Course Syllabus

5-21-20

Ok....As far as assignments.  You have until June 4th to turn everything in.  Some conflicting data has gone out, but to be safe, Do your best to get all assignments in by then.  I have yet to post grades into powerschool for the work that is being submitted presently due to issues with powerschool adjusting the overall grade lower than what can be obtained.  When everything is all good I will begin filling in the slots so you can get credit for your work.  The key thing to remember is your T4 grade is the lowest grade you can receive, however, if you want to improve that grade, any work done after April 20th can work to improve that grade.   Enjoy your labor day weekend!!

 

5-20-20

Good Morning!!

Hoping you all are doing well.  Grades should begin to show up in Powerschool later today or tomorrow.  Please get any and all assignments in as you can....the sooner the better.  I have received several questions on the video project so if you have any, just email those over.  Again,  be simple and do not make it a stressful assignment.  It should be fun, and even sarcastic.  I know you are all over the "Online" everything.....but I would like to add the videos to a youtube page for viewing....Anyway...have fun and questions please let me know.

 

5-18-20

Please refer to the FILES link for the VIDEO PROJECT......... DUE JUNE 1ST-5TH.

Questions, just let me know.  This will be your final assignment for the year!!

 

5-13=20

Example....As a shortened Version  :)https://youtu.be/wfGAktuU93s

 

5-13-20

Good Morning....hope you all have bounced back from some of the AP Testing issues that took place so far this week.  I wanted to thank all of you who dealt with the process...It can  be crazy, but with all that is going on, I have to say I feel like the test went pretty well.  There will not be any assignments this week.  Take the rest of the week and focus on things you need to focus on.  I did want to say that since we can not do the final video project in groups as normal, I wanted to let you know I was going to give you an option of doing a video on your own.....or with someone else in the other AP class.  I will use this video as an assist to your final grade.....for those looking to improve your grade from T4....I know there are many of you out there.  I will post the rubric later this week.  Again, this will be essentially the assignment we do after the AP Exam and you work on each day on your own.  Email with questions, and we will likely have a video class discussion next week to discuss more.  Hope everyone is well and as I've stated before,  I really do miss the daily class routine......1st period more than 3rd........     :)

 

Take care gang

 

 

5-11-20

Big Day!!  Couple of reminders.....

-4pm Testing time

-Log in approximately 30 minutes prior....or at least be prepared to do so

-Complete / Review the following to assist:

Testing Demo, Ensure you have your exam E Ticket, (You can take makeup in June, but don't rely on that due to approval requests, log into myap.collegeboard.org for questions, You have several ways to submit exam.....Copy and Paste, Attach Document, and Attach photos of your work.....plan accordingly, If you have a problem please make sure if you are going to submit problems......no later than 48 hours from time of exam, and finally when the exam starts just wait for the questions.....don't refresh your screen.

 

Email me any questions prior as I will get back to you asap.....I will be on my computer all day to make sure I get your responses back as quick as possible.

 

 

5-6-20

See FrQ' 13 and 14 over in the Link section.  Second review video will be out later today.

 

5-5-20

Review Link part 1

rmc-snxa-jsn (2020-05-05 at 11:28 GMT-7)

 

CINCO DE MAYO........HBCW!!!!!

Hey, check back in about 2 hours.  I will have a link to an AP Review of Units 1 in a snapshot.  Essentially, I will have broken down the unit on the test into a quick 10 minute presentation.  Kind of a one stop shop review.  It will contain key points, ideas, and terms to keep in mind.  Additionally, I will likely post the second assignment for the week, but I want to find some different questions that offer broader concept application.  Have a great day and talk to you soon,

5-4-20

https://starwarsintrocreator.kassellabs.io/#!/BM6V6Cx2QEFIR0BTzq15

Don't know if the above link will work on school computer, but it may work on your phone....lemme know either way.....something different.

Good Morning....little late posting this morning.....I'm sure you all didn't notice.  Anyway.....Welcome to the best Month of the year......tomorrow is my birthday.....sooooooooooooo.  

Here are your questions to start the week.  Do me a favor, feel free to use your textbook to answer the questions, but avoid using google to assist.  I know, I know....but practice answering the questions with what you know, then when I post the recap, see how you did.  I should have a good recap of review for you by Wednesday for the exam next week.  Please make sure you tune in to C span later this week for the review.  I think you will find it helpful.

