Sandia High School “A Tradition of Success”
A.P. U.S. GOVERNMENT
FALL 2014
Course Information Sheet
Semester Course: 18 weeks; ½ credit
Necessary for graduation
Instructor: Mr. Beck Class period_____
Meeting days__
Ext 30192
Room F-2
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
AP Government provides the student with a framework for understanding the purposes, principles, and practices of American government as established by the United States Constitution. The Advanced Placement course in U.S. Government and Politics gives students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. The course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific examples. The course builds a familiarity with various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. politics. The student becomes acquainted with the variety of theoretical perspectives and explanations for various behaviors and outcomes. The student analyzes the history and changing interpretations of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the current state of legislative, executive and judicial branches of government. In addition, he/she examines his/her rights and responsibilities as a citizen and how to exercise them as well as experience the political process at local, state, and national levels of government. The structure of this course is designed to prepare the students to successfully complete the AP US Government exam in May.
THIS IS A COLLEGE-LEVEL COURSE. The majority of instruction will be lecture/discussion, as well as group work and debate. The student must have a basic understanding of government and U.S. history, and also must keep up with the homework and reading. It is the responsibility of the student to complete assignments PRIOR to class. Students will be prepared to take the AP Government exam in May for potential college credit and are encouraged to do so.
NEW MEXICO STATE STANDARDS: CIVICS AND GOVERNMENT
CONTENT STANDARD III: STUDENTS UNDERSTAND THE IDEALS, RIGHTS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CITIZENSHIP AND UNDERSTAND THE CONENT AND HISTORY OF THE FOUNDING DOCUMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE UNITED STATES AND NEW MEXICO CONSTITUTIONS AND HOW GOVERNMENTS FUNCTION AT THE LOCAL, STATE, TRIBAL AND NATIONAL LEVELS
BENCHMARK 3-A: COMPARE AND ANALYZE THE STRUCTURE, POWER, AND PURPOSE OF GOVERNMENT AT THE LOCAL, STATE, TRIBAL AND NATIONAL LEVELS AS SET FORTH IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CONSTITUTIONS OR GOVERNANCE DOCUMENTS
BENCHMARK 3-B: ANALYZE HOW SYMBOLS, ICONS, SONGS, TRADITIONS AND LEADERS OF NEW MEXICO AND THE UNITED STATES EXEMPLIFY IDEALS AND PROVIDE CONTINUITY AND A SENSE OF UNITY.
BENCHMARK 3-C: COMPARE AND CONTRAST THE PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES’ POLITICAL SYSTEM IN TERMS OF THE PURPOSE OF GOVERNMENT, INCLUDING ITS HISTORICAL SOURCES AND IDEALS, WITH THOSE OF OTHER GOVERNMENTS IN THE WORLD.
Currently there are no Common Core State Standards for Social Studies. We will address those when they become available.
TIPS FOR BEING SUCCESSFUL IN AP U.S. GOVERNMENT:
- Understand, rather than just memorize the information.
- Understand and explain cause and effect relationships.
- Stay up with current government events. The newspaper, magazines, the internet and cable television will be used and will be essential resources.
- Use study groups or peers in class to understand key concepts, homework, review, etc.
- Learn to speak and THINK in civic terms. Understand the meaning of terms like constituency, federalism, Constitutional activism, as just examples of the language of government.
- BE IN CLASS AND BE PREPARED. Do NOT fall behind. These civic concepts build upon each other and it is crucial that students understand the currently studied U.S. government concepts before they move on in the class.
COURSE READINGS:
Magelby, David; Light, Paul; et al. Government By the People, AP Edition, 23rd Edition, Pearson Publishing, 2009
The Princeton Review: Cracking the AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam, 2010 edition, Random House, 2010
Serow, Ann; Ladd, Everett, The Lanahan Readings In The American Polity, 4th Edition, Lanahan Publishers, 2007
These readings will be supplemented by classroom handouts, and the following video series:
Annenberg Media Series:
Democracy In America
The Constitution: That Delicate Balance
HOMEWORK POLICIES:
Students are required to keep a three-ring notebook for this class. Homework will be assigned to be completed and either be turned in for a grade or placed in the notebook for reference. I will determine how the notebook will be organized at the beginning of the semester. The notebook can be requested for a grade at any time. The expectation is that it will be organized and all paperwork will be included.
All papers are to be properly headed with name, date and period number.
