FRIDAY, DEC. 5, 2008 THE JUDICIARY: AN EQUAL BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT?
DUE: 1) read pp. 420-433 in text. 2) Go to links on right, download the document ""Supreme Court Cases", and do the research on the case assigned to you. (It's at the bottom of that document.)
TUESDAY, DEC. 9 CIVIL RIGHTS AND CIVIL LIBERTIES
DUE: If your last name begins with A through L, read. pp. 464 to top of 482. If your last name begins with M through W, then read pp.488-505. Be ready to teach others about what you read.
THURSDAY. DEC. 11 REVIEW...PICKING UP THE PIECES!!
DUE: study for final exam, on Monday, Dec. 15, 9:00. Location: Theater
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Unit III Policy Making Institutions
WEDNESDAY OCT. 22 MEDIA: THE FOURTH BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT?
•In class: finish discussion of Political Parties, consider the Electoral College, and start discussion of the media's role in our political process
DUE: read pp. 280-297
Questions to guide your reading:
What is the mass media?
How have the media and its role in American society changed over the course of the last century?
How much power does the media have in contemporary American politics?
How has media ownership changed in the last several decades?
What are the most important consequences of recent changes in media ownership?
What is the relationship between the media and public political debate?
What role does the media play in shaping campaigns and elections?
How does the government regulate the media?
What limits are there on freedom of the press?
What is the relationship between the media and politicians?
How does the government regulate the media?
THURSDAY OCT. 23 B PERIOD: YES, WE MEET AT THE CONFERENCE ON DEMOCRACY SESSION "STEALING THE ELECTION"
I've notified your teachers that this is an in-school "field trip". Let me know if this is a problem.
FRIDAY OCT 24 CONFERENCE ON DEMOCRACY: PROPOSITION 8 PANEL DISCUSSION
DUE: read pp. 297-304, 308-314.
Questions to guide your reading:
Ch. 10
How does the government regulate the media?
What limits are there on freedom of the press?
What is the relationship between the media and politicians?
Ch. 11
How are Congressional elections different from other elections? House different from Senate?
How are congressional districts drawn?
Who controls the apportionment and redistricting process?
Who gets elected to Congress and why?
What was the full impact of the 2006 Congressional Elections?
TUESDAY OCT. 28 CONGRESS:THE PEOPLE'S BRANCH
DUE: read pp. 314-329
Questions to guide your reading:
What are the most important powers of Congress?
How is the legislative branch of the federal government organized?
Look at Table 11-2: Differences between the House and Senate. Be ready to identify the differences that are contained in the Constitution.
Why do you think the text includes a page on the Palestinian Government? (Read this!)
What are the major differences in rules between the House and the Senate? Why are there different rules?
What is the major difference in leadership between the two houses?
How do committees work? How do you get on a committee? How much power does each committee have?
What are the jobs of the federal legislator?
WEDNESDAY OCT 29: 4:00 San Rafael High presents a mock trial on ICE raids in Founders Lecture Hall
THURSDAY OCT 30 HOW THE LEGISLATURE WORKS (OR DOESN'T!)
DUE: pp. 330-341 plus material to be given out in class
Questions to guide your reading:
Who do legislators represent?
How do legislators make choices of one bill over another?
How do bills become laws? Figure 11-2 sums it up.
How are Congressional ethics and norms defined?
What are the possible consequences of violating Congressional rules?
Why is it often so difficult for Congress to act quickly and decisively?
What reforms are necessary to the legislative process?
MONDAY NOV. 3 COMPARING THE SENATE TO THE HOUSE
REMEMBER: WE'LL MEET AT 12:20 IN BBLC LECTURE HALL TODAY TO HEAR KARIN AND RYAN PRESENT THEIR PROPOSITIONS. I'LL LET CLASS OUT A LITTLE EARLY IN THE MORNING AS "COMP" TIME
DUE: Read the document "Obama in Senate" that contains two articles, one on Obama's experience in the Senate, and one on the younger SenatorMcCain's first few years in the Senate (the article is dated 1988!) We'll compare their "marks".
WED. 11/5 POST-ELECTION WRAP UP!