Check the files section for the new FRQ's  11 and 12

 

April 30th, 2020

FRQ's 10 and 11 are in the files sections for completion. I will have a summary out Friday afternoon.

ADDITIONALLY....PLEASE READ THE DOCUMENT I PLACED IN THE FILES LINK....IT IS LABELED 

"AP UDATES 4-29-20"   IT IS A DOCUMENT WITH VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO REFERENCE LEADING UP TO AND FOR THE DAY OF THE EXAM.  QUESTIONS, LET ME KNOW.

 

April 29th, 2020

Use this link to find answers and bullet points for FRQ's 3-9  

Sorry about delay.....I'm a bit challenged.

ukq-jioi-otf (2020-04-29 at 07:59 GMT-7)

 

 

April 29th,2020,

Link will be up today....apologies.....Im struggling with technology but I think I rallied.

FYI....Teachers are submitting participation accountability checklists this week on Thursday, so be mindful as you go about your day.  Most of you have been great and I appreciate you taking the time to go over this information.  I apologize for not providing immediate feedback but my Senior Project stuff is complete so I should be more in tuned.  I will have some additonal information up later today.  Hope NC decides to open up and give you all some productive stuff to do.  I definitely hope you seniors get some good news about college and opening up....sure it sucks to be in a holding pattern.  Take care.

April 28th, 2020

A link she be uploaded today for FRQ analysis.

Check the files link for FRQ 8 and 9 to complete.

 

April 27th, 2020  (Post 2)

Hey, Apologies...ran into some technical difficulty and am now just back up and running.  As far as assignments go, check tomorrow mid morning for new FRQ 8 and 9 to complete.  I will also have a video posted, hopefully, that will go over FRQ's 2-7.  Additionally, I will provide some insight on review practices throughout the remainder of the week.  Waiting on some info from Dr. Jones after his principal meeting to be able to convey some additional information, but won't have it until tomorrow afternoon.  Have a good one and talk to you all soon.

 

April 27th, 2020

Good Morning and welcome to yet another week.  First....sucks we will not get back and you seniors got kinda jacked up....so let me say I wish you guys/gals all the best and hopefully your next chapter doesn't get derailed in any way.  I guess we just have to wait and see.

As far as this weeks assignment.  Hang tight.  I am doing a webinar with Cspan this morning.  I will also put some information at the bottom of this post so you can make a note......Review session on May 9th..........Additionally, It looks like there will be opportunity for grade adjustment....working on some of the details with other teachers, but more to come on that.

Check back later this afternoon for your assignment for the week.  Hoping the webinar provides some insight to the 2020 questions.

C-span.org

May 9th from 9-10am

Two AP Gov teachers who have graded and provided review for exams will be on Cspan to talk about the test and offer insight and Q and A.  It's a great hour of your time.

 

April 23rd, 2020

Hey gang, sorry to go dark on you for a bit, but I've been working on some senior stuff and it's kind of side tracked me....no excuse, but for those that are seniors hopefully it goes a long way.  Anyway, Thank you for all the work you guys have put in, and I promise you I will put a presentation together here to go over the insights of the FRQ's  a little more so you can kind of have the answers to be prepared for May 11th.  So bear with me, I will get a comprehensive review for you and I am data basing your work for the requests that UCPS is now putting in for grades and participation.  Additionally, there may be some opportunity for those folks that want to improve their T4 grade through participation and work over the past 4 weeks and going forward.  This is not set in stone, but I am working on this since it has been requested by a majority of students.  Having said that, I encourage all of you to watch Gov Cooper's address today at 3pm announcing where NC will fall with regards to quarantine etc.....  Talk soon!!  Coach W.

 

April 22, 2020

I placed FRQ 7 in the files link on the side.  It's a bit different but contains information that if you know, I think will be helpful in terms of information for the Exam.  You will likely not see A-E asked, but the format and information is definitely relevant to content you should be familiar with.  Have a great Wednesday.  If you can address the question by Thursday end of the day that would be great.  I should finally have a link uploaded that will go over all of the questions to date by Friday.  Any questions, let me know.

