Government and Economics
|
What a12/4/ Government & Economics
Course Syllabus – 2020-21
Teacher: Joseph Mais
joseph@skyislands.org
Part VI: Economics and Economic Systems 3/22/21
Week of May 3rd:
We will discuss personal finance and making a budget this week. We will also consider issues about consumer and business education.
Week of April 26th:
On Tuesday, students took an exam on materials we covered so far. On Wednesday, we discussed Monopoly and Competition, and how modern national and international mega-corporations have flooded the world economy with oligopolistic markets that skew the market norms of neoclassical economics.
Week of April 19th:
This week, we will be discussing the history and origin of economics, and he major historical movements of the study.
Week of April 12th:
Economic systems: What are incentives and how do they effect market-based economies? What do economist mean by voluntariness? What are the limitations of that concept? What should be the scope of private property? What do we mean by consumer sovereignty, and what are the limitations of that idea? What is a traditional system and what is a command system? How can we find all three systems in every economy?
Week of April 5th:
We continue the introductory discussion of economics. How do economists think about scarcity, choice, and opportunity costs? What about need? What are externalities and how do they affect our decisions? What is microeconomics; what is macroeconomics? What do we mean by rational choice, and what are the problems with assuming people make rational choices in economics? What are some of the cognitive biases that keep people from making rational choices? Finally, we consider the role and limitations of economics as a science.
Week of March 22nd:
We began this week discussing the final essay. Students should be sure to pull together a five or six paragraph essay on the "opinion" or "dissent" in the case of their choosing from last week. The choice must be one of the three cases where they served as a judge, and not the one they argued as counsel. Be sure to use the outline posted in the Files tab of Teams to compose your essay. We then began outlining some of the basic concepts in Economics.
DUE FRIDAY March 22, 2021:
Turn in your completed essay before the break.
Part V: The Judicial Branch 2/1/21-3/19/21
Week of March 15th:
This week is dedicated to holding our mock hearings. Students presented their cases and the judges asked questions. We discussed the essay related to their "opinions" and "dissents" in the case.
Week of March 8th:
This week, students were assigned the hypothetical case they will argue for the class in a mock Supreme Court hearing. Students spent the week preparing their statements and preparing questions, as judges, for the other cases.
Come to class on Tuesday of next week prepared to present your arguments for your case and how the two precedents should be applied to your case. Be prepared to answer questions about your position from the judges. Finally, be prepared to ask questions of others in the three cases when you are playing the part if a justice.
Week of March 1st:
What happens to evidence obtained in violation of your rights? When do you have a right to: an attorney; to confront witnesses against you; to a jury of your peers? What excessive bail? What is cruel and unusual punishment? How did the Fourteenth Amendment change the relationship between the federal government and the states?
Week of February 22nd:
What constitutes an unreasonable search? When can a search without a warrant occur? What is a Miranda warning? When is it necessary? When is someone considered in custody? What is considered an interrogation for Fifth Amendment purposes? All this and more in class this week!
HOMEWORK DUE TUESDAY 3/2/21:
Be sure to complete the questions and the scenario on the Fourth Amendment. The document is posted on the Assignment tab on Teams.
Week of February 15th:
1. What are the two elements related to religious freedom? We considered them each in turn, and looked at major cases related to that. 2. What does the limited case law related to the Second Amendment say? What does it mean for the future? 3. What does it mean to be free from "unreasonable searches and seizures"? Where is the case law on these boundaries?
Week of February 8th:
We are discussing precedent and stare decisis this week. We will then begin discussing rights, starting with the 1st Amendment.
Week of February 1st:
We continue our discussion of the history of the judicial branch. We also consider the process of a case working its way to the Supreme Court. In addition we considered the Supreme Court as an institution, and members of the current court.
Week of January 26th:
We began our discussion of the Judicial Branch by going over some of the history and organization of the Federal judiciary. We also continued our work in preparation for Environmental Day.
Part IV: The Executive Branch 12/8/20-1/29/21
Week of January 18th:
We began this week completing our presentation preparations. Then on Friday, most students presented their agency lessons.
If you have not presented on your agency yet, be prepared to do so on Tuesday.