Blue or black ink is preferred on all written work.
Work completed in an inappropriate manner will not receive credit.
Graded homework is accepted only on the day it is due at the beginning of the period. If a student is absent, they may turn in the work on the day that they return. If the assignment is of acceptable quality, it may remove the zero from their average, but it might not receive a letter grade. Late work will be accepted up to one week after the due date for a maximum of 50% credit. ORAL REPORTS, GROUP REPORTS AND ISSUE SETS ARE NOT ACCEPTED LATE. If a student does not give their report, or does not turn in their part of a group’s work on the due date, they will receive a zero.
GRADING SCALE:
The grading scale in this class is as follows (in percentages):
98-100A+ 82-86 B67-70 C-BELOW 57 IS FAILING
92-97A 79-81 B-66 D+
89-91 A-77-78 C+62-65 D
87-88 B+71-76 C57-60 D-
The student’s grade is based on a continuing average. The final exam is worth 10% of the total grade. There will be tests, which account for about 25%, quizzes which account for 15%, homework which accounts for 25%, classwork which accounts for 20% and participation which accounts for 5%. Please note that the grading system, I-Grade, interfaces with I-Parent. Please have your parent/guardian secure an I-Parent account so you can continually monitor your grade. When a grade is input, it is immediately reflected on I-Parent, as well.
The Notebook: A three-ring notebook (3-4”) is required for this course. The notebook will be organized by the following sections: Constitutional Principles; Federalism; Political Culture, Ideology, and Landscape; Political Parties and Interest Groups; Campaigns, Elections and the Media; Institutions of National Governance; Legislative, Executive and Judicial; Civil Liberties and Rights; Foreign and Defense Policy; Prep for AP Exam: The notebook can be requested for a grade at any time. The expectation is that it will be organized and all paperwork will be included.
All papers are to be properly headed with name, date and period number.
If a student is absent, they will need to check the class summary board and MAKE-UP BOARD for the work missed and make-up information. On tests and quizzes, the make-up date is usually the next Tuesday lunch after the absence. CHECKING FOR MAKE-UP IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY! Make-up quizzes and tests are usually in a different format than the in-class tests and quizzes. Students MUST sign up to take a make-up test.
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT POLICIES
The Sandia attendance and tardy policies will be followed. Being prepared for class includes BEING ON TIME AND PREPARED TO LEARN. Students are expected to be in class and seated when I am ready to begin class.
Students in this class DO receive a participation grade as part of the total grade.
If you are not here, you are not participating!
Points may be deducted from the participation grade for the following:
Absences- up to 20 points per unexcused absence. I expect the student to be in their seat at the second bell. Tardies will be given for arriving late.
Study Hall
Study halls will be on most Tuesdays and Thursdays during lunch. Students are welcome to utilize this for tutoring, group work or make-ups. Please make specific arrangements with me for any needed work outside this time.
REMINDERS:
No food or drink in the classroom (water is fine).
NO CELL PHONES AT ALL. PLEASE TURN THEM OFF!
It is my discretion as to the use of ipods, mp3 players,etc. Please do NOT assume you can use them.
The use of any electronic device for recording/ taking pictures etc. without permission is in violation of the student privacy/ confidentiality policy. I will take those away and you can get them at the administration office the following Thursday afternoon.
ALWAYS BRING YOUR BOOK, PAPER, PEN, AND PENCIL TO CLASS!!!
PLEASE RESPECT YOUR FELLOW STUDENT’S ABILITY TO LEARN IN THIS CLASS, AS WELL AS YOURS!!!!
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Student Signature and date
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Parent Signature and date
GENERAL COURSE SYLLABUS:
UNIT 1: Constitutional Principles; Ch. 1, 2 3 weeks
UNIT 2: Federalism: Ch. 3 1 week
UNIT 3: Political Culture, Ideology, and Landscape; Ch. 4,5 1 week
UNIT 4: Linkage Institutions: Political Parties & Interest Groups; Ch. 6, 7 1 week
UNIT 5: Link. Inst. Pt II: Campaigns, Elections & Media: Ch. 8,9, 10 1 week
UNIT 6: Institutions of National Governance: Legislative, Executive
And Judicial: Ch. 11,12, 13, 14 6 weeks
UNIT 7: Civil Liberties and Rights: Ch. 15, 16 2 weeks
UNIT 8: Public Policy: Ch 17 .5 weeks
UNIT 9: Domestic Policy: Ch. 18, 19 1 week
UNIT 10: Foreign and Defense Policy: Ch. 20 .5 weeks
UNIT11:REVIEW FOR AP EXAM 1 week
TOTAL 18 weeks
UNIT 1: Constitutional Principles– Ch 1, 2 (Magleby, Light, 23rd edition)
3 WEEKS
-Students will be introduced to the concepts of government, politics, political science and constitutional democracy
-Students will be able to differentiate democracy from other forms of government
-Students will be able to identify the conditions that help democracy flourish and explain why they do so
-Students will understand the historical implications of the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation and the Constitution on the development of the U.S. form of government.