 

April 21st, 2020

Thanks to those who responded so quickly yesterday on the FRQ.  As I was reading some of them yesterday I was reminded to tell all of you, focus on the main points of Government....How Government was set up, why it was set up and how it is supposed to act.  Obviously today's environment is a tell tale sign of just how different peoples' idea of government is supposed to respond.  I will have another FRQ posted today.  However, I need to get caught up on some essay paper's that were submitted prior to break so check back here later.  Have a great day and we will talk to you soon.

 

April 20th, 2020

Welcome back from "Spring Break".  Hope you had a chance to do something productive and different.  As far as addressing work, we will get into some new stuff, but ultimately it will all be guided towards the upcoming exam.  I will have some videos this week addressing and going over the questions from prior to Spring Break.  Stay tuned for those.

As far as assignments go, here is your first for the week.  Go to the "Files Link" and find the document listed,  "Test Review FRQ 6....4/20  Please complete by Wednesday.

 

April 8th (2020)

Good Morning...  I placed FRQ 5 in the files sections.  I'm almost done with reading most of what has been submitted.  Look for a link this afternoon, Hopefully I can offer some tips on addressing the questions already asked.  As an update from UCPS....Beginning April 20th, phase 4 of the roll out of on line learning will begin.  What that means is new work, not just review will be given.  For AP Government, we will more focus on content that will be addressed on the AP Exam.  I sent an email yesterday asking about if new material was going to be added on the AP exam....My guess is Units 1-3 will remain the focus.

 

April 7th (2020)

Check out FRQ 3 and 4.  Good practice for content.  Use the same parameters as the format below.  I have read many of the submitted responses from yesterday.  I will either do a recap video or document with examples later this week. Focus on leaving enough time to upload your response...in case you have issues.  AP College Board had reinforced that you need to plan for internet connectivity issues. (Files link ......Look for FRQ questions 3 and 4)  Once you start the question, try to submit within the timeframe given.  Try to complete by Wednesday end of the day.

 

April 6th (2020)

Update:  I place two FRQ questions in the Files link.  Complete FRQ 1 and FRQ 2 and share with me the day you attempt.  The practice will be good for you in terms of the AP Exam.  Start the questions....Question 1 you have 10 minutes and question 2 you have 20 minutes....with 5 minutes of upload time for each.  When you start a question, use those parameters, then save and share with me in the timeframe given.  Complete both assignments by Wednesday.

 

April 6th, (2020)

Good Morning....Some logistical things came up that will postpone the video conference until later this week.  As far as the AP Test......It is confirmed May 11th at 4pm.  The AP Test will have two components....a Comparative Analysis Essay and an Argumentative Essay.  You will have a total of 45 minutes to complete the exam.  There are some specifics and logistics I will need to go over with you this week.  Check back later for more Q and A on what to expect.  i've had some issues uploading several resources for you so hopefully I can get that sorted out this morning.  Take care and look for this weeks assignment in a bit.  Stay Healthy!!

 

 

April 3rd. 2020 (7:45am)

Hey...Awesome turnout on the video class yesterday to AP Government 1st and 2nd Block (Not!)  Thank to the 10 Strong that did....you guys are MOTIVATED!  I did want everyone to know that the AP Government test will be May 11th at I believe 4pm eastern time.  I will double check that, but I am pretty positive that is the time and date.  Makeup will be June 1st.  Do your best to make the May 11th date.....makeups are not guaranteed, so make a note.  We will have another video class on Monday at 11am....I will go over the logistics of the test as well as some Q and A that will be helpful to you.  I will send "How to" prior to the meeting., so lets see what kind of participation we can get having good advanced notice :)

Have a great weekend and C'mon......Stay MOTIVATED and BE PRODUCTIVE!!!!!!

 

 

April 1st 2020-12:20pm)

So the webinar that was supposed to happen today....didn't.  So, I am going to offer a GOOGLE MEET SESSION, tomorrow at 12pm.  (I know it's the 3rd and 4th period day, so if first block is occupied, no worries.)  I will send out the GOOGLE MEET LINK tomorrow morning around 9am......Just log in from your computer or phone and do me a favor......mute your mic when we formally get started.  The link will open earlier than noon obviously, but when we formally get going around 12:05 or a little after, it will just be easier for me to go over with you what I have then we can Q and A at the end.  I don't anticipate it lasting longer than 30-45 minutes.  You can definitely ask whatever questions you have, I've had some interaction with some people who know a little bit about what to expect, but always good to see whats going on out in your world.

