AP Government and Politics Summer Assignment Due: 1 st day of class! In order to prepare you for this course, you will complete three assignments for the 1 st day of class. This is not something that you can accomplish in 1 day, so be sure to spread this our over at least 4 study sessions!! A) Read and sign the AP CONTRACT B) Reading assignment with detailed notes C) Answer questions and write a reflection on the constitution. D) Quiz: on the 1 st day of class based on part A and B Note: The quiz will focus on the basic structure of the Constitution. The powers of each branch (Article I, II,II are the most important!) and how each branch can check the others. Part A) Read, sign and print AP Student Contract. Part B) Reading/annotation: Your job is to familiarize yourself with two big ideas: A) What are the philosophies behind the way the US government works? B) How is the US Constitution organized and structured? To do this you will read: 1) CH 1 and CH 2 in American Government by O Connor (our main textbook) 2) Barron s AP US Government and Politics Review book: Part One: Constitutional Underpinnings A) The Theory of Modern Government, B) Constitutional Foundation, C) The Constitution (ignore federalism for now) MAKE SURE IT IS THE MOST RECENT EDITION. THE TEST HAS CHANGED THIS YEAR AND OLD EDITIONS WILL NOT HELP YOU!! Part C- Questions/Reflection: Students in AP US Government and Politics are expected to have a firm understanding of the Constitution. In order to accomplish this, you will answer the questions on part C included at the end of this packet. These will be turned in on Google Classroom on the first day of class. You will complete this using a google doc. To edit the doc. Simply make a copy of this assignment and then you will be able to edit it. If you choose to copy or share your work with another student. Know that A) You will be tested on this. B) If you are caught you will receive a 0
AP Social Studies Student Contract PRINT, SIGN AND BRING TO SCHOOL ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS! AP US Government and Politics is a fantastic course where students are challenged to push themselves at a higher academic level. Students in this class will learn a tremendous amount and get to work on college level skills. However, it is important to understand that AP Gov is very challenging and may not be the direction you want to take as a senior. Please take a moment to read this contract carefully and consider what you want out of your next academic year. Before you sign this contract, please read and initial all of the statements below. I understand that this is a college course with college-level expectations, I understand that my work will be held to a college-level standard. I understand that the teacher is available and willing to help me by appointment before and after school. I will read the text as assigned, I will take notes on the chapters and in class. I will complete homework assignments thoroughly and honestly. I will not cut or intentionally be absent from this class to avoid taking tests or writing essays. I WILL NOT ASK MY PARENTS TO EXCUSE ME FROM A TEST BECAUSE I DID NOT PREPARE. If I miss class intentionally to avoid tests, I will receive a 0 on the assessment. I understand that the expectation for this class is a minimum of one hour of homework per night. I will do the nightly homework with a positive attitude and ask questions if I need help. I will make up or turn in missed tests/work on the next school day. If I am absent, it is my responsibility to make up assignments and find out what I missed. I will behave appropriately in class, treating the teacher and my fellow students with respect. I will come to class prepared and on time. I understand that failure to do this will result in disciplinary action. I understand the standards for academic and participation grades, especially those that pertain to cheating; I understand that cheating and plagiarism will result in a 0. I understand that this class fulfills a graduation requirement and that I may need to take summer courses should I fail. As a senior, I will maintain a positive attitude and hard work ethic throughout the entire course. Senioritis is not acceptable in any course, especially AP US Government and Politics.
I understand that failure to meet these expectations will result in a 0 in my participation grade and I cannot earn an A without meeting these requirements. I understand that these requirement are up to the teacher s discretion and are non-negotiable. I ( print full name) have read and fully understood the benefits challenges of taking an AP course with Mr. Wiebe and Mr. Emory Student Signature Parent Signature Date
Part C Summer Homework: Questions and Vocabulary Philosophies: This should be review by now! 1) Who were John Locke, Montesquieu and Rousseau? What do they have to do with the USA? 2) What is the Social Contract? How does it relate to our government? 3) What natural rights did John Locke advocate? Do these sound familiar? 4) What were the Articles of Confederation? What was the problem with these? 5) Was everyone for the proposed US Constitution? Why or why not? 6) How was the Constitution ratified? Constitution: Main idea: KNOW THE THREE BRANCHES, THEIR ENUMERATED POWERS AND HOW THEY CAN CHECK/BALANCE EACH OTHER!!!! These are guiding questions for you reading. Use these for the reflection at the end of this document. 1)Describe the basic function of each of the three branches: Legislative, Executive, Judicial. One sentence for each. ARTICLE I - Legislative Branch Article I, Section 1: What is the meaning of Section 1? What is Bicameral? Why did they create two branches? Article I, Section 2 US House Term of Office? Qualifications? 4. Define apportionment. 5. Define impeachment. Who has the power to impeach? How does impeachment work? Article I, Section 3 US Senate Term of Office? Qualifications? 2. How were US Senators originally selected? How did the 17th Amendment change this? Which system is more democratic? 3. What are the restrictions on the Vice President s Senatorial power? 4. Who is the President Pro Tempore? Why does this position exist? 5. What is the Senate s impeachment power? What are the vote requirements? Article I, Section 8-Congress Powers. YOU WILL BE TESTED ON THESE!! 1. What are the enumerated powers of congress? What does enumerated even mean? YOU MUST KNOW THESE FOR THE TEST!!!!!!! 2. Why does the legislative branch have so much power? (Hint Articles of Confederation) 3. How can congress check other branches? Executive and Judicial
ARTICLE II - Executive Branch Article II, Section 1 1. What is the term of office for president and vice president? What are the qualifications? 2. Explain the president s role as Commander in Chief. 3. What are the President s duties as they relate to diplomacy/foreign affairs? 4. Define pardon. 5. Can the president appoint judges/diplomats without Congress? What is Congress role? 6. What is the State of the Union address? When is it to be given? 7. List all of the enumerated powers of the president. YOU WILL BE TESTED ON THESE! Article II, Section 4 1. Under what conditions can the president and vice president be removed from office? 2. Define high crimes and misdemeanors. 3. Who were the only two presidents to be impeached? Were they removed from office? ARTICLE III - The Judicial Branch Article III, Section 1 1. What is the only court established by the Constitution? 2. What is the term of office for federal judges? What is the logic of this provision? Article IV- What is full faith and credit? Article VI-What is the Supremacy Clause? THE AMENDMENTS 1. What are the first 10 Amendments of the Constitution called? Why were these created? 2) What is the 10th amendment? How might this conflict with the Supremacy Clause? Reflection: 4 paragraphs. What are the benefits and drawbacks of the US Constitution? Is this an ideal structure of government? WHY? If not, what would you change? Your response should include a thesis statement and evidence to support that thesis!!!!!