DUE: work on your reflection due on Friday, watch the election results for at least an hour...
FRI. 11/7 GO TO COMPUTER LAB FOR CLASS: WORKING ON SMALL RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT TODAY
DUE: Reflections due. Please send me an email copy before class, and turn in printed copy during class.
TUES. 11/11 CONGRESS AT WORK...
DUE: finish Congressional research assignment, be ready to"present" yourself to the Senate today!
THURS. 11/13 IS CONGRESS TOO POWERFUL? POWERFUL ENOUGH?
DUE: 1) In a good paragraph, answer the following questions: What chance does a bill containing your senator's favorite issue have for passage in the upcoming Congress (111th, starting in January)? Explain why or why it may not pass in the Senate. 2) Read pp.344-357 in text.
Questions to guide your reading:
What are the formal and informal powers of the president? There is quite a list!
How can a President be removed from office? What changes did the 25th Amendment make to presidential succession?
What is the War Powers Resolution of 1973? Why was it passed? What have been the effects?
What are the most important controversies over the use and abuse of presidential power in the last 35 years?
MON. 11/17 PRESIDENCY:WHAT MAKES A GOOD PRESIDENT?
DUE: read pp. 357-375 in text
Questions to guide your reading:
How has the office of the president changed over the course of American history?
What are the most important recent trends affecting the power and role of the executive branch in American government?
How is the executive branch organized?
What is the role of the Vice-President? Any changes occurred recently?!
What roles does the president play in contemporary American government?
What part does the president play in the legislative process?
What role does Congress play in oversight of the executive branch?
What makes a great president?
WED. 11/19 PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA: WHAT DOES HE NEED TO DO?
DUE: Read the four articles posted in the right hand column, No Time to Bask, Obama Chooses Staff, Lose the Blackberry? and Bill Clinton's Deals...
FRI. 11/21 IS THE PRESIDENT TOO POWERFUL? NOT POWERFUL ENOUGH?
DUE: read the handout "The Bureaucracy" to be given out in class. Use the "key terms" on the first page, and the multiple choice questions on the last two pages to check your comprehension.
TUES. 11/25 THE BUREAUCRACY AND PRESIDENTIAL OVERSIGHT
DUE: read pp. 160-179 in "Pentagon Games: The Politics of Pork and Turf",the document given out in class.
MON. 12/1 THE IRON TRIANGLE
DUE: 1) finish document pp. 179-187 on the "iron triangle" and 2) read pp. 408-420 in text on the Judiciary
WED. 12/3 TEST: MEDIA, CONGRESS, & PRESIDENCY
•In class: finish discussion of Political Parties, consider the Electoral College, and start discussion of the media's role in our political process
DUE: read pp. 280-297
Questions to guide your reading:
What is the mass media?
How have the media and its role in American society changed over the course of the last century?
How much power does the media have in contemporary American politics?
How has media ownership changed in the last several decades?
What are the most important consequences of recent changes in media ownership?
What is the relationship between the media and public political debate?
What role does the media play in shaping campaigns and elections?
How does the government regulate the media?
What limits are there on freedom of the press?
What is the relationship between the media and politicians?
How does the government regulate the media?
THURSDAY OCT. 23 B PERIOD: YES, WE MEET AT THE CONFERENCE ON DEMOCRACY SESSION "STEALING THE ELECTION"
I've notified your teachers that this is an in-school "field trip". Let me know if this is a problem.
FRIDAY OCT 24 CONFERENCE ON DEMOCRACY: PROPOSITION 8 PANEL DISCUSSION
DUE: read pp. 297-304, 308-314.
Questions to guide your reading:
Ch. 10
How does the government regulate the media?
What limits are there on freedom of the press?
What is the relationship between the media and politicians?
Ch. 11
How are Congressional elections different from other elections? House different from Senate?
How are congressional districts drawn?
Who controls the apportionment and redistricting process?
Who gets elected to Congress and why?
What was the full impact of the 2006 Congressional Elections?
TUESDAY OCT. 28 CONGRESS:THE PEOPLE'S BRANCH
DUE: read pp. 314-329
Questions to guide your reading:
What are the most important powers of Congress?
How is the legislative branch of the federal government organized?
