JA 8 A Civics: Nov. 1-5

This week we will continue our investigation of the Executive branch. We will discuss the duties of the President as Chief Executive, Commander in Chief, Chief of State, & all the other roles of the office. We will also look at the role of the President's cabinet, as well as all the other offices within the Executive branch.

US History: Nov. 1-5

This week we will conclude our investigation of the Reconstruction period & begin our discussion of the "birth of Modern America," which was fueled by the Second Industrial Revolution, the growth of major cities, & the influx of immigrants into the U.S. that created the true melting pot of cultures that we still have today. We will discuss the major social & poltical movements of the late 19th & early 20th century that shaped post-Civil War America & laid the foundation for the Progressive Movement.

American Govt./ Econ: Nov. 1-5

This week we will continue looking at the role of the United States in the world. We will discuss U.S. foreign policy, as well as the international organizations that influence the politics of the U.S. & the rest of the world. Pictured at right is the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This week we will also begin to focus on how economics plays a role in the political process. We will also begin to investigate the basic fundamentals of economics as well.

In addition, students need to work on their AR READING GOALS! This is worth 10% of the overall grade!

JA 8 A Civics: Oct. 25-29

This week we will conclude our investigation of the Legislative branch & begin the Executive branch. We will discuss the qualifications for becoming President, the roles & duties of the Preseident, as well as the Executive branch departments. We will also look closely at how exactly the President is elected; through a complicated thing called the Electoral College.

US History: Oct. 25-29

This week we will continue our investigation of the Civil War by looking at the final battles and "Sherman's March," We will also discuss the concept of total war & the effect this had on the North & South. Towards the end of the week we will discuss the conclusion of the war and the different plans for Reconstruction; which was how to bring the Southern states back into the Union & rebuild the nation as one. We will also look at the effect Lincoln's assassination had on these plans & on the nation.

American Govt./Econ: Oct. 25-29

This week we will finish our investigation of the branches of government & then discuss the role of the United States in world affairs. We will discuss U.S. foreign policy as well as our relationships with other nations and organizations such as the United Nations. This is also an AIMS week, so get plenty of sleep & eat something for breakfast!

JA 8 A Civics: Oct. 18-22

This week we will begin our detailed investigation of the Legislative branch of government. We will discuss the duties of both houses of Congress, and we will emphasize on the process of how a bill becomes a law. We will also discuss the qualifications for becoming a member of the House & the Senate in the U.S. Congress.

US History: Oct. 18-22

This week we will continue our investigation of the break-out of the American Civil War after the election of Abraham Lincoln. We will discuss the leaders of the Union & Confederacy, as well as the major battles of the war. As the week progresses, we will discuss the major "turning points" of the war in favor of the North, even though the South had superior military leaders. We will investigate the effects of the war on the soldiers, slaves, and civilians as well.

American Govt./ Econ: Oct. 18-22

This week we will finish looking at the functions of the Legislative branch and begin our investigation of the functions of the Executive branch. It is far more complicated than just the President & Vice-president. We will discuss all of the departments within the Executive branch as well. Towards the end of the week we will begin discussing the functions of the Judicial branch, which we will conclude next week.

JA 8 A Civics: Oct. 11-15

This week students will present their Bill of Rights projects to the class. We will then continue our investigation of the rights, responsibilities, and roles of citizenship. We will focus on the benfits of community service and its relationship to the Public Good. We will continue to emphasize the importance of citizens being actively involved in the democratic process, as well as the obligations we have as citizens. Examples of these obligations include paying taxes, obeying the law, and jury duty service.

US History: Oct. 11-15

This week we will begin our investigation of the causes leading up to the Civil War. We will discuss the Missouri Compromise and its effect on the division of slave and free states. We will also discuss the social and economic differences between the northern and southern states. We will look at the role of abolitionists, including John Brown, a leader of significance. We will look at another turning point in the debate by discussing the Kansas-Nebraska Act, and its effect on the relationship between the national government and states rights. Finally, we will investigate the rise of Abraham Lincoln by discussing the famed Lincoln-Douglas debates and the Presidential election of 1860, which caused South Carolina to leave the Union.

American Govt./ Econ: Oct. 11-15

This week we will continue our investigation of the functions of government by examining how the Constitution protects and guarantees Due Process of law through specific amendments and mandates. We will also discuss the sources of government funding at all levels; TAXES! Later in the week we will begin to discuss the regulatory functions of the government pertaining to consumer protection. We will also investigate the factors and processes that determine some of our major domestic policies, such as social security and health care.

FALL BREAK! Oct. 4-8

I wish everyone a safe & relaxing Fall Break! Take it easy, but maybe you should read your AR book over the break. Also, a REMINDER to JA 8 Civics: Your projects are due on Monday when we return!