Basic American Government Course of Study (Course #420) Findlay City Schools 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Findlay City Schools Board Policy 2. Findlay City Schools Mission Statement and Beliefs 3. Basic American Government Curriculum Maps 4. Basic American Government Indicators Course Summary: This course is designed to help the student understand American government at the local, state and national levels. Emphasis will be placed on helping the student become aware of the responsibilities, functions and problems related to the federal system. Basic American Government Course of Study Writing Team Mark Dickman Maureen Gannon Sandy White Nancy Wood-Allison
Mission Statement The mission of the Findlay City Schools, a community partnership committed to educational excellence, is to instill in each student the knowledge, skills and virtues necessary to be lifelong learners who recognize their unique talents and purpose and use them in pursuit of their dreams and for service to a global society. This is accomplished through a passion for knowledge, discovery and vision shared by students, families, staff and community. Beliefs Our beliefs form the ethical foundation of the Findlay City Schools. We believe. every person has worth every individual can learn family is the most important influence on the development of personal values. attitude is a choice and always affects performance motivation and effort are necessary to achieve full potential honesty and integrity are essential for building trust. people are responsible for the choices they make. performance is directly related to expectations. educated citizens are essential for the survival of the democratic process. personal fulfillment requires the nurturing of mind, body and spirit. every individual has a moral and ethical obligation to contribute to the well-being of society. education is a responsibility shared by students, family, staff and community. the entire community benefits by investing its time, resources and effort in educational excellence. a consistent practice of shared morals and ethics is essential for our community to thrive.
Basic American Government (Course #420) Week Topic Indicators 1 Topic Area: Foundations of Government Chapter 1 Principles of Government Pages 2-24 2 Chapter 2 -Origins of American Government Pages 26-60 3 Chapter 3 The Constitution Pages 62-84 4 Chapter 4 Federalism Pages 86-110 5 Topic Area: Political Behaviors, Political Parties, Interest Groups Chapter 6 Voter and Voter Behavior Pages 146-174 6 Chapter 5 Political Parties Pages 114-144 7 Chapter 9 Interest Groups History: 11-1, 11-2, 11-3, 12-5; Benchmark B: 11-3, 11-4, 11-7, 11-8, 11-9, 12-3 People in Society: 11-3; Government: 11-1, 11-2, 11-11, 11-12 8 Institutions: The Legislative Branch (Congress) Chapter 10- Congress Pages 260-286 9 Chapter 11- Powers of Congress Pages 288-316 10 Chapter 12 Congress in Action Pages 318-348 11 Institutions: Executive Branch Chapter 13- The Presidency Pages 353-386 12 Chapter 14-The Presidency in Action Pages 388-410 13 Chapter 15 The Bureaucracy Pages 412-442 14 Institutions: Judicial Chapter 18 The Federal Court System Pages 504-528 History: 11-1, 11-4; Government: 11-1, 11-3, 11-4, 11-8 History: 11-1, 11-2, 12-1, 12-2, 12-3; Geography: 12-l; Government: 11-3, 11-12, 12-4 History: 11-2, 12-5; Government: 11-9, 12-2; Citizenship: 11-5, 11-6, 12-9
15 & 16 Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Chapter 19- Civil Liberties : First Amendment Freedoms Pages 530-560 Chapter 20-Civil Liberties: Protecting Individual Rights Pages 562-590 17 Chapter 21 Civil Rights: Equal Justice Under Law Pages 592-620 18 Exam History: 11-2; People in Society: 11-2, 11-3; Government: 11-3, 11-4, 11-9, 11-10, 12-2; Citizenship: 11-4, 11-5, 12-1 Textbook: Magruder s American Government; McClenaghan (author); Prentice Hall (publisher); Copyright 2007; ISBN #0-13-181890-2
Topic/Unit I: Foundations of Government Time Line: Weeks 1-4 Key Concepts: 1. State 2. Government -legislative power -executive power -judicial power 3. Sovereignty 4. Social Contract 5. Forms of government autocracy oligarchy unitary government federal government confederation presidential government parliamentary government dictatorship democracy division of powers 6. Constitution 7. Compromises 8. Limited government 9. Representative government 10. Popular sovereignty 11. Declaration of Independence 12. Articles of Confederation 13. Virginia Plan 14. New Jersey Plan 15. Connecticut Compromise
Chapter/Pages: Principals of Government Chapter 1 pp. 2-24 Origins of American Government Chapter 2 pp.26-60 The Constitution- Chapter 3 pp. 62-84 Federalism : The Federal System Chapter 4 pp. 86-110 Supplemental Reading/Materials: Magruder s teacher materials We The People, Citizens and the Constitution Center for Civic Education Online resources Close up Foundation The Center for Congress at Indiana University www.centerforcongress.org/ Annenberg Foundation Trust: Teaching the Constitution Packet (DVD s and print) BENCHMARKS AND INDICATORS TOPIC/UNIT: FOUNDATIONS OF GOVERNMENT History Indicators: 11-1 Evaluate the limitations and the opportunities that result from decisions made in the past including a. Electoral College; b. direct election of senators; c. Income tax; d. Length of terms of elected and appointed officials. 11-2 Trace key Supreme Court decisions related to a provision of the Constitution (e.g., cases related to reapportionment of legislative districts, free speech or separation of church and state). People in Society Indicators: 11-3 Identify and analyze governmental policies that enable individuals of different cultures to participate in the U.S. society and economy including: a. Naturalization; b. Voting rights; c. Racial integration; d. Affirmative action. 12-5 Evaluate the role of institutions in guiding, transmitting, preserving and changing culture.