Next week we will also spend some time preparing for Environmental Day with our legislators.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week of January 11th:
This week, we considered the Cabinet-Level agencies and students were each assigned one to present to the class. We spent this week preparing for that presentation.
Due TUESDAY 1/19/21:
Be sure to turn in your Agency Worksheet, if you have not done so already, on whichever agency you have been assigned.
Week of January 4th:
This week we discussed the role of regulations in out system of governance, when they are needed and what they are used for. We discussed the legal process of regulation. Students should be familiar with times when regulations are used, the notice and comment process and procedures, the executive branch role in regulations, the negotiated rulemaking process, the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations, and should be able to access and be able to comment on regulatory changes through regulations.gov.
Week of December 14th:
We discussed different categories of power held by the president, the top advisors to the president, the Executive Office of the President, the Cabinet, and the administrative agencies.
On Wednesday, we reviewed for the citizenship test.
REVIEW FOR BREAK:
Review covered material for the citizenship exam.
Week of December 7th:
This week we have begun discussing the roles of the president and presidential advisors. Be sure to review your notes.
Part III: The Legislative Branch 10/16/20-12/4/20
We will now take a deeper dive into the structure, makeup, and function of the legislative branch.
Week of November 30th:
We are preparing this week for the hearing and markup simulation we are doing in class. Be sure to prepare for your role as a legislator or a witness. Friday will be the day of the roleplay.
Week of November 16th:
We began a short research assignment into finding bills that have been introduced and details about those bills. This work will culminate next week in an essay on the bill of your choice.
DUE TUESDAY 11/24/20:
Turn in your bill essay! Don't forget, this is an important part of your grade.
DUE FRIDAY 11/20/20:
Turn in your bill analysis worksheet. This will serve as an outline for your essay due Tuesday,
Week of November 9th:
This week we discussed voting related issues including universal suffrage, and the principle of "one person, one vote" including the threats and limitation of each of those both nationally and specific to Arizona. We also discussed the principles behind apportionment and redistricting and some of the distortions that emerge from the application of those principles, such as gerrymandering.
DUE TUESDAY, 11/17/20
Read the article, "Citizen Redistricting in Arizona" that is posted in the Class Materials folder in the Files tab on Teams. Then answer the questions in the Assignments tab before class on Tuesday.
Week of November 2nd:
We are discussing elections this week; electoral college and ballots.
DUE TUESDAY 11/10/20
Read the article "Redistricting and Voting in Arizona" that is posted in the Class Materials folder in the Files tab on Teams. Then answer the three questions in the assignments tab before Friday.
DUE FRIDAY 11/6/20
Read the article "The Voting Rights Act in Arizona" that is posted in the Class Materials folder in the Files tab on Teams. Then answer the three questions in the assignments tab before Friday.
Week of October 26th:
We covered the structure and function of Congress, the importance of standing committees and how a bill becomes a law. Take time to review and be familiar with some of the terms we discussed in class.
Part II: Threats to Democracy: 9/22/20-10/13/20
DUE 10/13/20
HOMEWORK: Read the article "Madison vs. the Mob" in the Class Materials on the Files tab of teams. Then, answer the questions in paragraph form from the Assignments tab in Teams.
DUE 10/9/20
HOMEWORK: Read the article "A House Still Divided" in the Class Materials on the Files tab of teams. Then, answer the questions in paragraph form from the Assignments tab in Teams.
DUE 10/6/20
HOMEWORK: Read the article "The Threat of Tribalism" in the Class Materials on the Files tab of teams. Then, answer the questions in paragraph form from the Assignments tab in Teams.
DUE 10/2/20
HOMEWORK: Read the article "Losing the Democratic Habit" in the Class Materials on the Files tab of teams. Then, answer the five questions in paragraph form from the Assignments tab in Teams.
DUE 9/29/20
HOMEWORK: Read the article "Why Technology Favors Tyranny" in the Class Materials on the Files tab of teams. Then, answer the five questions in paragraph form from the Assignments tab in Teams.
DUE 9/25/20
HOMEWORK: Read the article "A Warning From Europe" in the Class Materials on the Files tab of teams. Then, answer the five questions in paragraph form from the Assignments tab in Teams.
Part I: Introduction: Assignments: 8/17/20-9/18/20
EXAM: 9/18/20
We will be taking the exam on Part I of the class Friday the 18th. Be sure to adequately review and prepare.
