AP Government and Politics Mrs. Cohen Period 1/2 Sept./Oct. 2012 UNIT 1: Constitutional Underpinnings Description: This unit serves as the introductory unit to the course. We will be examining several aspects of the foundations of government. It is vital to understand the several dimensions of government, especially those defining and pertaining to democracy. Within this study we will analyze the contemporary forms of democracy as well as how we have derived such theories of government. Political philosophy will also contribute to our understanding of government as we focus on the works of Locke as well as the contributions made by the founding fathers. Further, the origins and formulation of the constitution by our founding fathers will provide an in depth look at concepts such as federalism and separation of powers. Percentage of Exam: 5-15% Skill Objective: Reading for meaning Essential Questions: What historical events lead to the formation of the Constitution? How were the founders influenced to accomplish such a feat and what types of expertise did they lend to forming the document and our government? Separation of powers is set up to see that all the branches of government are equal. Is this a reality today? If not, which branch is the weakest? The strongest? Is federalism a viable form of government? Does it work? Explain why or why not? What is democracy? Which form currently describes us? Would the Founders be satisfied with this? Would it be fair to say that our experience with the Articles of Confederation was a complete failure? Explain. What was really at stake in the Great Compromise and why was it so hard to reach an agreement? How did the Constitution provide enough power for the government to act decisively while preventing it from becoming too powerful? How would you define recent trends in federalism in the United States? What changes in American Society have created new issues for government?
UNIT 1 SCHEDULE: Note: the assignments or readings posted are due for that day. Due on: 9/5-9/6: Introduction to course, AP Expectations/Review Ch. 1 Questions - Chapter 1 Summer Work Due 9/10: Practice AP Questions - Current Events readings and questions for discussion 9/11: Open Forum on Election Articles, Democratic Principles - Practice FRQ 9/13: What is Government? Democratic Theories - *The Power Elite reading and questions due - *John Locke, Woll pg. 4-9 9/14: Implementing Political Philosophies - Philosophers Interviews - Text pg. 29-34 9/18: Articles of Confederation to the Constitution - Text pg. 35-49 - Chapter 2 Summer Work Due 9/19: Madisonian Model, Interpreting the Constitution - Text pg. 50-59 - *Federalist No. 10 9/21: Constitution Scavenger Hunt Quiz 9/24: Separation of Powers/ War Powers Act/ Checks and Balances - Fed. 47, 48 and 51 - Checks and Balances Diagram 9/26: Chapter 2 Quiz/ Checks and Balances Challenge - Study! - Constitution Outline 9/27: Intro to Federalism - Text pg. 65-76 - Gibbons v. Ogden-Woll reading 10/1: Federalism-Controversies and Fiscal Policies - Text pg. 77-89 - Chapter 3 Outline and Multiple Choice 10/2: Conclude Federalism - *Woll pg. 94-96 Gonzales v. Raich and questions 10/4: Unit 1 Review 10/5: AP Multiple Choice and Free Response Exam - Unit 1 Notecards Due! - Study!!!! 10/9: Unit 2: Political Beliefs and Behaviors - Text Pg. 176-206, Multiple Choice packet due * questions for assignment on following page
READING ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS The Power Elite Questions for 9/16 1. According to C. Wright Mills, who holds power in society? 2. Are there any other groups that he is missing that may also have power in society? 3. Explain the Elite and Class Theory of Government. How does this relate to C. Wright Mills piece? 4. Do you believe the Founders had this in mind when formulating our Constitution and government? John Locke reading for 9/16 1. What are John Locke s major philosophies about government and the people? 2. Where is this reflected in the American government? Federalist 10 for 9/23 1. What is a faction? 2. How does Madison feel about factions? Explain why he feels this way. Woll pg. 94-96 Gonzales v. Raich for 10/4 1. Outline the Case a. issue being questioned b. major components of the issue; people, background, etc. c. majority opinion d. dissenting opinion -use www.oyez.org to look up case information 2. How does this case relate to Federalism?
All Readings and Assignments may be subject to change upon teacher s discretion. Students will be notified ahead of time. Vocabulary: Introducing Government in America: Power defined Government defined Public goods Politics defined Political participation methods Majoritarian politics Policy agenda Public policy Political system defined Political issue Linkage institutions Democracy (direct and indirect) Traditional democratic theory Majority rule Pluralism Representation Hyperpluralism Political ethics Elitism or class theory Republic Popular sovereignty Majority rule- minority rights Constitutional Foundations: Constitution defined US Constitution Declaration of Independence Natural rights Consent of the governed Limited government Articles of Confederation Shay s Rebellion Factions (Federalist 10) New Jersey Plan Virginia Plan Connecticut Compromise Three-fifths Compromise Writ of habeas corpus Checks and balance Separation of powers Federalists Anti-Federalists The Federalist Papers Bill of Rights Marbury v. Madison Judicial Review Federalism Federalism Unitary government Intergovernmental relations Supremacy clause Tenth Amendment McCulloch v. Maryland Enumerated powers Implied powers Elastic clause Gibbons v. Ogden Gonzales v. Raich Full faith and credit clause Extradition Privileges and immunities Dual federalism Cooperative federalism Fiscal federalism Categorical grants Project grants Formula grants Block grants Interstate Commerce Clause Amendment Process Mandates (funded and unfunded)