We will discuss the FRQ AP Exam.  I will go over some strategies and the format of the questions.  I will give you some ideas on how to prepare and what to be thinking about as we get closer to test time. I will give you some example questions and ideas.  Additionally,  I will be on a webinar with the head of the AP Exam tomorrow, but that won't happen until 7pm.  I will update you Friday morning about anything that comes up.

Check back here around 8-9am tomorrow for the GOOGLE MEET info and we will see you dudes tomorrow.

And yes.....any AP Gov student from either block can log in........no worries.

Somebody call Ronnie and make sure he is awake and tell Rucheer to keep the DB level below a 2.5   :)

Caden....you will be in charge if I get hit with COVID 20......a far more toxic strain than 19.

 

(April 1st , 2020- 8am)

Hey everyone.  Thanks for what feedback I received yesterday.  I still have some questions to add to the question bank and will get that out today.  I am attending a Webinar later today another tomorrow that will hopefully give me some clear direction on the AP Exam format.  Specifically, what type of essay/FRQ they will want.  Not knowing how best to address, hopefully these conferences will shed some light.  I will send out some FRQ examples today, addressing Units 1,2, and 3.....areas where the test will focus.  Take a shot at answering them on your own, and I will write out answers to them and send them out as well.  Received some funny email communication over the past few days....keep it coming.  Hope all of you guys are safe and healthy and being productive with your time.  See ya soon.

 

Quick update-3/31/2020...3:45pm

I put a file of some questions I received in email....I went ahead and posted the answers in the email so just wanted all of you to be able to see.  Questions let me know. (Look in "FILE" link for questions and answers)

 

(3/31/2020 7:30am)

Good morning!  I posted in the "FILES" link the answers to the Practice Test 1 questions.  I'm sure you guys got almost all the questions correct?!  Remember, the test is in it's second year of the new format....teachers are still figuring out how to adjust to the types of questions that will be asked.  If you noticed....there were many "Chart Analysis" questions...They take getting used to.  As far as the rest of the multiple choice, I actually felt it was pretty straight forward.  

As your next assignment, go through the questions and review which questions posed you problems.  Send me an email with your questions and i will put together a review presentation we will address later in the week.  I will also include links to files in the "FILES" link that may be of additional help as well.

Additionally, I also put in the "FILES" link the updated readings you should likely follow....if you already have not been following along.  Remember, these are the readings that cover 30% or more of the AP Test.

Take care and For what it's worth....I miss seeing you guys on a daily basis!!

 

Hey gang....received some good questions and feedback about the Practice Test.  First.....I will post the answers to the test tomorrow....go over ones you missed and if you have any questions about them.....send me an email about what was confusing....I will address all of the questions in a video post or word file explaining.   Second, you do not have to share your answers with me.  I would hope all of you would use this as a guide to help you study.  Any further questions just let me know. (Updated Monday 3/30/2020 - 5pm)

 

Quick update on the 3/30 Practice test assignment:    I have put a pdf file in the "Files'" link on the left side of the page for those that may have had issue.   Going forward, just email me if anything posted doesn't show or work.  Also, let me know what possible government issues interest you....we can do a Thursday video slideshow conference on the one that is most voted on.  :)     (911-Moon-Pat Tillman-SH-or any others that may be mentioned.....submit choice and or request in email.  Stay healthy, Stay Motivated and Be Productive!!

 

Good Morning and welcome to Monday 3/30!!!!  As hopefully many of you know you will need to check this page every other day to see what work will be provided going forward..  I will update you with emails and information daily, so if you have any questions, just email or even text me as needed. 

For this week, go to the assignments link on the left side and take the Practice Test I have given you.  It should take you no longer than 50-80 minutes.  Do your best.  I will provide the answers in a document on Tuesday so you can check your work.  Focus on timing for each question and begin to understand how long each type of question will take.

We will likely have a online meeting sometime this week through Google Meet or Zoom.  More to come on that.....Really just a chance for us to Q and A about anything and everything.  

Finally, as far as the research paper is concerned.....Until I learn more about how information being passed out is going, that assignment has not formally been assigned, however, I would expect it be rolled out in the coming weeks.