Due 9/4/20
HOMEWORK: Read the material on Federalism and Turn in the question on the Teams site.
Due 9/1/20
Homework: Be sure to read the material about the Articles of Confederation and answer the questions on Teams for next class.
DUE 8/28/20
HOMEWORK: Answer the questions on the Teams site related to governments around the world.
OVERVIEW: Students will learn the development of American democracy and the structures of forms of government. We will analyze Constitutional rights and responsibilities of citizenship. We will consider the factors that influence contemporary elections and policy-making, and local/global governance; as well as production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. We will study personal and global finance, trade policies, alternative monetary standards, health care, education, and finance. Students in this class will follow the passage of a bill into law, and engage with local issues within and outside of government.
CLASS PLAN:
The texts and format of reading assignments will vary throughout the school year. The academic year will be divided into the following units:
Unit 1: Introduction to government: the philosophical underpinnings of government and people-run government; types of governments.
Unit 2: American Government Overview: structure of the US Government; historical context for American government; Separation of Powers; Checks and Balances; Federalism; the Constitution and Bill of Rights; Amendments.
Unit 3: State, Local, & Tribal Governments: state structures and government; counties, cities, towns, and other local governments; native nations and tribal governments.
Unit 4: Threats to American Democracy: We will explore the question: Is Democracy Dying? from several avenues that pose existential threats to the survival of democracy in the United States and around the world.
Unit 5: Legislative Branch: Structure of Congress; Congressional Powers; Lawmaking, Ways & Means, Appropriations, and other functions of Congress; State, Local, Tribal lawmaking; Taxation Economics. In this section we will follow the lawmaking process in real time.
Unit 6: Executive Branch: Structure of the Executive Branch; Roles of the President; Qualifications of President, Election and Succession; the Cabinet; State, Local, and Tribal Executives; Administrative Agencies. Here we will look at some Presidential actions including War Powers and Executive Orders; we will also consider Agency actions and the rulemaking process.
Unit 7: Judicial Branch: Civil Rights, Civil Liberties, and Social Justice: Federal Courts; State Courts Systems; the Supreme Court; Civil Rights; Civil Liberties; Social Justice Issues. Here we will focus a study of the court system and access; we will consider obstacles to justice; and we will simulate supreme court cases.
Unit 8: Introduction to Economics: Considering the fundamentals and philosophical underpinnings of economics.
Unit 9: Economic Systems: We will consider incentives; public good; voluntariness and lack thereof; sweat shops; private property; consumer sovereignty; traditional command systems and economic goals.
Unit 10: Supply, Demand, & Markets: Looking at supply and demand structures and fallacies; market prices; price ceilings and floors; markets for pollution; cost-benefit analysis.
Unit 11: Competition & Monopoly: We will discuss the plusses and minuses of competition as well as market power and corporate power.
Unit 12: Consumer Education: Money management, advertising and consumerism.
Unit 13: Business Education: The role of small business and entrepreneurs; corporations; the stock market.
Unit 14: Labor & the Distribution of Wealth & Income: wages and power in labor markets; minimum wage; labor history and labor unions; discrimination; workers’ rights; unpaid labor; the distribution of income and wealth;
Unit 15: Gross Domestic Product: Measuring GDP; what GDP leaves out.
Unit 16: Roles of Government in Economics: Government outlays; government revenues; government regulation.
Unit 17: Unemployment and Inflation; Unemployment rate; inflation rate.
Unit 18: Money, Banking, & the Federal Reserve and Fiscal Monetary Policy: What money is and how it is created; the Federal Reserve.
Unit 20: Economic Growth and Development: Growth, well-being, & the environment; developing countries.
Unit 21: Global Economics and Trade: Globalization; trade and the Theory of Comparative Advantage; international finance; multinational corporations.
MATERIALS:
Students are expected to have the following materials with them at the start of each class. When students come to class without materials, it will negatively impact their grade:
It is your responsibility to ensure these rules are followed and that you put forward your best work. Falling short on any and each of these things will negatively affect your grade.
ONLINE ACCESS:
Until it is safe for in-class instruction to resume, students will attend class remotely through Teams and Zoom: go to your Teams site for the class to find more information and to get the zoom link.
