AP US Government and Politics Syllabus- Mr Rennell
AP US Government and Politics Syllabus- Mr Rennell
Text
The text for this course is American Government, 8th edition, by James Q. Wilson. There will also be supplemental readings that will be provided.
Grading
Each assignment will be assigned a point value and grades will be determined on the overall point accumulation based on the percentage scale given on the classroom rules handout. Grades will be based on the following:
*Guided Reading Assignments
You will be given a guided reading packet for each chapter to be completed prior to the examination for that section
*Tests and Quizzes
AP level multiple choice and FRQ exams will be given periodically to prepare for the AP exam.
*In class assignments and projects
Simulations, on-line research, class projects, presentations, debates etc. will be assigned as a part of the course.
*No late work will be accepted unless arranged in advance.
Course overview
This course is designed to examine the institutions, participants, and processes which characterize political activity in the United States. The course has three main objectives:
- To introduce students to the basic structures of the government.
- To help students develop an analytical perspective toward the conduct of politics in the United States.
- To introduce students to the manner in which political scientists conduct research on the political process.
Course Outline
Unit 1: The Constitution
Wilson Chapter 2- pgs. 16-47
Objectives:
-to describe the events leading to the elimination of the Articles of Confederation
-to examine the philosophies, backgrounds, and experiences of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention
-to present the goals, methods, and techniques of the delegates
-to illustrate the ratification procedure and arguments for and against ratification
Unit 2: Federalism
Wilson Chapter 3- pgs. 48-77
Objectives:
-to present and explain the concept of Federalism
-to show the evolution of American Federalism
-to explain fully how Federalism works
-to describe the dynamics of the intergovernmental politics
Unit 3: Political Belief and Behavior
Wilson Chapter 6- pgs. 128-147
Objectives:
-to explain the voting behavior of Americans
-to show how U.S. voter turnout rates differ
-to show the relationship of registration and voting
-to identify non-voters and explain them
Unit 4: Political Parties and Interest Groups
Wilson Chapter 7- pgs. 148-177
Wilson Chapter 9- pgs. 216-243
Objectives:
-to define parties, their functions, and characteristics
-to explain and evaluate the new media politics
-to show how PAC’s challenge traditional party politics
Unit 5: Presidential Power
Wilson Chapter 12- pgs. 332-373
Objectives:
-to explain the constitutional powers of the presidency
-to explain the use of the institutionalized presidency
-to show how and why presidents are party leaders
-to explain implied presidential powers
Unit 6: Presidential Elections
Wilson Chapter 8- pgs. 178-215
Objectives:
-to describe the types of pre-convention and convention activities
-to present information on the qualifications (legal and extra-legal) for president
-to describe the role of the media in the nomination process
-to explain the Electoral College operation and effects
-to show how funds are raised in campaigns
-to present the manner in which campaigns are organized
-to explain how voters decide, and how campaigns attempt to sway them
Unit 7: Congressional Power
Wilson Chapter 11- pgs. 274-331
Objectives:
-to describe the legislative process
-to describe the powers of both houses, including selection, job description, and effect on the legislative process
-to demonstrate the importance of committees
-to show the influence of lobbies and special interest groups in influencing legislation
Unit 8: Judicial Power
Wilson Chapter 14- pgs. 402-433
Objectives:
-to describe the role of the Federal Courts
-to present the powers and remedies available through judicial action
-to describe the procedures of the Supreme Court
-to show the differences between activist and restrainist judges
-to show the impact of the Supreme Court on American Life
Unit 9: Bureaucratic Politics
Wilson Chapter 13- pgs. 374-401
Objectives:
-to explain what bureaucracy is and what the federal bureaucracy does
-to describe how the bureaucracy is run and by whom
-to show who controls the bureaucracy and what limits and controls exist
-to explain how bureaucracies try to achieve their goals
Unit 10- CivilLiberites and Civil Rights
Wilson Chapter 18- pgs. 494-519
Wilson Chapter 19- pgs. 520-551
Objectives:
-to use the First Amendment Freedoms, as well as the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments as examples of Supreme Court interpretations of the extent of individual liberties
-to explain how civil liberties change as court interpretations change
-to explain the political implications related to the evolution of civil liberties