Hope all of you are well.....I can imagine how challenging the past few weeks have been in terms of schedule and normalcy.  Do me a favor though....stay focused and feel free to email me as necessary....I will also have more information on the AP Exam closer to April 3rd.

 Take care and check back as needed.  I will always be available by email (Powell.Williams@ucps.k12.nc.us) so please just email me any questions you may have.  

 Take care,

Research Paper AP Government

You will select a topic below to write a 4-5 page research essay paper. (Key word being research)  The paper will be due on  ^{(Date may fluctuate per directions given on} (You must share with me no later than ......... or you will not be given credit for the paper….it will be a test grade of 100 points)  Please do not just provide “Opinion” on the topic you choose.  Obviously you will have a point of view, but remember, you are researching evidence to prove whatever opinion you have, and that opinion must be supported with evidence that you must RESEARCH.  For example……”Separation of Powers does not keep government in check, conversely, government is allowed to do what it wants and is able to keep things from the public that are detrimental to It’s function”.  The quoted statement has no data or research to prove this to be true…..However, if I added….”During the Obama administration, Attorney General Eric Holder…..as documented by Sharyl Attkinsson in her report “Gunrunning scandal discovered at ATF in 2011”, documented how government agencies were above the law in conducting bureaucratic business”……this provides context and substance to my argument.  In your paper you must provide at least 3 examples to support your argument.  Additionally…..DO NOT USE THE FOLLOWING PHRASES OR TERMS…..”I think…..In my opinion, In conclusion, In summary, I feel…..etc…….You do not need to use any of these as long as your name is on your paper.  You just need to state facts and take a side without using this form of speech.  Please have a bibliography page along with your paper and definitely site and source your paper correctly.  If you have any questions please feel free to email me.

Research Paper Topics

1.) Constitution: Is the Constitution today consistent with the founding principles of “freedom and equality”?

 2) Constitution: Do the separation of powers and checks and balances result in success or failure in government?

 3) Constitution: Was the impeachment of President William Clinton or Donald Trump a political ploy or legitimate legal action?

 4) Federalism:  Is the legalization of medical marijuana and the decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana a step forward or backward for America?

5) Federalism: Should the federal government mandate nation school curriculum and testing standards for America’s public schools?

6) Constitution:  Should the “affirmative action” programs that allow race to be considered in the college application process continue or do they violate the “equal protection clause”? 

7) Federalism: Should gay marriage be determined by state government or by the federal government?

8.) Interest Groups:  Do interest groups have a net positive or net negative impact on our government?

9) Interest Groups: Should the government make stricter laws to limit the ability of the political action committees (PAC’s) and super-PACS to influence elections?

10)  Congress:  Do our elected officials properly balance the “best interest of the nation” with the motivations /goals of their conscience, their constituents, their interest groups and their political party?

11)  Executive:  Does the president use or abuse his power of persuasion (or the ‘bully pulpit’)?

12)  Executive: Is the Bureaucracy a “positive force” or a “necessary evil”?

13)  Congress/Executive:  Should the government make and enforce stricter laws to regulate the internet?

 

AP United States Government and Politics Syllabus

Section #1: Overview of the Course and the AP Exam

Introduction to AP U.S. Government and Politics

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AP U.S. Government and Politics is a college-level semester-long course that not only seeks to prepare students for success on the AP Exam in May, but also provide students with the political knowledge and reasoning processes to participate meaningfully and thoughtfully in discussions and debates that are currently shaping American politics and society. It is important to note that this course is not a history course; it is a political science course that studies the interconnectedness of the different parts of the American political system and the behaviors and attitudes that shape this system and are the byproduct of this system.

AP U.S. Government and Politics accomplishes these goals by framing the acquisition of political knowledge around enduring understandings and big ideas about American government and politics that can be applied to a set of disciplinary practices through the use of a set of reasoning processes. Through the development of this set of political knowledge, disciplinary practices, and reasoning processes, by the end of the course, students will be able to analyze current and historical political events like a political scientist and develop factually accurate, well-reasoned, thoughtful arguments and opinions that acknowledge and grapple with alternative political perspectives.

