Adlai E. Stevenson High School Course Description

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1 Adlai E. Stevenson High School Course Description Division: Course Title: Content Objectives: AP Government By the end of this course, students will be able to: objective Social-Emotional Learning Objectives: By the end of this course, students will be able to: objective Content Learning Targets objective A. 1. Define bureaucracy. B. 1. Define public opinion. Explain why public policy often differs from public opinion. C. 1. Describe the relationship between public officials and the media. D. 1. Identify and state the significance of political socialization E. 1. What does the Constitution say about the Supreme Court? What did the Founding Fathers think about the Supreme Court? F. 1. What are the basic functions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches? of the federal and state governments? How can the three branches of government influence and create policy? State the difference between formal powers and informa G. 10. Discuss the pros and cons of judicial activism and judicial restraint. H. 10. Evaluate the effectiveness of Congressional oversight of the bureaucracy. I. 10. Identify and state the significance of the U.S. Constitution s supremacy clause. J. 10. Articulate the Supreme Court decision in the Pentagon Papers case. K. 10. Discuss voter turnout patterns in American today. L. 10. The U.S. Constitution contained the following assurances to our civil liberties Writ of Habeas Corpus, Bill of Attainder and Ex Post Facto laws. Explain their significance. M. 11. Assess the advantages and disadvantages of decentralized power in a federal system. N. 11. Define the doctrine of original intent. O. 11. Explain how Congress, President, bureaucracy, states and interest groups affect welfare policy. P. 11. Define libel and slander. Q. 11. Discuss the type of voters that vote in primaries compared to those that vote in general elections. R. 11. Know the difference between procedural and substantive due process. S. 12. Compare and contrast enumerated vs. unenumerated powers. T. 12. Define entitlements. U. 12. Discuss the various checks and balances on the judicial branch. Are they effective? V. 12. Explain the significance of split-ticket voting. W. 12. Explain the significance of the Federalist Papers. What are the lessons of Federalist #10? #51? Page 1 of 8

2 Course Title: AP Government X. 12. Identify the political ideology of the majority of the news media. Y. 13. Be able to explain how entitlement spending affects the budget making process. Z. 13. Explain the process for appointing federal judges. AA. AB. AC. AD. AE. AF. AG. AH. AI. AJ. AK. 13. What are concurrent powers? Provide examples. 13. Define referendum. 13. Explain why news leaks occur often. 13. Know the difference between pluralism and elitism. 14. Discuss how the commerce clause has caused tension between the national government and state governments. How has the necessary and proper clause affected federalism? 14. Identify and state the significance of Social Security. 14. Identify the qualities and characteristics of judicial nominees. 14. Define political efficacy. 14. Describe the weapons that the government uses to constrain journalists. What are shield laws? 14. What are the differences between a direct democracy and a republic? 15. Define docket. AL. 15. Discuss the affect of the following Supreme Court cases on federalism: McCulloch v. Maryland (1819); U.S. v. Lopez (1995); Printz v. U.S. (1997); Gonzales v. Raich (2005). AM. 15. Explain the current problems facing Social Security and assess possible solutions. AN. AO. AP. AQ. AR. AS. AT. AU. AV. AW. AX. AY. AZ. BA. BB. BC. BD. 15. How did the Constitution balance majority rule with minority rights? 15. Identify the key roles of the White House Staff and explain why the President chooses the people that he does. 15. Identify the most common form of political activity in American politics. 16. Identify and state the significance of devolution and New Federalism. How did AFDC exemplify devolution in the 1990s? 16. Identify and state the significance of Medicare. 16. Summarize the process by which the U.S. Supreme Court makes its decisions. 16. Explain the functions of the presidential veto, as well as why the line-item veto was ruled unconstitutional for presidents. 16. Identify which positions (i.e. President, Supreme Court, Senate, House of Reps) registered voters directly elect. 16. Know the Bill of Rights. What was the controversy over its inclusion? 17. Explain the current problems facing Medicare and assess possible solutions. 17. Identify and state the significance of amicus briefs. 17. Summarize the differences between block grants and categorical grants. Provide examples. 17. Discuss differences between elections in the US and elections in Europe. (i.e. voter turnout). 17. Discuss the influence of the media on public opinion. 17. Identify the significance of the Civil War Amendments 18. Discuss the relationship between the Supreme Court and public opinion. 18. Explain the use of federal mandates. How did the American with Disabilities Act exemplify a federal mandate? Page 2 of 8