-Students will understand the basic structure of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and summarize the basic principles of government established by the Constitution
-Students will be able to compare and contrast the three main branches of the U.S. government and understand the system of checks and balances.
-Students will understand the evolution of the Constitution over time
- Lanahan Readings: #1 De Tocqueville: Democracy In America
- Lanahan Readings: #3 Hartz: The Liberal Tradition In America
- Lanahan Readings: #8 Hofstadter: The American Political Tradition
- Lanahan Readings: #16 Wilson: Congressional Government
- Federalist #51 Analysis
- Federalist #10 Analysis
- Marbury v. Madison Analysis
- U.S. v. Lopez Analysis
- New Constitutional Convention and Amendment Exercise
- FRQ: Changing Constitution by formal and informal methods
- FRQ: Increased Power of Federal Government
- Video: Democracy in America; #1 Making Government Work
- Video: Democracy in America; #2 The Constitution: Fixed or Flexible?
UNIT 2: Federalism– Ch 3 (Magleby, Light, 23rd edition) 1 WEEK
-Students will compare and contrast the different interpretations of federalism
-Students will be able to differentiate the types of national and state powers
-Students will be able to identify the role of the national courts in regulating federalism
-Students will understand the differences between centralists and decentralists
-Students will understand the dynamics of the growth of the national government and federalism
- Lanahan Readings: #19 Elazar: American Federalism
- Lanahan Readings: #20 Osborne: Laboratories of Democracy
- U.S. v. Lopez analysis and discussion
- FRQ: Federal system and federalism
- Video: Democracy in America; #3; Federalism: U.S. vs. the States
- Video: The Constitution: That Delicate Balance; #13 Federalism
UNIT 3: Political Culture, Ideology, and Landscape; Ch. 4,5 (Magleby, Light, 23rd edition)
1 WEEK
-Students will identify the elements and characteristics of the American political culture
-Students will compare and contrast the differing ideologies of American government
-Students will understand how geography affects politics
-Students will understand the dynamics of race, ethnicity, religion, gender and demographics on American politics
-Students will evaluate the roles of education, income and class on American politics
- Political Attitude/Ideology Self Evaluation
- Political Tolerance handout
- Gender Gap exercise
- Political Poll discussion and handout
- FRQ: Voter Turnout
- FRQ: New Media Influence
UNIT 4: Linkage Institutions Part I; Interest Groups and Political Parties; Ch. 6, 7 (Magleby, Light, 23rd edition): 1 WEEK
-Students will understand how interest groups and social movements have affected American politics
-Students will learn the sources of interest group power and the influence of lobbyists
-Students will understand how political parties arise in democracies
-Students will understand the history of American political parties
-Students will learn how the American political parties are financed
- Lanahan Readings: #61: Lowi: The End of Liberalism
- Lanahan Readings: #62: Birnbaum: The Lobbyists
- Lanahan Readings: #73: Burnham: Critical Elections and the Mainsprings of American Politics
- Lanahan Readings: #78: Monmonier: Bushmanders and Bullwinkles
- Campaign Finance Website project
- FRQ on Interest Groups
- Video: Democracy in America; #14; Interest Groups: Organizing To Influence
- Video: Democracy in America; #12; Political Parties: Mobilizing Agents
- Video: The Constitution: That Delicate Balance; #7 Campaign Spending
UNIT 5: Linkage Institutions Part II: Campaigns, Elections and the Media: Ch. 8,9, 10 (Magleby, Light, 23rd edition) : 1 WEEK
-Students will identify the key components of public opinion and how it is measured
-Students will learn the connection between public opinion and public policy
-Students will understand why people vote in certain ways in elections
-Students will understand election rules and how they impact elections in the United States
-Students will learn about the electoral college and its impact on presidential elections
-Students will learn how the news media affects elections, the government and its influence on public opinion
-Students will assess the impact of the media on American politics
- Lanahan Readings: #56: Key: Public Opinion and American Democracy