This course will meet for 90-minutes a day.  The course will be organized around the following units of study:

Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy (10-12 Days)

Unit 2: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights (10-12 Days)

Unit 3: Political Participation (10-12 Days)

Unit 4: Branches of Government (18-25 Days)

Unit 5: Political Ideology (6-10 Days)

The course also consists of:

• A unit exam at the end of each unit that will be administered over a full Block
• A week for civic engagement project presentations at the end of the course
• 7 Days to Two weeks of review for the AP Exam at the end of the course

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENT OF DISTRACTIONS:

**Please read the following information very carefully:  If you have a phone, smart watch, computer, calculator, work from another class, book, newspaper, device……anything not AP government related on your desk, open, in your hand, out in visible site, you will be required to take a test prior to class ending for the day.  If time does not permit on the specific day, you will be required to make it up between 7am and 8am the next day.  Failure to do so will result in a zero. No makeup will be given.  Material that will be covered will be AP Government material from the textbook, lecture, video’s and discussion.  Please pay attention to this direction as it can have a devastating effect on your overall grade in the class.  There will be no un authorized cell phone use in this class or other distractions unless if given permission by me.**  There will be ZERO discussion on this policy.  No excuse for having a cell phone or other listed items out without permission will be accepted.  Finally, any sleeping during lecture, video or discussion will result in a participation grade of zero for that day.  This grade will not be made up or provided extra credit to update or correct.  **

 

 

 

Overview of the AP Exam and Keys to AP Exam Success

The AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam will be comprised of the following sections:

Multiple-Choice Questions:

Number of Questions: 55

Structure – The questions on multiple choice will ask students to:

• Analyze and compare political concepts
• Analyze and interpret quantitative, text-based, and visual sources
• Apply course concepts, foundational documents, and Supreme Court decisions in a variety of hypothetical and real-world scenarios

 

AP® United States Government and Politics:

Timing: One hour and 20 minutes

Percentage of Total Exam: 50%

Free-Response Questions:

Number of Questions: 4

Structure – The four questions on the free response will ask students to:

• Apply political concepts in real-world scenarios
• Compare the decisions and implications of different Supreme Court cases
• Analyze quantitative data
• Develop an argument using required foundational documents as evidence

 

Timing: One hour and 40 minutes

Percentage of Total Exam: 50%

As the breakdown of the AP Exam highlights, success in this course and on the AP Exam requires far more than the memorization of political knowledge. Success in this course and on the AP Exam requires connection-making with the aim of being able to analyze political information, regardless of the format the information is presented, and develop a factually accurate, thoughtful, and well-reasoned opinion regarding this information.

The different pieces of the course fit together in pursuit of this aim through course content and big ideas, reasoning processes, and disciplinary practices.

Course Content and Big Ideas

The course content consists of the essential political knowledge that will be synthesized in the construction of enduring understandings and big ideas about American government and politics. The big ideas that connect the content in the course units include:

• Constitutionalism (CON)
• Liberty and Order (LOR)
• Civic Participation in a Representative Democracy (PRD)
• Competing Policy-Making Interests (PMI)
• Methods of Political Analysis (MPA)

 

 

 

 

Reasoning Processes

The reasoning processes are the thought processes that will facilitate connection-making and analysis in the pursuit of effectively executing the disciplinary practices in the course. In other words, the reasoning processes form the cognitive bridge between the course content/big ideas and the disciplinary practices. The reasoning processes in this course include:

• Definition/Classification: Demonstrating knowledge of course concepts
• Explain - Process: Explaining political processes
• Explain - Causation: Explaining causes and effects of political principles, institutions, processes, and behaviors
• Explain - Comparison: Explaining similarities and differences among political principles, institutions, processes, and behaviors

 

Disciplinary Practices

 

The disciplinary practices are the tasks students will apply to the course content using the reasoning processes. Becoming proficient in these disciplinary practices gives students the tools to analyze political information,

 

Regardless of the format, and develop a factually accurate, thoughtful, and well-reasoned argument or opinion about an issue related to American government and politics.

The disciplinary practices in this course include:

• Practice 1: Apply political concepts and processes to scenarios in context
• Practice 2: Apply Supreme Court decisions
• Practice 3: Analyze and interpret quantitative data represented in tables, charts, graphs, maps, and infographics
• Practice 4: Read, analyze, and interpret foundational documents and other text-based and visual sources
• Practice 5: Develop an argument in essay format

Every AP Exam question fuses course content, reasoning processes, and disciplinary practices. Thus, in-class and outside of class assignments will focus on the acquisition of course content and the application of course content to disciplinary practices using reasoning skills.