Course Syllabus – 2020-21
Teacher: Joseph Mais
joseph@skyislands.org
Part VI: Economics and Economic Systems 3/22/21
Week of May 3rd:
We will discuss personal finance and making a budget this week. We will also consider issues about consumer and business education.
Week of April 26th:
On Tuesday, students took an exam on materials we covered so far. On Wednesday, we discussed Monopoly and Competition, and how modern national and international mega-corporations have flooded the world economy with oligopolistic markets that skew the market norms of neoclassical economics.
Week of April 19th:
This week, we will be discussing the history and origin of economics, and he major historical movements of the study.
Week of April 12th:
Economic systems: What are incentives and how do they effect market-based economies? What do economist mean by voluntariness? What are the limitations of that concept? What should be the scope of private property? What do we mean by consumer sovereignty, and what are the limitations of that idea? What is a traditional system and what is a command system? How can we find all three systems in every economy?
Week of April 5th:
We continue the introductory discussion of economics. How do economists think about scarcity, choice, and opportunity costs? What about need? What are externalities and how do they affect our decisions? What is microeconomics; what is macroeconomics? What do we mean by rational choice, and what are the problems with assuming people make rational choices in economics? What are some of the cognitive biases that keep people from making rational choices? Finally, we consider the role and limitations of economics as a science.
Week of March 22nd:
We began this week discussing the final essay. Students should be sure to pull together a five or six paragraph essay on the "opinion" or "dissent" in the case of their choosing from last week. The choice must be one of the three cases where they served as a judge, and not the one they argued as counsel. Be sure to use the outline posted in the Files tab of Teams to compose your essay. We then began outlining some of the basic concepts in Economics.
DUE FRIDAY March 22, 2021:
Turn in your completed essay before the break.
Part V: The Judicial Branch 2/1/21-3/19/21
Week of March 15th:
This week is dedicated to holding our mock hearings. Students presented their cases and the judges asked questions. We discussed the essay related to their "opinions" and "dissents" in the case.
Week of March 8th:
This week, students were assigned the hypothetical case they will argue for the class in a mock Supreme Court hearing. Students spent the week preparing their statements and preparing questions, as judges, for the other cases.
Come to class on Tuesday of next week prepared to present your arguments for your case and how the two precedents should be applied to your case. Be prepared to answer questions about your position from the judges. Finally, be prepared to ask questions of others in the three cases when you are playing the part if a justice.
Week of March 1st:
What happens to evidence obtained in violation of your rights? When do you have a right to: an attorney; to confront witnesses against you; to a jury of your peers? What excessive bail? What is cruel and unusual punishment? How did the Fourteenth Amendment change the relationship between the federal government and the states?
Week of February 22nd:
What constitutes an unreasonable search? When can a search without a warrant occur? What is a Miranda warning? When is it necessary? When is someone considered in custody? What is considered an interrogation for Fifth Amendment purposes? All this and more in class this week!
HOMEWORK DUE TUESDAY 3/2/21:
Be sure to complete the questions and the scenario on the Fourth Amendment. The document is posted on the Assignment tab on Teams.
Week of February 15th:
1. What are the two elements related to religious freedom? We considered them each in turn, and looked at major cases related to that. 2. What does the limited case law related to the Second Amendment say? What does it mean for the future? 3. What does it mean to be free from "unreasonable searches and seizures"? Where is the case law on these boundaries?
Week of February 8th:
We are discussing precedent and stare decisis this week. We will then begin discussing rights, starting with the 1st Amendment.
Week of February 1st:
We continue our discussion of the history of the judicial branch. We also consider the process of a case working its way to the Supreme Court. In addition we considered the Supreme Court as an institution, and members of the current court.
Week of January 26th:
We began our discussion of the Judicial Branch by going over some of the history and organization of the Federal judiciary. We also continued our work in preparation for Environmental Day.
Part IV: The Executive Branch 12/8/20-1/29/21
Week of January 18th:
We began this week completing our presentation preparations. Then on Friday, most students presented their agency lessons.
If you have not presented on your agency yet, be prepared to do so on Tuesday.
Next week we will also spend some time preparing for Environmental Day with our legislators.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week of January 11th:
This week, we considered the Cabinet-Level agencies and students were each assigned one to present to the class. We spent this week preparing for that presentation.
