Homework/In-Class Assignments for A.P. U.S. Government and Politics Class

UNIT I: CONSTITUTIONAL UNDERPINNINGS

Semester I 2016

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The first unit of study will focus on the reasons for a government, different forms of government, and the development of the Constitution of the United States. We will examine some of the greatest philosophers who have developed theories on the “best” form of government and analyze the strengths and weaknesses inherent within each system. We will then look at the creation of our Constitution and an examination of the document and its democratic components. An examination of how federalism impacts both the national and state levels will follow. Finally, we will keep an ongoing survey of the political climate. 

 

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                                    **AP GOVERNMENT TABLE OF CONTENTS**

 

DATE

IN-CLASS ACTIVITY

HOMEWORK

FRI. 8/19

·         Review Course Rules and Requirements (#1) (25 minutes)

·         Binder Info Sheet (#2) (5 minutes)

·         Vocabulary list (#3)

·         Get books (10 minutes)

·         Hand Out FRQ Info (#4)

·         What’s At Stake Reading (#6)

·         Lecture: Why Government (#7) up to Ideal Democratic Process

·         Intro Philosopher Island (#8) w/chart (#9) (15 minutes)

 

·         Read pgs. 2-23

·         Here is the page with the links of the BASIC info for the philosophers. Use this info to complete the all sections of the philosopher chart (#9). In each of the boxes must have at least 3 bullet points. Due on Monday 8/29

·         Print and place this page (Unit I Schedule) in your new Gov’t Binder (#5)

·         Get Golder Rod Signed

·         Read What’s At Stake by the end of the unit (#6)

TUE.

8/23

·         Finish Rules *If needed

·         Continue Why Gov’t Lecture (up to Fed/Anti-Fed slide) (45 minutes)

·         Work on Philosopher Island (#8, 9 &10) 15 minutes

·         Wilson’s Theories of Democracy (#11) (15 minutes)

·         Read Pages 33-45

·         Read Charles Beard article “Framing the Constitution” (#12)

THU.

8/25

·         Review Charles Beard article “Framing the Constitution” (#12) (15 minutes)

·         Continue Lecture Why Gov’t (30 minutes)

·         Founding Fathers Video (#13)  (~25 minutes)

·         Intro Constitution Booklet (see homework)

·         Print and  Read Wksht: Federalist Papers Reading  AND read and answer questions in the packet for Federalist #10 and Federalist #51 and Anti-Federalist #3 (#14) Due Wed.

·         Read pgs. 46-54

·         Prep Phil. Island  Chart (#9) - Here is the page with the links of the BASIC info for the philosophers. Use this info to complete the all sections of the philosopher chart. In each of the boxes must have at least 3 bullet points. Due on Monday 8/29

·         Chosen Philosophers- the rest of the philosophers chosen in class will present on Monday

·         Make your Constitution! Here is a link the will help

MON.

8/29

·         Finish Founding Father’s Video (20 minutes)

·         Lecture Why gov’t finish Constitution Fed/Anti-Feds (25 minutes)

·         Philosopher Presentations (remaining 6 Philosophers) (25 minutes)

·         Start Philosopher Island (#7) Philosopher Island Chart (#8) (10 minutes*)

·         Finish Federalist Papers

·         Read 55-67

·         Do Baron de Montesquieu W/S (#16)

WED.

8/31

·         Finish Philosopher Island (40 minutes)

·         Why Gov’t Lecture: Amend. Process and start Federalism Lecture w/Lecture (35 minutes)

·         Federalism Activity (20 minutes)

·         Reed pgs. 72-84

·         Complete Amendments at a Glance (#17). In addition to using your Constitution booklet, here are two very helpful links that may help. Link I  Link II

·         STUDYGUIDE to help study for Gov’t Quest. Next week. Here is the School House Rock’s Preamble tune. Fun to sing! J

FRI.

9/2

·         Finish Federalism Lecture w/Lecture (35 minutes)

·         Federalism Activity (20 minutes)

·         Best Government (#18) (45 minutes)

·         STUDYGUIDE (#19) to help study for Gov’t Quest. Next week. Here is the School House Rock’s Preamble tune. Fun to sing! J

WED.

9/7

·         Quest Unit I (20 minutes)

·         Start UNIT II Political Behavior, Mass Media, and Elections- Unit II Schedule (#20)

   -Intro CHEESIE (#21)

·         Cheesie Rubric (#22)

·         Cheesie Matrix (#23)

·         Work on CHEESIE- Download and start reviewing your group’s political party platform. You can use this site or this one for CHEESIE (#21)

·         CHEESIE presentations: Wed. Sept. 21

 

·         Read Pages 85-100

FRI.

9/9

·         Best Gov’t (#18)

·         DBQ Review

·         Read Pgs. 190-204

·         Download Unit II Schedule and place it behind your Unit II divider in your binder (#20)

·         Compete Political Spectrum Sheet (#24)

·         CHEESIE Presentations start Wed. 9/21