BENCHMARK B: Explain how the U.S. Constitution has evolved including its philosophical foundations, amendments and court interpretations. 11-3 Describe the changing relationships among the branches of the national government, and evaluate applications of the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances for serving the public good and protecting individual rights. 11-4 Describe the changing relationship among the levels of government in the U.S. federal system, and evaluate applications of the principle of federalism for serving the public good and protecting individual rights. 11-7 Explain the philosophical foundations of the American political system as outlined in the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Federalist Papers with emphasis on the basic principles of natural rights. 11-8 Compare and analyze the powers granted to the national and state governments in the federal system with emphasis on: a. Concurrent powers; b. Reserved powers; c. Implied powers; d. Expressed powers. 11-9 Explain how interpretations of the basic principles found in the U.S. Constitution have changed over time. 12-3 Explain the key arguments made for and against the ratification of the Constitution and illustrate how those arguments influence contemporary political debate. Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities Indicators: GOVERNMENT: BENCHMARK B: Explain how the U.S. Constitution has evolved including its philosophical foundations, amendments and court interpretations. CITIZENSHIP RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: BENCHMARK A: Evaluate various means for citizens to take action on a particular issue. BENCHMARK B: Explain how the exercise of a citizen s rights and responsibilities helps to strengthen a democracy.
Topic/Unit: II. Political Behaviors, Political Parties, Interest Groups Time Line: Weeks 5-7 Key Concepts: Chapter: Political Parties Political Parties Coalitions Third / Minor Parties Membership Organization/Functions Nominating thru election process Primaries Election Campaigns Campaign Funding/Finance laws Voting Rights / History/Amendments Voting qualifications Voting procedures Ballot types Influences on Voting Interest Groups/Public Opinion Interest Groups Purpose Types Influencing Public Policy Lobbyists Political Action Committees Measuring Public Opinion -Polls Mass Media Impact on Government President Campaigns Congress Chapter/Pages: Political Parties Chapter 5 pp. 114-144 Chapter 6 pp. 146-174 Election Campaigns Chapter 7 pp. 176 204 Interest Groups /Public Opinion Chapter 9 pp.234-256 Mass Media Chapter 8 pp. 206-232 Supplemental Reading/Materials: Magruder s teaching materials Register 17-18 year olds with Hancock County Board of Elections Online sources : Political Parties WEB pages Hancock County Board of Elections
BENCHMARKS AND INDICATORS TOPIC/UNIT: POLITICAL BEHAVIORS, POLITICAL PARTIES, INTEREST GROUPS AND MASS MEDIA People in Society Indicators: 11-3 Identify and analyze governmental policies that enable individuals of different cultures to participate in the U.S. society and economy including: a. Naturalization; b. Voting rights; c. Racial integration; d. Affirmative action. Government Indicators: 11-1 Analyze the actions of the U.S. government and evaluate the extent to which those actions reflect characteristics of American democracy and help to serve the public good. 11-2 Explain, using examples, how political parties, interest groups, the media and individuals influence the policy agenda and decision-making of government institutions. 11-11 Explain the role of elections and political parties (including third parties) in facilitating the democratic process. 11-12 Describe the ways in which public officials are held accountable for the public good including ways they can acquire and lose their offices with emphasis on: a. Appointments; b. Primary and general elections; c. The Electoral College; d. Recall; e. Impeachment. GOVERNMENT: BENCHMARK C: Analyze how citizens participate in the election process in the United States. 12.4 Identify and analyze issues related to the election process in the United States (e.g., election board polities, technology used in elections, media reporting of election results). Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities Indicators: 11-1 Analyze historical and contemporary examples of citizen movements to bring about political change (e.g., Mothers Against Drunk Driving {MADD}, NOW, Common Cause, AACP and Eagle Forum). 11-3 Explain how an individual participates in primary and general elections including: a. Registering to vote; b. Identifying the major duties, responsibilities and qualifications required for a particular position; c. Becoming informed about candidates and issues; d. Declaring or changing party affiliation; e. Obtaining, marking and depositing a ballot. 11-6 Explain how citizenship includes the exercise of personal responsibility and active participation in a democracy including:
e. Becoming informed on public issues; f. Voting; g. Taking action on public issues. Social Studies Skills and Methods Indicators: 11-6 Critique the conclusions drawn from survey and research data by questioning: a. Sample size; b. Demographics; c. The sponsoring organization; d. Logic of the conclusions reached. CITIZENSHIP RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: BENCHMARK A: Evaluate various means for citizens to take action on a particular issue. SOCIAL STUDIES SKILLS AND METHODS: BENCHMARK A: Obtain and evaluate information from public records and other resources related to a public policy issue. BENCHMARK B: Critique data and information to determine the adequacy of support for conclusions..
Topic/Unit III : Institutions: The Legislative Branch (Congress) Time Line: Weeks 8-10 Key Concepts: Congress Bicameral Terms Sessions Special sessions Apportionment Reapportionment Districts Gerrymandering Qualifications House :Age 25 /Citizen -7 years /Inhabitant state /Term- 2 Years Qualifications -Senate -Age 30 /Citizen -9 years /Inhabitant-state /Term -6 years Committees Chairman Constituency The power to tax Borrowing power Commerce power Currency power Foreign relations powers War Powers Judicial powers Necessary and Proper clause Electoral powers Impeachment Executive powers Investigatory powers Speaker of the House President of the Senate President pro tempore Party caucus Floor leader Party Whips Standing committees Select committee Joint committee Conference committee Bills How a bill becomes a law Resolution Rider Subcommittees Calendars Rules
Committee of the Whole Filibuster Cloture Veto override. Chapter/Pages: Congress Chapter 10 pp 260-286 Powers of Congress Chapter 11 pp.288-316 Congress in Action Chapter 12 pp.318-348 Supplemental Reading/Materials: Magruder s resource materials Current events: print and internet We The People: The Citizen and the Constitution The Center for Congress at Indiana University: www.centeroncongress.org/learn_about www.senate.gov www.house.gov BENCHMARKS AND INDICATORS TOPIC/UNIT: INSTITUTIONS: CONGRESS History Indicators: 11-1 Evaluate the limitations and the opportunities that result from decisions made in the past including: b. Direct election of senators; d. Length of terms of elected and appointed officials. Geography Indicators: 11-4 Identify and analyze the changing political geography at the local, state, national and international levels including: c. Congressional reapportionment. Government Indicators: 11-1 Analyze the actions of the U.S. government and evaluate the extent to which those actions reflect characteristics of American democracy and help to serve the public good. 11-3 Describe the changing relationships among the branches of the national government, and evaluate applications of the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances for serving the public good and protecting individual rights. 11-4 Describe the changing relationship among the levels of government in the U.S. federal system, and evaluate applications of the principle of federalism for serving the public good and protecting individual rights. 11-8 Compare and analyze the powers granted to the national and state governments
HISTORY: BENCHMARK B: Use historical interpretations to explain current issues. GEOGRAPHY: BENCHMARK: GOVERNMENT: BENCHMARK B: Explain how the U.S. Constitution has evolved including its philosophical foundations, amendments and court interpretations. BENCHMARK C: Analyze how citizens participate in the election process in the United States.