- Lanahan Readings: #68: Eggers: Government 2.0
- Lanahan Readings: #70: Ansolabehere: Going Negative
- Lanahan Readings: #83: Anderson: South Park Conservatives
- Media Website Project
- Electoral College Handout
- Critical Election Analysis
- FRQ on Linkage Institutions
- Video: Democracy in America; #13; The Maintenance of Democracy
- Video: Democracy in America; #10; The Media: Inside Story
- Video: The Constitution: That Delicate Balance; #3 Nomination, Election, and Succession of the President
UNIT 6: Institutions of National Governance: Legislative, Executive and Judicial: Ch. 11,12, 13, 14 (Magleby, Light, 23rd edition): 6 WEEKS
-Students will describe the congressional election process and how it favors incumbents
-Students will learn the differences in structure and power between the Senate and House of Representatives
-Students will understand how a bill becomes law
-Students will understand the constitutional foundations of the presidency and the types of presidential power
-Students will learn the different roles of the members of the White House, cabinet, and other members of the executive branch
-Students will learn the details and impact of the federal bureaucracy
-Students will understand the structure of the federal court system
-Students will assess the role of the judiciary in the American political system
- Lanahan Readings: #22 Mayhew: Congress: The Electoral Connection
- Lanahan Readings: #30 Price: The Congressional Experience
- Lanahan Readings: #31 Neustadt: Presidential Power and the Modern Presidents
- Lanahan Readings: #40 Wilson: Bureaucracy
- Lanahan Readings: #42 Rostow: The Democratic Character of Judicial Review
- Federalist #78 Analysis
- Mock Congress and Committee Chairs Exercise
- Bill Becomes a Law Project
- Separation of Powers Analysis
- Important Legislation Jigsaw
- White House Staff Analysis
- Bureaucratic Pathologies Analysis
- FRQ on Federal Budget
- FRQ on President and Congress Checks and Balances
- Presidential v. Parliamentary Form of Government discussion and graphic
- Video: 60 Minutes interview of Judge Scalia
- Video: Democracy in America; #8; Bureaucracy: A Controversial Necessity
- Video: Democracy in America; #6; Legislatures: Laying Down the Law
- Video: Democracy in America; #9: The Courts: Our Rule of Law
- Video: The Constitution: That Delicate Balance; #1 Executive Privilege and Delegation of Powers
- Video: The Constitution: That Delicate Balance; #2 War Powers and Covert Action
UNIT 7: Civil Liberties and Rights: Ch. 15, 16 (Magleby, Light, 23rd edition) 2 WEEKS
-Students will identify protections under the Constitution and the Bill of Rights
-Students will compare and contrast procedural and substantive due process
-Students will understand the importance of citizenship rights
-Students will compare and contrast efforts to obtain equal rights under the law
-Students will evaluate the current state of discrimination and affirmative action
- Lanahan Readings: #49 Kettl: System Under Stress
- Lanahan Readings: #54 Glendon: Rights Talk
- Court Case Analysis
- Constitution and Bill of Rights Clause Analysis
- Selective Incorporation Analysis
- FRQ: Selective Incorporation
- Video: Democracy in America; #5; Civil Rights: Demanding Equality
- Video: Democracy in America; #4; Civil Liberties: Safeguarding the Individual
- Video: The Constitution: That Delicate Balance; #4 Criminal Justice and a Defendant’s Right to a Fair Trial
- Video: The Constitution: That Delicate Balance; #12 Affirmative Action Versus Reverse Discrimination
UNIT 8: Public Policy: Ch 17 (Magleby, Light, 23rd edition) .5 WEEKS
-Students will understand how politics and public policy affect each other
-Students will analyze distributive, redistributive and counterdistributive policy
-Students will compare and contrast the tools of public policy
-Students will identify how citizens can impact the public policy process
- Public Policy Project: Presidential Policy
UNIT 9: Domestic Policy: Ch. 18, 19 (Magleby, Light, 23rd edition) 1 WEEK
-Students will identify the role of fiscal policy in American economic stabilization
-Students will evaluate the role of monetary policy in American economic stabilization
-Students will understand the government’s role in regulating and promoting the economy
-Students will compare and contrast the types of social policy