Look at Table 11-2: Differences between the House and Senate. Be ready to identify the differences that are contained in the Constitution.
Why do you think the text includes a page on the Palestinian Government? (Read this!)
What are the major differences in rules between the House and the Senate? Why are there different rules?
What is the major difference in leadership between the two houses?
How do committees work? How do you get on a committee? How much power does each committee have?
What are the jobs of the federal legislator?
WEDNESDAY OCT 29: 4:00 San Rafael High presents a mock trial on ICE raids in Founders Lecture Hall
THURSDAY OCT 30 HOW THE LEGISLATURE WORKS (OR DOESN'T!)
DUE: pp. 330-341 plus material to be given out in class
Questions to guide your reading:
Who do legislators represent?
How do legislators make choices of one bill over another?
How do bills become laws? Figure 11-2 sums it up.
How are Congressional ethics and norms defined?
What are the possible consequences of violating Congressional rules?
Why is it often so difficult for Congress to act quickly and decisively?
What reforms are necessary to the legislative process?
MONDAY NOV. 3 COMPARING THE SENATE TO THE HOUSE
REMEMBER: WE'LL MEET AT 12:20 IN BBLC LECTURE HALL TODAY TO HEAR KARIN AND RYAN PRESENT THEIR PROPOSITIONS. I'LL LET CLASS OUT A LITTLE EARLY IN THE MORNING AS "COMP" TIME
DUE: Read the document "Obama in Senate" that contains two articles, one on Obama's experience in the Senate, and one on the younger SenatorMcCain's first few years in the Senate (the article is dated 1988!) We'll compare their "marks".
WED. 11/5 POST-ELECTION WRAP UP!
DUE: work on your reflection due on Friday, watch the election results for at least an hour...
FRI. 11/7 GO TO COMPUTER LAB FOR CLASS: WORKING ON SMALL RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT TODAY
DUE: Reflections due. Please send me an email copy before class, and turn in printed copy during class.
TUES. 11/11 CONGRESS AT WORK...
DUE: finish Congressional research assignment, be ready to"present" yourself to the Senate today!
THURS. 11/13 IS CONGRESS TOO POWERFUL? POWERFUL ENOUGH?
DUE: 1) In a good paragraph, answer the following questions: What chance does a bill containing your senator's favorite issue have for passage in the upcoming Congress (111th, starting in January)? Explain why or why it may not pass in the Senate. 2) Read pp.344-357 in text.
Questions to guide your reading:
What are the formal and informal powers of the president? There is quite a list!
How can a President be removed from office? What changes did the 25th Amendment make to presidential succession?
What is the War Powers Resolution of 1973? Why was it passed? What have been the effects?
What are the most important controversies over the use and abuse of presidential power in the last 35 years?
MON. 11/17 PRESIDENCY:WHAT MAKES A GOOD PRESIDENT?
DUE: read pp. 357-375 in text
Questions to guide your reading:
How has the office of the president changed over the course of American history?
What are the most important recent trends affecting the power and role of the executive branch in American government?
How is the executive branch organized?
What is the role of the Vice-President? Any changes occurred recently?!
What roles does the president play in contemporary American government?
What part does the president play in the legislative process?
What role does Congress play in oversight of the executive branch?
What makes a great president?
WED. 11/19 PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA: WHAT DOES HE NEED TO DO?
DUE: Read the four articles posted in the right hand column, No Time to Bask, Obama Chooses Staff, Lose the Blackberry? and Bill Clinton's Deals...
FRI. 11/21 IS THE PRESIDENT TOO POWERFUL? NOT POWERFUL ENOUGH?
DUE: read the handout "The Bureaucracy" to be given out in class. Use the "key terms" on the first page, and the multiple choice questions on the last two pages to check your comprehension.
TUES. 11/25 THE BUREAUCRACY AND PRESIDENTIAL OVERSIGHT
DUE: read pp. 160-179 in "Pentagon Games: The Politics of Pork and Turf",the document given out in class.
