednesday, Nov 20 – NOTES – Day 5 – Amendments – Remaining Changes

Friday, Nov 22 – Study Guide – Constitution (DUE Dec 4)

Thanksgiving Break Nov 25-29

Monday, Dec 2 – Jeopardy / Review For Test

Wednesday, Dec 4 – TEST – Constitution (DUE Dec 13) / Extra Credit Article

Monday, Dec 9 – U.S. Civics Test (*Required for Graduation) (STUDY PREP HELP)

Wednesday, Dec 11 – Political Issues & Debate (DUE Dec 16)

Friday, Dec 13 – Political Issues & Debate

Monday, Dec 16 – Political Issues & Debate

Wednesday, Dec 18 – Ten Rules for Life (Final Lesson)

Winter Break Dec 23-Jan 6

End Term 2 / Semester 1 (21 days)

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