Topic/Unit III : Institutions / Executive Branch Time Line: Weeks 11-13 Key Concepts: The Presidency Duties Term, salary Qualifications Succession Vice President Electing the President Electoral College System Electoral College Issues The Cabinet Selection / Role Executive Office Agencies West Wing staff Presidential Leadership Powers Constitutional Informal Limits Executive privilege Roles State Legislator Economic Party Chief Diplomat Commander in Chief Style Federal Bureaucracy Organization Cabinet Independent Agencies Regulatory Comm Civil Service System Political Appointees Chapter :Bureaucracy at Work Making policy (Unit 4) Influences on policy (Unit 4)
Chapter/Pages: The Presidency Chapter 13 pp. 352-386 Chapter 14 pp 388-410 Chapter 15 pp. 412-442 Supplemental Reading/Materials: Magruder s teaching materials College Bowl West Wing (video series) Current news: Television and internet Print news (local, national) Periodicals Newsweek Time US News & World Report BENCHMARKS AND INDICATORS TOPIC/UNIT: INSTITUTIONS: THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH History Indicators: 11-1 Evaluate the limitations and the opportunities that result from decisions made in the past including a. Electoral College; b. direct election of senators; c. Income tax; d. Length of terms of elected and appointed officials. 11-2 Trace key Supreme Court decisions related to a provision of the Constitution (e.g., cases related to reapportionment of legislative districts, free speech or separation of church and state). 12-1 Challenge arguments of historical inevitability by giving examples of how different choices could have led to different consequences (e.g., choices made during the Civil War, choices relating to immigration policy, or choices made during the Cuban Missile Crises). 12-2 Analyze primary source material to see if a historical interpretation is supported. 12-3 Analyze cause-and-effect relationships and multiple causation including the influence of ideas, the role of chance and individual and collective action. People in Society Indicators: Geography Indicators: 12-1 Explain how people create places that reflect culture and government policy. HISTORY: BENCHMARK B: Use historical interpretations to explain current issues.
PEOPLE IN SOCIETIES: BENCHMARK A: Analyze how issues may be viewed differently by various cultural groups Government Indicators: 11-3 Describe the changing relationships among the branches of the national government, and evaluate applications of the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances for serving the public good and protecting individual rights. 11-12 Describe the ways in which public officials are held accountable for the public good including ways they can acquire and lose their offices with emphasis on: a. Appointments; b. Primary and general elections; c. The Electoral College; d. Recall; e. Impeachment. 12-4 Identify and analyze issues related to the election process in the United States (e.g., election board policies, technology used in elections, media reporting of election results). Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities Indicators: GOVERNMENT: BENCHMARK B: Explain how the U.S. Constitution has evolved including its philosophical foundations, amendments and court interpretations. BENCHMARK C: Analyze how citizens participate in the election process in the United States. CITIZENSHIP RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: BENCHMARK A: Evaluate various means for citizens to take action on a particular issue. BENCHMARK B: Explain how the exercise of a citizen s rights and responsibilities helps to strengthen a democracy.
Topic/Unit III: Institutions Judicial Time Line: Week 14-16 Key Concepts: Supreme Court Inferior Courts Constitutional courts The Special Courts Jurisdiction Exclusive jurisdiction Concurrent jurisdiction Original jurisdiction Appellate jurisdiction District Courts Federal Judicial Districts Criminal cases Civil cases Court of Appeals Judicial Review Writ of certiorari Majority opinion Precedent Concurring opinion Dissenting opinion Marbury v. Madison Court of Federal Claims Military tribunals Chapter/Pages: The Federal Court System Chapter 18 pp. 504-528 Supplemental Reading/Materials: Magruder s resource materials www.supremecourt.gov www.usa.gov We The People The Citizen and the Constitution Center for Civic Education Annenberg Foundation Trust Teaching the Constitution Packet: DVD s and print materials
BENCHMARKS AND INDICATORS TOPIC/UNIT: INSTITUTIONS: JUDICIAL History Indicators: 11-2 Trace key Supreme Court decisions related to a provision of the Constitution (e.g., cases related to reapportionment of legislative districts, free speech or separation of church and state). People in Society Indicators: 12-5 Evaluate the role of institutions in guiding, transmitting, preserving and changing culture. Government Indicators: 11-9 Explain how interpretations of the basic principles found in the U.S. Constitution have changed over time. 12-2 Explain how individuals and groups, both governmental and non-governmental, influence domestic and foreign policy and evaluate how these actions reflect characteristics of American democracy. HISTORY: BENCHMARK B: Use historical interpretations to explain current issues. PEOPLE IN SOCIETIES: BENCHMARK: GOVERNMENT: BENCHMARK B: Explain how the U.S. Constitution has evolved including its philosophical foundations, amendments and court interpretations. Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities Indicators: 11.5 Explain the meaning and importance of each of the rights guaranteed under the Bill of Rights and how they are secured through: b. The role of the judiciary in upholding rights; c. The role of citizens exercising their rights. 11-6 Explain how citizenship includes the exercise of personal responsibility and active participation in a democracy including: i. Serving on juries 12-9 Compare elements, proceedings and decisions related to the right to a fair trial in criminal and civil courts and describe alternatives to litigation for maintaining order and resolving conflicts within the U.S. legal system including: CITIZENSHIP RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: BENCHMARK A: Evaluate various means for citizens to take action on a particular issue. BENCHMARK B: Explain how the exercise of a citizen s rights and responsibilities helps to strengthen a democracy.