MON. 12/1 THE IRON TRIANGLE
DUE: 1) finish document pp. 179-187 on the "iron triangle" and 2) read pp. 408-420 in text on the Judiciary
WED. 12/3 TEST: MEDIA, CONGRESS, & PRESIDENCY
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
UNIT II: Political Beliefs, Participation, Parties and Elections
MONDAY 9/22 POLITICAL CULTURE, IDEOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR
Jesse and Elijah pol. cartoons
DUE: Read Ch. 4, pp. 88-106 on Political Culture and Ideology. (You CAN skip the boxed discussions and graphs. Unless I specifically tell you to skip these things, I do expect that you will read them!)
Questions to guide your reading:
What is political culture?
What are the most important characteristics of American political culture?
What are the most important American political ideologies?
How do liberals and conservatives tend to view government and its role in American society? Look at the economy, civil rights and civil liberties, foreign and domestic matters, and lifestyle. What are the liberal and conservative positions on each of these dimensions.
WEDNESDAY 9/24 PUBLIC OPINION AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
Austin pol. cartoons
DUE: Read. Ch. 8, pp. 210 to 228
Questions to guide your reading:
What is public opinion?
What role does public opinion play in American politics? Does it matter what people think?
How do we acquire our political values and beliefs?
What is the relationship between social and economic background and political values and beliefs?
What role has direct citizen participation played in American politics and government?
What determines who votes and who does not?
FRIDAY 9/26 VOTER TURNOUT: WHY IS IT SO LOW?
Amanda pol. cartoons
DUE: Read pp. 228-240
Questions to guide your reading:
Why is turnout so low?
What are possible reforms to the system? Should there be reforms?
WEDNESDAY 10/1 PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
DUE: Read in Ch. 7, pp.176-185, 189 (from divided govt)--195
Questions to guide your reading:
What role do political parties play in the election process?
Why is it so difficult for a viable third party to emerge in the American political system?
How have the nature and function of American political parties changed in recent years?
How are the two largest American political parties organized: national, state and local?
What role do the two major political parties play in American government and politics?
**REMEMBER that "no homework weekend" applies to DEFG classes next Friday, 10/10
FRIDAY 10/3 ROLE OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS
CARTOONS: Brendan and Ryan
DUE: finish Ch. 7 pp. 195-207
Questions to guide your reading:
How can we explain the rise of independent voters in recent years (think "realignment dealignment")
How are political parties financed? What are the most important sources of money for each of the two major political parties?
What criticisms are made of the two party system?
What reforms has each party made in recent years?
LOOKING AHEAD: ON MONDAY, OCT. 6, THE MA VOICE STAFF WILL BE HOLDING A MOCK ELECTION. GO CAST YOUR VOTE FOR PRESIDENT ANY TIME BETWEEN 11:40-3:00 IN THE COMPUTER LAB IN FOUNDERS.
TUESDAY, OCT. 7 ROLE OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN ELECTIONS
Karin Political Cartoon
DUE: Read in Ch. 9, Campaigns and Elections, pp.242-257 Here are questions to guide your reading:
What role do elections play in American democracy?
What trends in voter turnout and enthusiasm have been detected in recent years?
What rules govern congressional and presidential elections?
Why are so few congressional elections competitive?
Be able to explain how the Electoral College works. What are some problems with this system?
How does campaigning during the primaries differ from campaigning during the general election?
FRIDAY OCT 9 ELECTIONS: HOW DEMOCRATIC?
DUE: No homework weekend!! (Finally...)
WEDNESDAY OCT. 15 WAYS TO REFORM OUR SYSTEM
Eliza and Francesca political cartoons
DUE: read. pp. 260-277
Why is fundraising such an important part of running for office in contemporary America?
What are the most important consequences of the high cost of state and national political campaigns?
What suggestions have been made to improve American elections?
FRIDAY OCT. 17 TEST: POLITICAL BELIEFS, PARTICIPATION PARTIES AND ELECTIONS
Jesse and Elijah pol. cartoons
DUE: Read Ch. 4, pp. 88-106 on Political Culture and Ideology. (You CAN skip the boxed discussions and graphs. Unless I specifically tell you to skip these things, I do expect that you will read them!)
Questions to guide your reading:
What is political culture?
What are the most important characteristics of American political culture?
What are the most important American political ideologies?
