The Constitution of the United States is the oldest working democratic framework for government in the world today. As a member of a democratic society, it is imperative that you understand how your government functions in order to exercise your fundamental rights as an American citizen. To fully appreciate this amazing document, you must gain an understanding of how it was created including the arguments, sacrifices, and compromises of those who created, changed, and protected it. You must gain an appreciation for how it works, and why it sometimes doesn’t. You must recognize how the Constitution continues to influence the lives of every American.



The story of the United States can be read in the lines of the Constitution. Its amendments bear witness to our nation’s struggles, victories, and defeats. We invite you to join us on a journey through the history of our Constitution and of our nation. A journey that promises to impress, astound, astonish, and possibly even anger you. The journey of who we are, where we've been, and where we, as a nation, may be headed.

Course Guidelines:

This year we will be learning about the history and government of the United States from its early foundations to the present day. We will study the impacts of geography, political institutions, and economic systems on American society. At the conclusion of the school year, you will take a New York State Regents Exam in United States History and Government.

The tools you will need to be successful in our class and on the Regents Exam include:

• TEXTBOOK: This will be taken home and kept easily accessible for use with homework assignments and test preparation.

• NOTEBOOK: Please bring your THREE RING BINDER to class on a daily basis. It is imperative for the success of our journey through history that this notebook be organized and the information is easily accessible. This concept will be reinforced on a regular basis with NOTEBOOK QUIZZES to check for organization and accuracy.

• HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS: The information presented in homework assignments will provide you with valuable grains of knowledge that will ensure your success in class. The completion of homework assignments is not optional. To reinforce the necessity of the timely and proper completion of these important assignments, many will be randomly collected and graded as quizzes.

• ATTENDANCE: Regular class attendance is necessary for success in the course and on the Regents Exam. The district attendance policy will be strictly enforced. You will need to consult with your classmates for any information and/or work you have missed due to absence.

• GRADING: Your grade will reflect the results of quizzes, tests, homework assignments, and projects. Grading Policy: Tests and Projects: 50%, Quizzes: 20%, Homework: 25%, Classwork 5%

• GRADEKEEPER and SCHOOLNOTES: Grades will be recorded using the Gradekeeper software program. In order to encourage continuous communication with both students and parents/guardians, progress reports may be requested at any time via email, phone, or personal request. Important information regarding upcoming assignments, projects, tests, and extra help/review sessions will be posted below.

• CLASS BLOG: Students are expected to particpate in the class Blog on Wikispaces and productively comment on posted current event articles.  Studemts will need to email Mr. Kistinger at jkistinger@sachem.edu.   Mr. Kistinger will respond by sending students an invitation to join the Blog.  Inappropriate use of the Blog will result in removal from the Blog and possible disciplinary action.

*First Marking Period*

Homework: 9/8/09 Please have Couse Outline signed

Homework: 9/9/09 "Problem of Labor" reading and analysis questions

Homework: 9/15/09 Define the following terms by Thursday:

mercantilism

salutary neglect

Franch and Indian War

Enlightenment

Sons of Liberty

boycott

Boston Massacre

Common Sense

 9/16/09: Homework: Answer the following question on the British vs. Colonial Views worksheet that we reviewed in class: "Which British and/or Colonial Views do you most agree with?  Explain your answer.

9/18/09: Complete the "Ideas Behind the Revolution" reading and analysis questions. 

Unit Test: Thursday, September 24, 2009: Colonization and the Road to Revolution.
Reviews will be held Wednesday during 9th period and Thursday at 6:40am in room A324.

9/21/09: Homework: complete the "Early Government" reading and analysis questions.   

9/30/09: Homework: "Unwritten Constitution" reading and analysis questions.

10/5/09: Homework: Complete the "Role of the Supreme Court" reading and questions if not completed in class.

10/6/09: Homework: "Constitution Vocabulary" due Wednesday 10/7/09

10/8/09: Study for "Constitution Vocabulary" Quiz

Constitution Vocabulary Quiz: Friday, October 9, 2009

11/12/09: Complete the "The Constitution Challenged" review sheet.

   *Second Marking Period*

Unit Test: The Constitution Challenged: Monday, November 16. Reviews will be held Friday after school and Monday at 6:40am in room A324.


11/17/09: Complete the "Trail of Tears" reading and questions

11/20/09: Complete the questions on the last page of the "Expansion" packet.  This will count as a quiz.

Please feel free to browse the following links for interesting news and information about U.S. History and current events.