U.S.

Government and Economics

Teacher: Matt Hoelscher
Email:mhoelscher@strakejesuit.org
Phone: 713- 490- 8151
Office: 3rd Floor of the Clay Center
American Government and Economics
Students are introduced to the fundamental principles of American Democracy. In
addition, students will examine and critique several of the principles that are continuous,
yet controversial in American politics. The section on Economics focuses on basic
Economic principles, reasoning and concepts, as well as looking at comparative
economic systems.
Grading:
Tests
Quiz Grades
Daily Grades
Final
First Qtr

60%
25%
15%
20% ( Will be averaged together with the 80% taken from the
Semester average)
The first quarter will focus on the basic principles of American
Government, such as the ideas of democracy, American political
beginnings, the Constitution and Federalism. We will also identify
the powers of the three branches of government; the executive,
legislative and judicial.

Second Qtr

The second quarter will focus on political topics such as the

Electoral process, interest groups, and political parties. We will
Also look extensively at Civil rights and Civil liberties, and will
Focus on how these have been extended to the people of the
United States.

Third Qtr

The third quarter will look at issues in America such as public

Opinion, the Mass media and American Economic Policy. We
Will also comparatively look at the Political and Economic
Systems of other countries. We will also begin to focus on the
Basic concepts of Economics, as well as identifying economic
Systems

Fourth Qtr

The fourth quarter will focus on the concepts of the American Free
Enterprise system. We will focus on the ideas of Supply and
Demand, as well as look at economic concepts such as

labor,
Market structures, prices and reasoning.

Texts and additional reading

Text
Pearson I-text.
Readings and Projects
Sabato, Larry. A More Perfect Constitution: 23 Proposals to Revitalize our
Constitution and make America a Fairer Country.