How do liberals and conservatives tend to view government and its role in American society? Look at the economy, civil rights and civil liberties, foreign and domestic matters, and lifestyle. What are the liberal and conservative positions on each of these dimensions.
WEDNESDAY 9/24 PUBLIC OPINION AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
Austin pol. cartoons
DUE: Read. Ch. 8, pp. 210 to 228
Questions to guide your reading:
What is public opinion?
What role does public opinion play in American politics? Does it matter what people think?
How do we acquire our political values and beliefs?
What is the relationship between social and economic background and political values and beliefs?
What role has direct citizen participation played in American politics and government?
What determines who votes and who does not?
FRIDAY 9/26 VOTER TURNOUT: WHY IS IT SO LOW?
Amanda pol. cartoons
DUE: Read pp. 228-240
Questions to guide your reading:
Why is turnout so low?
What are possible reforms to the system? Should there be reforms?
WEDNESDAY 10/1 PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
DUE: Read in Ch. 7, pp.176-185, 189 (from divided govt)--195
Questions to guide your reading:
What role do political parties play in the election process?
Why is it so difficult for a viable third party to emerge in the American political system?
How have the nature and function of American political parties changed in recent years?
How are the two largest American political parties organized: national, state and local?
What role do the two major political parties play in American government and politics?
**REMEMBER that "no homework weekend" applies to DEFG classes next Friday, 10/10
FRIDAY 10/3 ROLE OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS
CARTOONS: Brendan and Ryan
DUE: finish Ch. 7 pp. 195-207
Questions to guide your reading:
How can we explain the rise of independent voters in recent years (think "realignment dealignment")
How are political parties financed? What are the most important sources of money for each of the two major political parties?
What criticisms are made of the two party system?
What reforms has each party made in recent years?
LOOKING AHEAD: ON MONDAY, OCT. 6, THE MA VOICE STAFF WILL BE HOLDING A MOCK ELECTION. GO CAST YOUR VOTE FOR PRESIDENT ANY TIME BETWEEN 11:40-3:00 IN THE COMPUTER LAB IN FOUNDERS.
TUESDAY, OCT. 7 ROLE OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN ELECTIONS
Karin Political Cartoon
DUE: Read in Ch. 9, Campaigns and Elections, pp.242-257 Here are questions to guide your reading:
What role do elections play in American democracy?
What trends in voter turnout and enthusiasm have been detected in recent years?
What rules govern congressional and presidential elections?
Why are so few congressional elections competitive?
Be able to explain how the Electoral College works. What are some problems with this system?
How does campaigning during the primaries differ from campaigning during the general election?
FRIDAY OCT 9 ELECTIONS: HOW DEMOCRATIC?
DUE: No homework weekend!! (Finally...)
WEDNESDAY OCT. 15 WAYS TO REFORM OUR SYSTEM
Eliza and Francesca political cartoons
DUE: read. pp. 260-277
Why is fundraising such an important part of running for office in contemporary America?
What are the most important consequences of the high cost of state and national political campaigns?
What suggestions have been made to improve American elections?
FRIDAY OCT. 17 TEST: POLITICAL BELIEFS, PARTICIPATION PARTIES AND ELECTIONS
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Unit I: Constitutional Underpinnings
Tues. 8/26/08 INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF POLITICS: POWER, AUTHORITY AND DEMOCRACY
DUE:read pp. 2-12 Magleby, Government by the People (GBP) Also, try to glance at the opening sessions of the Dem. Natl Convention on Monday night
Political Cartoon assignment:
1. Find one political cartoon about a current domestic issue and one
about a current US foreign policy issue. Be sure to include the name
of the artist and periodical, and the date of publication.
2. Find cartoons that are in different publications than those already
presented.
3. Be ready to discuss the meaning of the cartoon, including the text
and any symbols. Also, why is it "funny"?
4. You should be able to add it to the blog by creating a jpeg file, or
send me the jpeg file and I'll load it. (Or, bring it to class on a flash
disk.)
Thurs. 8/28/08 The Making of the Constitution: How “democratic” is the original Constitution? (THIS IS REVIEW FROM US HISTORY!)