Topic/Unit IV: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Time Line: Weeks 16-18 Key Concepts: Bill of Rights Civil Liberties Civil Rights Limited Government 14th Amendment Due Process clause Incorporation 9th Amendment Freedom of Expression Establishment Clause Free Exercise clause Separation of church and state The Lemon Test Libel and slander Prior restraint Symbolic speech Freedom of Assembly Time place manner restrictions Right of association Due process Substantive due process Procedural due process Police power Search warrant The Right of privacy Probable cause Exclusionary rule Habeas corpus Bills of attainder Ex post facto laws Double jeopardy Right to trial Trial by jury Self incrimination Miranda rule Bail Cruel and unusual punishment Capital punishment Treason Discrimination Equal protection clause Strict scrutiny Separate but equal doctrine
De jure segregation De facto segregation Affirmative Action Reverse discrimination Citizenship Naturalization Chapter/Pages: Civil Liberties: First Amendment Freedoms Chapter 19- pp. 530-560 Civil Liberties: Protecting Individual Rights Chapter 20 pp. 562-590 Civil Rights: Equal Justice Under Law Chapter 21-pp. 592-620 Supplemental Reading/Materials: Magruder s resource materials College bowl /current events www.supremecourt.gov PBS video series The Supreme Court We The People The citizen and the Constitution CCE Ohio Center for Law Related Education Street Law Program The Supreme Court of the US John J. Patrick Teaching the Constitution Annenberg Foundation Trust BENCHMARKS AND INDICATORS TOPIC/UNIT: CIVIL RIGHTS AND CIVIL LIBERTIES History Indicators: 11-2 Trace key Supreme Court decisions related to a provision of the Constitution (e.g., cases related to reapportionment of legislative districts, free speech or separation of church and state). People in Society Indicators: 11-2 Identify causes of prejudice and demonstrate ways in which legal protections (including constitutional amendments and civil rights legislation) prevent and reduce discrimination. 11-3 Identify and analyze governmental policies that enable individuals of different cultures to participate in the U.S. society and economy including: a. Naturalization; b. Voting rights; c. Racial integration;
d. Affirmative action. Government Indicators: 11-3 Describe the changing relationships among the branches of the national government, and evaluate applications of the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances for serving the public good and protecting individual rights. 11-4 Describe the changing relationship among the levels of government in the U.S. federal system, and evaluate applications of the principle of federalism for serving the public good and protecting individual rights. GOVERNMENT: BENCHMARK B: Explain how the U.S. Constitution has evolved including its philosophical foundations, amendments and court interpretations. GOVERNMENT: BENCHMARK B: Explain how the U.S. Constitution has evolved including its philosophical foundations, amendments and court interpretations. GOVERNMENT: BENCHMARK B: Explain how the U.S. Constitution has evolved including its philosophical foundations, amendments and court interpretations. 11-9 Explain how interpretations of the basic principles found in the U.S. Constitution have changed over time. 11-10 Explain the importance of the privilege of habeas corpus and the constitutional prohibitions against bills of attainder and ex post facto laws. 12-2 Explain how individuals and groups, both governmental and non-governmental, influence domestic and foreign policy and evaluate how these actions reflect characteristics of American democracy. Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities Indicators: 11-4 Compare the rights of citizens and resident aliens. 11-5 Explain the meaning and importance of each of the rights guaranteed under the Bill of Rights and how they are secured through: a. Legislation; b. The role of the judiciary in upholding rights; c. The role of citizens exercising their rights. 12-1 Practice forms of civic discussion and participation consistent with the ideals of citizens of a democratic republic: a. Persuasive speech; b. Panel discussion c. Debate. CITIZENSHIP RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: BENCHMARK B: Explain how the exercise of a citizen s rights and responsibilities helps to strengthen a democracy.