Overview of Required Course Texts and Additional Resources

Textbook and Online Resources

Additionally, you will have access to the following free online resources:

• AP United States Government and Politics reading skills lessons – This resource contains all of the required Supreme Court cases and foundational documents, along with close reading and discussion questions and activities.
• Oyez – This online database provides succinct and accessible overviews for all Supreme Court cases.
• The National Constitution Center’s Interactive Constitution – This online resource is an annotated U.S. Constitution that includes essays from multiple perspectives that frame the debates underlying key clauses and provisions of the U.S. Constitution. The National Constitution Center also has a blog that applies constitutional principles to current events.

 

Required Supreme Court Cases

This course will incorporate the analysis of the following 15 required Supreme Court cases:

• Marbury v. Madison (1803)
• McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
• Schenck v. United States (1919)
• Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
• Baker v. Carr (1961)
• Engel v. Vitale (1962)
• Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)
• Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969)
• New York Times Company v. United States (1971)
• Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)
• Roe v. Wade (1973)
• Shaw v. Reno (1993)
• United States v. Lopez (1995)
• McDonald v. Chicago (2010)
• Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (FEC) (2010)

 

— Students are provided opportunities to analyze the 15 required Supreme Court cases as described in the AP U.S. Government and Politics Curriculum Framework and connect them to other non-required landmark cases.

For each of these cases, the facts, issues, holdings, and reasoning underlying the majority and dissenting opinions can be found through the Oyez database online. Oyez also has an app that can be downloaded to smartphones. Students will be required to complete multiple assignments analyzing and comparing these cases with other non-required cases.

The list above is not an exhaustive list of the Supreme Court cases that will be analyzed and discussed in this course. Additionally, students will have access to the AP United States Government and Politics Interactive Reader, which includes information and majority/dissenting opinion excerpts for cases that complement the required cases, such as:

• Gonzales v. Raich (2005) to go along with the analysis of McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
• Heart of Atlanta Motels v. United States (1964) to go along with the analysis of United States v. Lopez (1995)
• Zelman v. Simmons-Harris (2002) to go along with the analysis of Engel v. Vitale (1962)
• Morse v. Frederick (2007) to go along with the analysis of Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Required Foundational Documents

This course will incorporate the analysis and discussion of nine required foundational documents to help understand the context and beliefs of the founders and their critics and the debates surrounding the writing and ratification of the U.S. Constitution:

• The Declaration of Independence
• The Articles of Confederation
• Federalist No. 10
• Brutus No. 1
• Federalist No. 51
• The Constitution of the United States
• Federalist No. 70
• Federalist No. 78
• “Letter from Birmingham Jail”

The course provides opportunities to analyze and interpret qualitative sources (primary and secondary sources including the nine required foundational documents) to explain how they relate to political concepts.

To aid in the analysis of these foundational documents, students will also have access to the AP United States Government and Politics reading skills workbook. This online reader contains strategies for analyzing the required foundational documents and a sampling of related readings, including:

• Excerpts from Locke’s Second Treatise of Civil Government to go along with the analysis of the Declaration of Independence
• “Letters from the Federal Farmer to the Republican I” to go along with the analysis of the Articles of Confederation
• Essays from the National Constitution Center’s “Matters of Debate” series (Interactive Constitution resource) to go along with the analysis of the Tenth Amendment

Section #2: Civic Engagement Project – Creating an Interest Group Strategic Plan

The civic engagement project in this course will culminate in students “creating an interest group” and a strategic plan for this interest group that could be used to pursue the enactment and implementation of a solution to a domestic policy problem of interest. Students will create this interest group strategic plan in small groups of two-to-five, and there will be a research benchmark in each unit of the course that will require students to connect course content to their interest group’s policy solution and plan. At the conclusion of Unit 5, students will present their interest group strategic plan to their peers and a panel of Social Studies teachers and field questions about the viability and effectiveness of their plan.