Will B. pol. cartoon
DUE: pp. 12-24 GBP
Tues. 9/2/08 Do we have a “living” Constitution….
Kayla pol. cartoons
DUE: 1) read pp. 26-37 GBP PLUS 2) watch the speech of Barack Obama on Thurs. night, watch part of the opening speeches of the Republican National Party convention on Monday night (9/1)
Thurs. 9/4/08 …or is it the “rigid” Constitution?
Walker pol. cartoons
DUE: 1)read pp. 37-45 PLUS 58-62 GBP AND 2) finish reading Fed. Papers #10 & #51 and answer questions on worksheet.
Mon. 9/8 Convention Analysis
DUE: Watch acceptance speech of John McCain (9/4). Compare his speech to Barack Obama’s. Write a reflection on the similarities and differences in content, style, tone and delivery. Double spaced, Palatino font, 12 pt size, approx 400-500 words.
Wed 9/10 Federalism: the distribution of power between a central government and state governments
Emiliano pol. cartoons
DUE: 1) read pp. 62-72 GBP 2) Please email me a copy of your essay, with your name in the title of the document.
Fri . 9/12 Federalism in Action
Elianna pol. cartoons
DUE: read pp. 73-83 GBP PLUS four news articles which are listed to the right in the links list: Midlife Crisis for Title IX, Collecting on a Promise, Perils Grow in the Battle for Medical Pot, and What's Tougher to Get than a Same-Sex Marriage. You should probably print these out before you read.
Tues 9/16 More Federalism Talk...
Alanah and Ben pol. cartoons
DUE: Start your review (see link to the right for review sheet)
Thurs. 9/18 TEST on 1st Unit (change from 9/16)
Mon. 9/22
Jesse and Elijah pol. cartoons
Wed. 9/24
Austin pol. cartoons
Fri. 9/26
Amanda pol. cartoons
Fri. 10/3
Brendan pol. cartoons
Tues. 10/7
Ryan pol. cartoons
Fri. 10/10
Karin pol. cartoons
Wed. 10/15
Eliza pol. cartoons
Fri. 10/17
Francesca pol. cartoons
DUE:read pp. 2-12 Magleby, Government by the People (GBP) Also, try to glance at the opening sessions of the Dem. Natl Convention on Monday night
Political Cartoon assignment:
1. Find one political cartoon about a current domestic issue and one
about a current US foreign policy issue. Be sure to include the name
of the artist and periodical, and the date of publication.
2. Find cartoons that are in different publications than those already
presented.
3. Be ready to discuss the meaning of the cartoon, including the text
and any symbols. Also, why is it "funny"?
4. You should be able to add it to the blog by creating a jpeg file, or
send me the jpeg file and I'll load it. (Or, bring it to class on a flash
disk.)
Thurs. 8/28/08 The Making of the Constitution: How “democratic” is the original Constitution? (THIS IS REVIEW FROM US HISTORY!)
Will B. pol. cartoon
DUE: pp. 12-24 GBP
Tues. 9/2/08 Do we have a “living” Constitution….
Kayla pol. cartoons
DUE: 1) read pp. 26-37 GBP PLUS 2) watch the speech of Barack Obama on Thurs. night, watch part of the opening speeches of the Republican National Party convention on Monday night (9/1)
Thurs. 9/4/08 …or is it the “rigid” Constitution?
Walker pol. cartoons
DUE: 1)read pp. 37-45 PLUS 58-62 GBP AND 2) finish reading Fed. Papers #10 & #51 and answer questions on worksheet.
Mon. 9/8 Convention Analysis
DUE: Watch acceptance speech of John McCain (9/4). Compare his speech to Barack Obama’s. Write a reflection on the similarities and differences in content, style, tone and delivery. Double spaced, Palatino font, 12 pt size, approx 400-500 words.
Wed 9/10 Federalism: the distribution of power between a central government and state governments
Emiliano pol. cartoons
DUE: 1) read pp. 62-72 GBP 2) Please email me a copy of your essay, with your name in the title of the document.
Fri . 9/12 Federalism in Action
Elianna pol. cartoons
DUE: read pp. 73-83 GBP PLUS four news articles which are listed to the right in the links list: Midlife Crisis for Title IX, Collecting on a Promise, Perils Grow in the Battle for Medical Pot, and What's Tougher to Get than a Same-Sex Marriage. You should probably print these out before you read.
