Instructor: Mr. Isaac Lung

Email: Isaalung@paps.net 

 Description:

 Government and Politics is a yearlong course offered to students.  To start the class students need to understand the American political system, which places an emphasis on rights and civil liberties.  The understanding of these foundations will help students understanding of how our democracy is run and therefore how the system works and can be changed.  Political Science thrives on debate because modern issues in America are rarely one-sided. This class is designed to foster debate and understanding of political issues.  It is through the examination of multiple viewpoints that students will enhance their understanding and critical thinking.   This class furthers the understanding of political issues by looking at the history surrounding current events in America, thus students will understand the reasoning behind why people hold particular views.    Finally, students will understand the American government’s involvement in global issues and how that influences America and other countries.

 Course Objectives: 

Students successfully completing this course will: 

• Know important facts, concepts, and theories pertaining to U.S. government and politics

• Understand typical patterns of political processes and behavior and their consequences (including the components of political behavior, the principles used to explain or justify various government structures and procedures, and the political effects of these structures and procedures)

• Be able to analyze and interpret basic data relevant to U.S. government and politics (including data presented in charts, tables, and other formats)

• Be able to critically analyze relevant theories and concepts, apply them appropriately, and develop their connections across the curriculum 

 Grading Policy: 

Grading policy for this course will follow the Perth Amboy District scale which consists of the following:

-60% Exams and Projects

-35% Classwork 

-5% Homework

Course Outline 

To help students meet these goals, the course should cover the following topics. 

I.              Constitutional Underpinnings of the United States Government

II.             Political Socialization

III.            Linkage Institutions

IV.            Institutions of National Government: Congress, Presidency, Bureaucracy, and the Federal Courts

V.             Public Policy

VI.            Civil Rights and Civil Liberties