Due TUESDAY 1/19/21:
Be sure to turn in your Agency Worksheet, if you have not done so already, on whichever agency you have been assigned.
Week of January 4th:
This week we discussed the role of regulations in out system of governance, when they are needed and what they are used for. We discussed the legal process of regulation. Students should be familiar with times when regulations are used, the notice and comment process and procedures, the executive branch role in regulations, the negotiated rulemaking process, the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations, and should be able to access and be able to comment on regulatory changes through regulations.gov.
Week of December 14th:
We discussed different categories of power held by the president, the top advisors to the president, the Executive Office of the President, the Cabinet, and the administrative agencies.
On Wednesday, we reviewed for the citizenship test.
REVIEW FOR BREAK:
Review covered material for the citizenship exam.
Week of December 7th:
This week we have begun discussing the roles of the president and presidential advisors. Be sure to review your notes.
Part III: The Legislative Branch 10/16/20-12/4/20
We will now take a deeper dive into the structure, makeup, and function of the legislative branch.
Week of November 30th:
We are preparing this week for the hearing and markup simulation we are doing in class. Be sure to prepare for your role as a legislator or a witness. Friday will be the day of the roleplay.
Week of November 16th:
We began a short research assignment into finding bills that have been introduced and details about those bills. This work will culminate next week in an essay on the bill of your choice.
DUE TUESDAY 11/24/20:
Turn in your bill essay! Don't forget, this is an important part of your grade.
DUE FRIDAY 11/20/20:
Turn in your bill analysis worksheet. This will serve as an outline for your essay due Tuesday,
Week of November 9th:
This week we discussed voting related issues including universal suffrage, and the principle of "one person, one vote" including the threats and limitation of each of those both nationally and specific to Arizona. We also discussed the principles behind apportionment and redistricting and some of the distortions that emerge from the application of those principles, such as gerrymandering.
DUE TUESDAY, 11/17/20
Read the article, "Citizen Redistricting in Arizona" that is posted in the Class Materials folder in the Files tab on Teams. Then answer the questions in the Assignments tab before class on Tuesday.
Week of November 2nd:
We are discussing elections this week; electoral college and ballots.
DUE TUESDAY 11/10/20
Read the article "Redistricting and Voting in Arizona" that is posted in the Class Materials folder in the Files tab on Teams. Then answer the three questions in the assignments tab before Friday.
DUE FRIDAY 11/6/20
Read the article "The Voting Rights Act in Arizona" that is posted in the Class Materials folder in the Files tab on Teams. Then answer the three questions in the assignments tab before Friday.
Week of October 26th:
We covered the structure and function of Congress, the importance of standing committees and how a bill becomes a law. Take time to review and be familiar with some of the terms we discussed in class.
Part II: Threats to Democracy: 9/22/20-10/13/20
DUE 10/13/20
HOMEWORK: Read the article "Madison vs. the Mob" in the Class Materials on the Files tab of teams. Then, answer the questions in paragraph form from the Assignments tab in Teams.
DUE 10/9/20
HOMEWORK: Read the article "A House Still Divided" in the Class Materials on the Files tab of teams. Then, answer the questions in paragraph form from the Assignments tab in Teams.
DUE 10/6/20
HOMEWORK: Read the article "The Threat of Tribalism" in the Class Materials on the Files tab of teams. Then, answer the questions in paragraph form from the Assignments tab in Teams.
DUE 10/2/20
HOMEWORK: Read the article "Losing the Democratic Habit" in the Class Materials on the Files tab of teams. Then, answer the five questions in paragraph form from the Assignments tab in Teams.
DUE 9/29/20
HOMEWORK: Read the article "Why Technology Favors Tyranny" in the Class Materials on the Files tab of teams. Then, answer the five questions in paragraph form from the Assignments tab in Teams.
DUE 9/25/20
HOMEWORK: Read the article "A Warning From Europe" in the Class Materials on the Files tab of teams. Then, answer the five questions in paragraph form from the Assignments tab in Teams.
Part I: Introduction: Assignments: 8/17/20-9/18/20
EXAM: 9/18/20
We will be taking the exam on Part I of the class Friday the 18th. Be sure to adequately review and prepare.