Tues 9/16 More Federalism Talk...
Alanah and Ben pol. cartoons
DUE: Start your review (see link to the right for review sheet)
Thurs. 9/18 TEST on 1st Unit (change from 9/16)
Mon. 9/22
Jesse and Elijah pol. cartoons
Wed. 9/24
Austin pol. cartoons
Fri. 9/26
Amanda pol. cartoons
Fri. 10/3
Brendan pol. cartoons
Tues. 10/7
Ryan pol. cartoons
Fri. 10/10
Karin pol. cartoons
Wed. 10/15
Eliza pol. cartoons
Fri. 10/17
Francesca pol. cartoons
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Course Overview
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT, A.P.
Ever wonder why Congress and President Bush often disagree? Who has more power over you personally, the Governor or the President? This course provides an in-depth look at how American government operates (or, on occasion, does not operate!) We will analyze the race for the presidency, and make some predictions about the outcome. Who will be our next president, and does it matter? How democratic is the entire electoral process? (Can something like the election of 2000 ever happen again?)
We will explore the many interesting and controversial issues that the Supreme Court currently considers. These and other related topics will be covered in this course, which leads to the Advanced Placement Examination in May. Materials in this course include readings from a variety of primary and secondary sources. We will also watch relevant films, hear from interesting guest speakers and (cross our fingers) take at least one field trip.
The course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific case studies. All students are encouraged to keep up with current events—we will have lots of interesting discussions, debates, and disagreements about the nature of modern U.S. politics. There will be a special project that is connected to the election. While our course is scheduled in the fall, you may still take the A.P. test in May. More on that later!! Homework assignments will always be posted on the following class website: amergovtap.blogspot.com
COURSE EXPECTATIONS:
All homework assignments will be posted online. Occasionally, I will email pdf files to you, so you must check your email daily. Expect frequent reading quizzes; it's important to keep up with the reading.
Late work:
Any assignments turned in late will be docked 1/3 grade credit for each DAY that it is late. For example, if we meet on Day 2 (Wednesday) and you turn in an assignment that would merit a "B" on Thurs., the grade is lowered to a B-. If you wait until the next class day, then the grade goes down 2/3, i.e., B to a C+.
ATTENDANCE:
You all understand that you need to be in class in order to do well in school. While there are absences that cannot be controlled (athletic departures, illness) please avoid scheduling appointments, vacations, etc. during class time. You risk not receiving credit for this course if you miss more than 5 classes in a semester.
Below is an outline of the topics that are covered in the exam in May; we will consider all of these topics but not necessarily in this order. This is the outline of required topics provided by the College Board:
I. Constitutional Underpinnings of the U.S. Government
A. Considerations that influenced the formulation and adoption of the Constitution
B. Separation of Powers
C. Federalism
D. Theories of democratic government
II. Political Beliefs and Behaviors
A. Beliefs that citizens hold about their government and its leaders
B. Processes by which citizens learn about politics
C. The nature, sources, and consequences of public opinion
D. The ways in which citizens vote and otherwise participate in political life
E. Factors that influence citizens to differ from one another in terms of political beliefs and behaviors
III. Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Mass Media
A. Political parties and elections
1. Functions
2. Organization
3. Development
4. Effects on the political process
5. Electoral laws and systems
B. Interest groups, including political action committees (PACS)
1. The range of interests represented
2. The activities of interest groups
3. The effects of interest groups on the political process
4. The unique characteristics and roles of PACS in the political process
C. The mass media
1. The functions and structures of the media
2. The impacts of media on politics
IV. Institutions of National Government: The Congress, the Presidency, the Bureaucracy, and the Federal Courts
A. The major formal and informal institutional arrangements of power
B. Relationships among these four institutions, and varying balances of power
C. Linkages between institutions and the following
1. Public opinion and voters
2. Interest groups
3. Political parties
4. The media
V. Public Policy
A. Policy making in a federal system
B. The formation of policy agenda
C. The role of institutions in the enactment of policy
D. The role of the bureaucracy and the courts in policy implementation and interpretation
E. Linkages between policy processes and the following:
1. Political institutions and federalism
2. Political parties
3. Interest groups
4. Public opinion
5. Elections
6. Policy networks
VI. Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
A. The development of civil liberties and civil rights by judicial interpretation
B. Knowledge of substantive rights and liberties
C. The impact of the Fourteenth Amendment on the constitutional development of rights and liberties
Ever wonder why Congress and President Bush often disagree? Who has more power over you personally, the Governor or the President? This course provides an in-depth look at how American government operates (or, on occasion, does not operate!) We will analyze the race for the presidency, and make some predictions about the outcome. Who will be our next president, and does it matter? How democratic is the entire electoral process? (Can something like the election of 2000 ever happen again?)