3 Course Title: AP Government BE. BF. BG. BH. BI. BJ. BK. BL. BM. BN. 18. Identify and state the significance of No Child Left Behind. What are the greatest hurdles facing educational policy? 18. Describe the ways that the President influences Congress to pass legislation. 18. Explain the significance of the 14th Amendment. 18. What percentage of adults adopt the party preference of their parents and which partisan identification is most often transferred from parent to child? 19. Define the rule of four. 19. Identify and state the significance of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). How have attitudes toward welfare programs changed over time? 19. What are reserved powers? How are they protected by the Constitution? 19. Explain the difference between civil liberties and civil rights. 19. Explain why the Congress looks to the President for leadership in the area of foreign policy. 19. How has the ability of the family to promote a partisan identification changed in recent years? BO. 2. Define yellow journalism and muckraking. BP. 2. Discuss American viewpoints on the role of government. BQ. 2. Discuss the impact Marbury v. Madison (1803) had on Supreme Court authority BR. 2. Explain how the bureaucracy makes public policy. BS. 2. Identify the factors that affect the validity of public opinion polls. BT. 2. What is the significance of the Declaration of Independence? BU. BV. BW. BX. BY. BZ. CA. CB. CC. CD. CE. CF. CG. CH. CI. CJ. 20. Be able to discuss current healthcare policy disputes. Who are the main players and what makes completing public policy so difficult? 20. Discuss the significance of senatorial courtesy. 20. How has state s rights been used throughout American history? Which political party advocates greater state s rights today? Explain. 20. Define selective incorporation. Trace its path from Barron (1833) to Gitlow (1925). List other examples. 20. Differentiate between an executive order and an executive agreement. Why have they been used more? 20. Explain why party identification has declined in recent years. 21. Why do justices issue written opinions? Identify the types of opinions issued by the Court. 21. Define divided government, as well as explain its potential consequences. 21. Explain the effect of attending college on political attitudes. 21. Know the provisions of the First Amendment. Why is speech given a preferred position? What is the clear and present danger test? 22. Evaluate the importance of stare decisis in judicial decision-making. How is it similar to common law? 22. Define and state the significance of symbolic speech. 22. Describe how a presidential candidate chooses a vice-presidential running mate. 22. Discuss the affects of cross-cutting cleavages in public opinion. 23. Explain the ways that the President can influence the federal judiciary. 23. Explain why voters in the South have become progressively less attached to the Democratic party. Page 3 of 8

4 Course Title: AP Government CK. 23. Know the difference between libel and slander. CL. 24. Assess both the formal and informal presidential powers. Explain why presidential power has increased. CM. 24. Explain the significance of the Motor Voter Bill (1993). CN. CO. CP. 24. Identify and state the significance of prior restraint. Under what circumstances can the government deny free press? 25. Define critical realignments and explain why they have occurred [also known as critical elections]. 25. Summarize the impeachment process. CQ. 25. What is the difference between the establishment clause and the free exercise clause found in the First Amendment? CR. 26. Define political parties and factions. Be able to differentiate between parties and interest groups. What did the Founding Fathers think about political parties? What does the Constitution say? CS. 26. Identify and state the significance of the War Powers Act of CT. CU. CV. CW. CX. CY. CZ. DA. DB. DC. 26. What is the significance of the exclusionary rule? 27. Identify the federal offices that require advice and consent of the Senate. Identify the powers that the President shares with the Senate. 27. What are party platforms? 27. What rights are guaranteed in the 5th and 6th Amendments? 28. Define executive order and explain why their use has increased. 28. Discuss differences between political parties in the U.S. and Europe. Where would political parties be the most decentralized? 28. Trace the legal precedent of the right to privacy. 29. Define executive privilege. 29. Explain the difference between de jure vs. de facto segregation. 29. Explain the difference between unified and divided governments. DD. 3. Assess the American political culture in terms of equality, liberty and self-reliance. DE. 3. Describe where Americans get their political values and explain the concept of political socialization. DF. 3. Discuss how iron triangles affect policymaking. DG. 3. Identify the role played by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). DH. 3. Know the difference between appellate and original jurisdiction. DI. 3. What were the main problems with the Articles of Confederation? How did the Constitution rectify those main problems? DJ. 30. Assess the various tactics used by the civil rights movement. DK. DL. DM. DN. 30. Explain the primary and caucus process, as well as the shift from party control over candidates to voter control. 30. What is meant by an institutionalized presidency? 31. Define the rule of propinquity. 31. Discuss the origin and function of party conventions. What is a super delegate? DO. 31. Explain the significance of the Baker v. Carr (1962). DP. 32. Assess the roles of the Cabinet and the heads of these executive departments. Page 4 of 8