 

 

YOU WILL HAVE READING RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONTENT FROM THE TEXTBOOK ON THIS, AND ALL, UNITS.  YOU SHOULD ANTICIPATE READING ON AVERAGE 4 PAGES PER NIGHT TO COVER THE REQUIRED CHAPTER.  YOU WILL BE GIVEN READING QUIZZES PERIODICALLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE IN FACT READING AND KEEPING UP WITH THE INFORMATION.  YOU WILL ONLY BE TESTED ON MATERIAL FROM THE READINGS THAT CORRESPOND TO THE DAYS GIVEN.  (For example…..Unit 1 has 64 pages that cover chapter 1,2, and 3.  If it is day 2 of the class, you are only responsible for material covered on a reading quiz/test for 8 pages of material.  Information on the test outside of those parameters will not count against you.)

Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy-Chapers 1,2,3   (10 instructional days)

—The course includes the Foundations of American Democracy Unit and addresses all related big ideas (BIs) and enduring understandings.

Essential Questions:

• How did the founders of the U.S. Constitution attempt to protect individual liberty, while also promoting public order and safety?
• How have theory, debate, and compromise influenced the U.S. Constitutional system?
• How does the development and interpretation of the Constitution influence policies that impact citizens and residents of the U.S.?

Unit 2: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights Chapters 4,5,6  (10 instructional days)

The course includes the Civil Liberties and Civil Rights Unit and addresses all related big ideas (BIs) and enduring understandings (EUs).

Essential Questions:

• To what extent do the U.S. Constitution and its amendments protect against undue government infringement on essential liberties and from invidious discrimination?
• How have U.S. Supreme Court rulings defined civil liberties and civil rights?.

Unit 3: Political Participation Chapters 7,8,9,10,11,12  (10 instructional days)

The course includes the Political Participation Unit and addresses all related big ideas (BIs) and enduring understandings (EUs).  Essential Questions:

• How have changes in technology influenced political communication and behavior?
• Why do levels of participation and influence in politics vary?

Unit 4: Interactions Among Branches of Government Chapters 13,14,15,16  (18 instructional days)

 Essential Questions:

• How do the branches of the national government compete and cooperate in order to govern?
• To what extent have changes in the powers of each branch affected how responsive and accountable the national government is in the 21st century?

Unit 5: American Political Ideologies and Beliefs Chapters 17,18,19,20  (10 instructional days)

This course includes the American Political Ideologies and Beliefs Unit and addresses all related big ideas (BIs) and enduring understandings (EUs).

Essential Questions:

• How are American political beliefs formed and how do they evolve over time?

TESTS AND QUIZ INFORMATION:

 

You will have 5 Unit Tests, and 4 Vocabulary Tests for this class.  The days the tests will be given are below.  If you miss a test or quiz, it is your responsibility to get with me in a timely fashion (5 days or less) to make up the test or quiz.  Failure to set up a time and place to makeup the test or quiz, that goes outside of 5 days, Could result in a zero on the test or quiz in question.  Reminder….I will not follow up with you on your makeup work….that is your responsibility.

 

Unit Test 1         February 8^th

Unit Test 2          February 26^th

Unit Test 3         March 15^th

Unit Test 4         April 12^th

Unit Test 5         May 3^rd

 

Vocab Test 1               2/1 (Vocab Terms Unit 1)

Vocab Test 2               2/22 (Vocab Terms Unit 2

Vocab Test 3               3/8 (Vocab Terms Unit 3)

Vocab Test                  4/5 (Vocab Terms Unit 4)

 

Reading quizzes can happen on any day.  You are responsible for the reading and keeping up.  Additionally, quizzes, classwork and projects can be given and will be adequately communicated regarding due dates. 

 

You will have a group project due the final 6 weeks, after the exam is taken.  It will make up the majority of your T3 grade.  You and the members you select for your project must make a 7-20 minute movie dealing with a topic of government.  The movie has to have a government theme and the topic must be reviewed and approved by me before you begin.  THIS PROJECT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED LATE.  THE DUE DATE WILL BE DISCUSSED IN THE FIRST MONTH OF CLASS, BUT YOU CAN EXPECT IT DUE MAY 28-31^ST TIME FRAME.

 

AP EXAM IS MONDAY MAY 6^TH.

 

 

 

I HAVE READ THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT REGARDING DISTRACTIONS AND SIGN UNDERSTANDING THE CONSEQUENCES OF MY ACTIONS.  ADDITIONALLY, I WILL NOT ARGUE THESE CONSEQUENCES AS IT PERTAINS TO MY GRADE

 

SIGNATURE___________________________________________________