We will explore the many interesting and controversial issues that the Supreme Court currently considers. These and other related topics will be covered in this course, which leads to the Advanced Placement Examination in May. Materials in this course include readings from a variety of primary and secondary sources. We will also watch relevant films, hear from interesting guest speakers and (cross our fingers) take at least one field trip.
The course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific case studies. All students are encouraged to keep up with current events—we will have lots of interesting discussions, debates, and disagreements about the nature of modern U.S. politics. There will be a special project that is connected to the election. While our course is scheduled in the fall, you may still take the A.P. test in May. More on that later!! Homework assignments will always be posted on the following class website: amergovtap.blogspot.com
COURSE EXPECTATIONS:
All homework assignments will be posted online. Occasionally, I will email pdf files to you, so you must check your email daily. Expect frequent reading quizzes; it's important to keep up with the reading.
Late work:
Any assignments turned in late will be docked 1/3 grade credit for each DAY that it is late. For example, if we meet on Day 2 (Wednesday) and you turn in an assignment that would merit a "B" on Thurs., the grade is lowered to a B-. If you wait until the next class day, then the grade goes down 2/3, i.e., B to a C+.
ATTENDANCE:
You all understand that you need to be in class in order to do well in school. While there are absences that cannot be controlled (athletic departures, illness) please avoid scheduling appointments, vacations, etc. during class time. You risk not receiving credit for this course if you miss more than 5 classes in a semester.
Below is an outline of the topics that are covered in the exam in May; we will consider all of these topics but not necessarily in this order. This is the outline of required topics provided by the College Board:
I. Constitutional Underpinnings of the U.S. Government
A. Considerations that influenced the formulation and adoption of the Constitution
B. Separation of Powers
C. Federalism
D. Theories of democratic government
II. Political Beliefs and Behaviors
A. Beliefs that citizens hold about their government and its leaders
B. Processes by which citizens learn about politics
C. The nature, sources, and consequences of public opinion
D. The ways in which citizens vote and otherwise participate in political life
E. Factors that influence citizens to differ from one another in terms of political beliefs and behaviors
III. Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Mass Media
A. Political parties and elections
1. Functions
2. Organization
3. Development
4. Effects on the political process
5. Electoral laws and systems
B. Interest groups, including political action committees (PACS)
1. The range of interests represented
2. The activities of interest groups
3. The effects of interest groups on the political process
4. The unique characteristics and roles of PACS in the political process
C. The mass media
1. The functions and structures of the media
2. The impacts of media on politics
IV. Institutions of National Government: The Congress, the Presidency, the Bureaucracy, and the Federal Courts
A. The major formal and informal institutional arrangements of power
B. Relationships among these four institutions, and varying balances of power
C. Linkages between institutions and the following
1. Public opinion and voters
2. Interest groups
3. Political parties
4. The media
V. Public Policy
A. Policy making in a federal system
B. The formation of policy agenda
C. The role of institutions in the enactment of policy
D. The role of the bureaucracy and the courts in policy implementation and interpretation
E. Linkages between policy processes and the following:
1. Political institutions and federalism
2. Political parties
3. Interest groups
4. Public opinion
5. Elections
6. Policy networks
VI. Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
A. The development of civil liberties and civil rights by judicial interpretation
B. Knowledge of substantive rights and liberties
C. The impact of the Fourteenth Amendment on the constitutional development of rights and liberties
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