Due 9/4/20
HOMEWORK: Read the material on Federalism and Turn in the question on the Teams site.
Due 9/1/20
Homework: Be sure to read the material about the Articles of Confederation and answer the questions on Teams for next class.
DUE 8/28/20
HOMEWORK: Answer the questions on the Teams site related to governments around the world.
OVERVIEW: Students will learn the development of American democracy and the structures of forms of government. We will analyze Constitutional rights and responsibilities of citizenship. We will consider the factors that influence contemporary elections and policy-making, and local/global governance; as well as production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. We will study personal and global finance, trade policies, alternative monetary standards, health care, education, and finance. Students in this class will follow the passage of a bill into law, and engage with local issues within and outside of government.
CLASS PLAN:
The texts and format of reading assignments will vary throughout the school year. The academic year will be divided into the following units:
Unit 1: Introduction to government: the philosophical underpinnings of government and people-run government; types of governments.
Unit 2: American Government Overview: structure of the US Government; historical context for American government; Separation of Powers; Checks and Balances; Federalism; the Constitution and Bill of Rights; Amendments.
Unit 3: State, Local, & Tribal Governments: state structures and government; counties, cities, towns, and other local governments; native nations and tribal governments.
Unit 4: Threats to American Democracy: We will explore the question: Is Democracy Dying? from several avenues that pose existential threats to the survival of democracy in the United States and around the world.
Unit 5: Legislative Branch: Structure of Congress; Congressional Powers; Lawmaking, Ways & Means, Appropriations, and other functions of Congress; State, Local, Tribal lawmaking; Taxation Economics. In this section we will follow the lawmaking process in real time.
Unit 6: Executive Branch: Structure of the Executive Branch; Roles of the President; Qualifications of President, Election and Succession; the Cabinet; State, Local, and Tribal Executives; Administrative Agencies. Here we will look at some Presidential actions including War Powers and Executive Orders; we will also consider Agency actions and the rulemaking process.
Unit 7: Judicial Branch: Civil Rights, Civil Liberties, and Social Justice: Federal Courts; State Courts Systems; the Supreme Court; Civil Rights; Civil Liberties; Social Justice Issues. Here we will focus a study of the court system and access; we will consider obstacles to justice; and we will simulate supreme court cases.
Unit 8: Introduction to Economics: Considering the fundamentals and philosophical underpinnings of economics.
Unit 9: Economic Systems: We will consider incentives; public good; voluntariness and lack thereof; sweat shops; private property; consumer sovereignty; traditional command systems and economic goals.
Unit 10: Supply, Demand, & Markets: Looking at supply and demand structures and fallacies; market prices; price ceilings and floors; markets for pollution; cost-benefit analysis.
Unit 11: Competition & Monopoly: We will discuss the plusses and minuses of competition as well as market power and corporate power.
Unit 12: Consumer Education: Money management, advertising and consumerism.
Unit 13: Business Education: The role of small business and entrepreneurs; corporations; the stock market.
Unit 14: Labor & the Distribution of Wealth & Income: wages and power in labor markets; minimum wage; labor history and labor unions; discrimination; workers’ rights; unpaid labor; the distribution of income and wealth;
Unit 15: Gross Domestic Product: Measuring GDP; what GDP leaves out.
Unit 16: Roles of Government in Economics: Government outlays; government revenues; government regulation.
Unit 17: Unemployment and Inflation; Unemployment rate; inflation rate.
Unit 18: Money, Banking, & the Federal Reserve and Fiscal Monetary Policy: What money is and how it is created; the Federal Reserve.
Unit 20: Economic Growth and Development: Growth, well-being, & the environment; developing countries.
Unit 21: Global Economics and Trade: Globalization; trade and the Theory of Comparative Advantage; international finance; multinational corporations.
MATERIALS:
Students are expected to have the following materials with them at the start of each class. When students come to class without materials, it will negatively impact their grade:
- One 3-ring binder
- Loose leaf paper
- Pen and pencil
It is your responsibility to ensure these rules are followed and that you put forward your best work. Falling short on any and each of these things will negatively affect your grade.
ONLINE ACCESS:
Until it is safe for in-class instruction to resume, students will attend class remotely through Teams and Zoom: go to your Teams site for the class to find more information and to get the zoom link.