5 Course Title: AP Government DQ. 32. Define and state the significance of affirmative action programs. DR. DS. DT. 32. Identify the key functions and purpose of the party chairman. 33. Define party machines and explain their role in a democracy. 33. Explain why the President has relatively little power over his cabinet. DU. 33. How were civil rights advanced with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965? DV. DW. DX. DY. DZ. EA. EB. EC. ED. EE. EF. EG. EH. EI. EJ. EK. 34. Discuss the two-party system. What factors dissuade third parties from influencing American politics? 34. How does federalism affect civil rights in American society? 34. Who makes up the Executive Office and the White House Office? What makes them so powerful? 35. Explain how the courts have used the strict scrutiny test in the area of civil rights 35. Identify and state the significance of the president s bully pulpit. 35. What is the difference between a majority and a plurality? Apply these concepts to U.S. elections. How do plurality elections and the winner-take-all system influence our two party system? What is a popular vote? 36. Describe the role of third parties in U.S. elections. 36. What is the significance of a presidential signing statement? 36. Whose rights did Title IX programs affect? Explain. 37. Define presidential coattails. 37. Explain the differences in voters in primary elections versus general elections, as well as the different approaches that candidates take to appeal to these voters. Define frontloading. 37. Know the precedent from the following landmark Supreme Court cases: Marbury; McCulloch; Plessy; Schenck; Tinker; Everson; Mapp; Miranda; Gideon; Griswold and Roe; Brown v. Brd of Ed. 38. Demonstrate your ability to interpret charts, graphs and political cartoons. 38. Identify the elections with the highest voter turnout. 38. Summarize the trends of presidential popularity throughout presidencies. 39. Demonstrate your ability to read, analyze and interpret primary source documents. EL. 39. Identify and state the significance of the court case U.S. v. Nixon (1974). EM. 39. Summarize the differences between presidential and congressional campaigns and elections. Assess the difference between normal and nationalized elections. EN. 4. Assess the Fairness Doctrine. EO. 4. Define what it means to be a LIBERAL and/or CONSERVATIVE. EP. 4. Explain the complex and often contentious relationship between the President and the Executive Branch EQ. 4. Identify and state the significance of political efficacy. ER. 4. Know the difference between district, appellate and Supreme courts. ES. 4. What was the significance of Shay s Rebellion to the Constitutional Convention in 1787? Describe the scene of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in ET. 40. Define presidential coattails and their impact on elections. EU. 40. Demonstrate your ability to write FRQs for an Advanced Placement Government test. EV. 40. Identify and state the significance of the Budget and Impoundment Act (1974). Page 5 of 8

6 Course Title: AP Government EW. 41. Define incumbency. Assess incumbency rates for the House and the Senate. EX. EY. EZ. FA. FB. 41. Describe the role of the Vice-President. 42. Articulate the concept of presidential succession. 42. What are the potential problems for candidates with televised debates? 43. Describe the different ways that presidential and congressional campaigns are funded. 44. Differentiate between red and blue counties. FC. 5. Explain the concept of a culture war. Provide examples of ways that Americans are divided on key issues. FD. 5. Identify and state the significance of the Federal Reserve and its Chairman. FE. 5. Identify and state the significance of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). FF. 5. Identify which demographic groups vote consistently for Democrats and Republicans. FG. 5. What is a plea bargain? FH. 5. Describe the main compromises during the writing of the Constitution (3/5s compromise, Great Compromise, Virginia Plan, Connecticut Plan). FI. 6. Articulate the progression of the electronic media since its origins in radio through television and eventually to the internet, as well as why this led to a decline in party loyalties. FJ. 6. Compare and contrast fiscal versus monetary policy. What is the significance of both? FK. 6. Identify and state the significance of Federalism. FL. 6. Identify the following court room players: plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, respondent. FM. 6. Identify which demographic groups have the highest voter turnout. FN. 6. Identify the significance of the following guiding principles found in the U.S. Constitution: popular sovereignty, separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism and the rule of law. Provide examples. FO. 7. Define horse race journalism. FP. 7. Explain the relationship between socioeconomic status and participation in politics. FQ. 7. Explain the significance of the Office and Management and Budget. FR. 7. How has federalism changed over time? FS. 7. Identify the difference between criminal and civil law. FT. 7. Explain the birth of political parties (i.e. Federalist & Anti-Federalists). What does the Constitution say? FU. 8. Compare and contrast OMB and CBO. FV. 8. Evaluate the various forms of political participation. What are grassroots? FW. 8. Explain the media roles of watchdog, gatekeeper, and scorekeeper. FX. 8. Explain the significance of cooperative federalism, also called marble-cake federalism. Provide examples. FY. 8. Identify and state the significance of the Solicitor General. FZ. 8. Explain how the U.S. Constitution can be both formally and informally changed. GA. 9. Compare and contrast judicial activism with judicial restraint. GB. 9. Define sovereignty. GC. 9. Explain the relationship between increasing suffrage rights since and voter turnout. Page 6 of 8

