Course Syllabus
Syllabus United States Government
Welcome
Welcome to United States Government! We’re so glad you’re here.
Every lesson is designed to help you grow as a thinker, problem solver, and global learner. As a Mizzou Academy global student, you will complete lessons and assignments on your own schedule, interacting with course content, participating in interactives, and completing practice activities, as well as drafting and revising assignments, preparing for quizzes and assessments, and taking exams.
To stay on track, we recommend using a pacing guide. You can find more information about pacing in the Course Resources section, along with helpful tools, technology support, and tips for online learning success.
As you begin, remember that online learning requires both independence and communication. Be curious, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your teacher if you need support.
We’re excited to learn with you, and we’re happy you’re part of our Mizzou Academy community!
Pacing
This course can be completed in as few as six weeks or take up to 6 months (180 calendar days). The six weeks are counted from the date of the first lesson submission and not the date of enrollment.
This course is asynchronous, meaning you can complete lessons and assignments at your own pace.
Most students spend approximately 10 hours per lesson interacting with course content, participating in interactive activities, and completing practice exercises, as well as drafting and revising assignments, preparing for quizzes and assessments, and taking exams. Your time may vary depending on your goals and learning style.
We encourage you to work at a consistent pace, allowing time to absorb new ideas, build skills, and reflect on what you’ve learned. Use a pacing guide to plan ahead, stay organized, and finish strong.
Course Description
This fully virtual, general education U.S. Government course introduces students to the foundations of American democracy and how citizens interact with the political system. Students examine the U.S. Constitution, civic participation, political parties and elections, and the role of media in shaping public opinion, while also exploring civil rights and liberties through historical and modern examples. The course builds a practical understanding of how laws are made and interpreted by studying the U.S. legal system and the structure and powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Students apply concepts through scenario-based and skills-focused assignments, including connecting constitutional principles to everyday life, analyzing government-related media, evaluating First Amendment issues, and drafting a new amendment. Learning is assessed through short quizzes, a midterm exam, and a final exam, with a concluding unit on Missouri state government and the Missouri Constitution to connect national principles to state-level decision-making.
Course Essential Questions
- How does the U.S. Constitution balance individual rights with the powers and responsibilities of government?
- How do citizens and non-citizens influence public policy through participation, elections, parties, interest groups, and media?
- How do the three branches of government and the legal system create, enforce, and interpret laws at the national and state (Missouri) level?
Course Overview
United Sstates Government |
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Lesson |
Objectives |
Quiz |
Assignment |
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1: Foundations of Government: The US Constitution |
1.1: Describe how the US Constitution establishes a democracy. 1.2: Discuss basic individual rights and responsibilities protected by the US Constitution. |
Lesson 1 Quiz - 10 multiple choice questions |
Assignment: US Constitution - Students will create a person living in the United States. They will use this person to answer the question, “How is the US Constitution relevant to people living in the United States?” |
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2: Civic Participation |
2.1: Describe ways that citizens and aliens may participate in the American political system. 2.2: Examine the roles and functions of interest groups. |
Lesson 2 Quiz - 10 multiple choice questions |
N/A |
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3: Political Parties, Campaigns, and Elections |
3.1: Discuss how political parties link citizens with the government. 3.2: Describe how a citizen may participate in an election. |
Lesson 3 Quiz - 10 multiple choice questions |
N/A |
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4: Communication: Media and Propaganda |
4.1: Analyze how media influences political opinions in a democracy. |
Lesson 4 Quiz - 10 multiple choice questions |
Assignment: Media - Students will analyze a media story about the US government. |
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5: Civil Rights |
5.1: Describe the rights afforded to US citizens as found in the Bill of Rights. 5.2: Examine how various civil rights movements have guaranteed the rights of minority groups. |
Lesson 5 Quiz - 10 multiple choice questions |
N/A |
Midterm Exam |
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6: US Legal System |
6.1: Describe the purpose for laws. 6.2: Differentiate between the principles and processes involved in criminal and civil law. |
Lesson 6 Quiz - 10 multiple choice questions |
Assignment: First Amendment - Students will evaluate First Amendment rights. |
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7: Branches of Government: Legislative Branch |
7.1: Describe the requirements to be a member of the Senate or House of Representatives. 7.2: Identify some of the powers exercised by Congress. 7.3: Demonstrate how a bill becomes a law. |
Lesson 7 Quiz - 10 multiple choice questions |
N/A |
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8: Branches of Government: The Executive Branch |
8.1: Describe the requirements to become President of the United States 8.2: Identify some of the powers exercised by the Executive Branch. |
Lesson 8 Quiz - 10 multiple choice questions |
N/A |
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9: Branches of Government: Judicial Branch |
9.1: Describe the function of the Supreme Court. 9.2: Explain the responsibilities held by the three types of courts (Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, trial court). |
Lesson 9 Quiz - 10 multiple choice questions |
Assignment: Drafting a New Amendment - Students will draft a new amendment. |
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10: Missouri State Government |
10.1: Describe the purpose for each of the 14 Articles located in the Missouri Constitution. 10.2: Discusses the roles and responsibilities of the three branches of government in Missouri. |
Lesson 10 Quiz - 20 multiple choice questions |
N/A |
Final Exam |
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Grades
Your final grade will be based on the number of points you earn on submitted work and exams. The available points are distributed as follows:
| Source | Available Points |
|---|---|
| Lesson Assignments | 100 |
| Lesson Quizzes | 105 |
| Midterm Exam | 150 |
| Final Exam | 150 |
| Total | 505 |
Textbook & Technology Requirements
To fully participate, make sure you have:
- A computer that meets our Mizzou Academy technology requirements
- A microphone and webcam for recording audio and video assignments
- Any other required textbooks or materials for the course
Accessibility
If you anticipate barriers related to the format or requirements of this course, please let Mizzou Academy know as soon as possible. If disability-related accommodations are necessary (for example, a scribe, reader, extended time on exams, captioning), please contact Mizzou Academy.Canvas Technical Support
Canvas will be used as the primary platform for accessing course materials and assignments for this class.
- Access Canvas through the Tiger Portal https://mizzouacademy.missouri.edu/
- For assistance with Canvas, passwords, or other technical issues, submit a ticket by selecting Help from the Global Navigation menu on the left in Canvas. Additional information is provided in the following Canvas Guide: How do I get help with Canvas as a student?
- For questions about enrollment, access to courses, exam proctoring, or billing, contact our Support Services Team at (855) 256-4975 or mizzouacademy@missouri.edu.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
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