7 Course Title: AP Government GD. 9. Explain the role of the 1st Amendment in relation to the media. Define prior restraint. GE. 9. Explain the significance of independent regulatory commisssions/agencies. GF. 9. Explain the importance and significance of natural rights in the Constitution. Social Emotional learning Targets objective GG. 1. Develop self-awareness and self-management skills to achieve school and life success. GH. 1. Identify the position that James Madison took towards factions in Federalist #10. GI. 1. Develop self-awareness and self-management skills to achieve school and life success. GJ. GK. GL. 10. Define bicameralism and explain its effects. 11. Assess the typical public approval ratings of the U.S. Congress. 12. What was the original method of selecting senators? What was the affect of the 17th Amendment? GM. 13. Summarize the evolution of House and Senate composition of membership since GN. GO. GP. GQ. GR. GS. 14. Describe the scope of the commerce clause and how Congress uses it to expand its power. 15. Define the franking privilege and relate it to incumbency advantage. 16. Define both marginal districts and safe seats. 17. Define sophomore surge. 18. Explain the process of reapportionment and redistricting. 19. Define both gerrymandering and malapportionment. GT. 2. Explain the importance of the 1st Amendment in interest group activity. GU. 2. Use social-awareness and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive relationships. GV. 2. Use social-awareness and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive relationships. GW. GX. GY. GZ. HA. HB. HC. HD. HE. HF. 20. Explain how the distributive theory affects the work of Congress. 21. Explain the Congressional voting styles of trustee, delegate, partisan, and politico. 22. Assess the leadership positions in both the House and Senate. Analyze the power of each. 23. Describe the purpose of the Congressional Black Caucus and other specialized caucuses. 24. Define the difference between standing committees and conference committees. 25. Explain incumbency advantages. 26. Define entitlement spending, mandatory spending, and discretionary spending. 27. Explain the significance of single member districts. 28. Summarize the bill making process. 29. Describe the power and duties of the House Rules Committee. HG. 3. Demonstrate decision-making skills and responsible behaviors in personal, school, and community contexts. HH. 3. Demonstrate decision-making skills and responsible behaviors in personal, school, and community contexts. Page 7 of 8

8 Course Title: AP Government HI. 3. Demonstrate decision-making skills and responsible behaviors in personal, school, and community contexts. HJ. 3. Why has there been a proliferation of interest groups in the U.S? Who tends to join them? HK. 3. Demonstrate decision-making skills and responsible behaviors in personal, school, and community contexts. HL. HM. HN. HO. HP. HQ. HR. HS. HT. 30. Explain the importance of congressional committees to the legislative process. 31. Define filibuster. Define cloture. 32. Explain why all revenue bills originate in the House Ways and Means Committee. 33. Define a mark up session. 34. What is a discharge petition? How often are they used? Explain. 35. Identify and state the significance of pork barrel spending and earmarks. 36. What is the difference between a Congressional authorization and appropriation? 37. Name the presidential appointments that require the advice and consent of the Senate. 38. Other than lawmaking, explain the duties of Congress. How does Congress use its oversight powers? HU. 4. Define interest group. What is a lobbyist? HV. 5. Identify tactics used by interest groups. Why is information so valuable? How do lobbyists gain access? HW. 6. Compare American involvement in civic associations to that of other nations. HX. 7. Summarize the tactics that lobbyists use to try to influence legislation. HY. 8. Describe the role that corporations play in the political process. HZ. 9. What are the formal powers of Congress? Explain the significance of the elastic clause. Page 8 of 8

Chpt 1: Foundations Key Terms to Know: Authority. Bureaucratic theory. Democracy. Direct democracy. Initiative. Legitimacy Marxist theory

Chpt 1: Foundations Key Terms to Know: Authority. Bureaucratic theory. Democracy. Direct democracy. Initiative. Legitimacy Marxist theory Chpt 1: Foundations Authority Bureaucratic theory Democracy Direct democracy Initiative Legitimacy Marxist theory Nongovernmental elitist theory Pluralist theory Political elite Power Referendum Representative