AP United States Government and Politics
2015-2016 Course Syllabus
Mr. Crissman
Course Overview: The AP Government course is a year-long class meeting daily for 50 minutes that is open to students in grades 10 through 12This course examines the modern American government and political system. It is intended to be equivalent in rigor and scope to a college level introductory political science class. This course is designed to prepare students for the AP U.S. Government and Politics exam, which is scheduled for Tuesday May 10, 2016. Students who earn qualifying scores on the AP Exam may receive college credit or advanced standing, depending on college policy.
Course content will focus on the following six areas:
- Constitutional Underpinnings of U.S. Government
- Political Beliefs and Behaviors
- Political Parties, Interest Groups and Mass Media
- Institutions of National Government
- Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
- Public Policy
Course Readings:
Primary Text:
Edwards, George C. III, Martin P. Wattenberg, and Robert L. Lineberry. Government in America: People, Politics, and Policy, 14th Ed. New York: Pearson Education, Inc., 2009.
Selected Readings from:
Serow, Ann G. and Everett C. Ladd. The Lanahan Readings in the American Polity, 4th Ed. Baltimore: Lanahan, 2007.
Woll, Peter (Ed.). American Government: Readings and Cases, 17th Ed. New York: Pearson Longman, 2008.
Other Materials
- Selected current articles and editorials from various sources.
- News footage, documentaries, and clips from CSPAN
- Numerous websites
- Other classroom handouts
AP U.S. Government and Politics Course Timeline
(Number of Days per Unit is Approximate)
Throughout the entire year, students are expected to keep up with current events at the local, state, national, and international level. You may use a daily newspaper, watch a TV news station, or access a reliable online source. Many of the topics covered in this course will be directly related to contemporary events, and students are expected to regularly make such connections in class discussion.
Unit 1: Constitutional Underpinnings of U.S. Government (15 Days)
Students will examine how the policymaking system works as well as investigate the theories of American Democracy. Students will begin to examine how individualism plays a part in America’s system of limited government. Students should understand how historical forces shaped the constitution.
Readings and Materials for Unit 1:
- Edwards et al. Chapters 1-3
- Federalist Papers #10 and #51
- Declaration of Independence
- Articles of Confederation
- The Constitution of the United States
- Others as distributed in class
Essential Questions for Unit 1:
- Is the concept of separation of powers a reality today?
- Is federalism a viable form of government?
Essential Skills for Unit 1:
- Writing answers to Free Response Questions
- Multiple Choice Strategies
Unit 1 Content:
Government
Public goods
Politics
Political participation
Single-issue groups
Policymaking system
Gross domestic product
Linkage institutions
Policy agenda
Policymaking institutions
Public policy
Democracy
Majority rule
Individualism
Representation
Pluralist theory
Elite and class theory
Hyperpluralism
Policy gridlock
Constitution
Declaration of Independence
Natural rights
Consent of the governed
Limited government
Articles of Confederation
Shay’s Rebellion
Checks and balances
U.S. Constitution
Factions
New Jersey Plan
Virginia Plan
Connecticut Compromise
Writ of habeas corpus
Separation of powers
Judicial review
Republic
Federalists
Anti-federalists
Federalist Papers
Bill of Rights
Equal Rights Amendment
Marbury v. Madison
Federalism
Unitary governments
Intergovernmental relations
Supremacy clause
10th amendment
McCulloch v. Maryland
Enumerated powers
Implied powers
Elastic clause
Gibbons v. Ogden
Full faith and credit
Extradition
Privileges and immunities
Dual federalism
Cooperative
Fiscal federalism
Categorical grants
Project grants
Formula grants
Block grants
Unit 2: Political Beliefs and Behaviors (23 Days)
Students will examine the various formal and informal means by which people participate in the political process. Emphasized topics will include political socialization, voting behavior, polling, campaign finance, and elections.
Readings and Materials for Unit 2:
- Edwards et al. Chapters 6, 9 and 10
- Voter Behavior Data from U.S. Census Bureau
- Exit poll data from recent elections
- Others as distributed in class
Essential Question for Unit 2:
- How does the American mosaic define political beliefs and shape political behavior?
Essential Skill for Unit 2:
- Writing answers to Free Response Questions
- Analyzing and Interpreting data on demographics and voter behavior.
- Analyzing and Interpreting polling data.
Unit 2 Content:
Public opinion
Demography
Census
Melting pot
Minority majority
Political culture
Reapportionment
Political socialization
Sample
Random sampling
Sampling error
Random-digit dialing
Exit poll
Political ideology
Gender gap
Political participation
Protest
Civil disobedience
Nomination
Campaign strategy
Regional primaries
Party platform
Direct mail
Federal Election Campaign Act
Frontloading
National primary
Soft money
Political action committees
McGovern-Fraser Commission
Selective perception
Federal Election Commission
National party convention
Caucus
Presidential primaries
Super delegates
Legitimacy
Referendum
Initiative petition
Suffrage
Civic duty
Voter registration
Motor Voter Act
Mandate theory of elections
Policy voting
Electoral College
Retrospective voting
Political efficacy
Unit 3: Political Parties, Interest Groups and Mass Media (22 Days)
Students will examine the structures and functions of political parties in the United States, including how parties function as linkage institutions. Students will investigate various types of interest groups and lobbying activities, and will attempt to assess the effects of those activities with respect to the public interest. Students will also examine the media’s role in setting the agenda. They will also explore the similarities and differences between print and broadcast media.
Readings and Materials for Unit 3:
- Edwards et al. Chapters 7, 8, and 11
- Current and historical political cartoons
- Others as distributed in class
Essential Questions for Unit 3:
- Do political parties really represent our interests today, or do interest groups better reflect our populace?
- Why has there been a proliferation of interest groups in the United States?
- Has the media become too influential in American politics?
Essential Skill for Unit 3:
- Writing answers to Free Response Questions
- Analyzing and Interpreting Political Cartoons
Unit 3 Content:
High-tech politics
Mass media
Media event
Press conferences
Investigative journalism
Print media
Broadcast media
Narrowcasting
Chains
Beats
Trial balloons
Sound bites
Talking head
Policy agenda
Policy entrepreneurs
Interest groups
Free-rider problem
Amicus curiae briefs
Union shop
Actual group
Collective good
Olson’s Law of Large Groups
Selective benefits
Potential group
Electioneering
Pluralist theory
Lobbying
Class-action lawsuits
Right-to-work laws
Public interest lobbies
Unit 4: Institutions of National Government (60 Days)
Students will examine the legislative process and the organization of congress, as well as the relationship between Congress and lobbyists. Particular emphasis will be placed on congress’s role in the budgetary process. Students will also evaluate the power of the presidency and how that power has changed over time. Students will study the structure of the courts, the processes and procedures of the judicial system, and how courts influence public policy. Students will also examine the origins and organization of the bureaucracy and evaluate the effectiveness of congressional oversight.
Readings and Materials for Unit 4:
- Edwards et al. Chapters 12-16
- Others as distributed in class
Essential Questions for Unit 4:
- Is there effective legislative oversight of the bureaucracy?
- Has the presidency become too powerful?
- Does the Supreme Court follow the election returns?
Essential Skill for Unit 4:
- Writing answers to Free Response Questions
- Persuasive writing on political topics.
Unit 4 Content:
Incumbents
Casework
Pork barrel
Bicameral legislature
Joint committees
Conference committees
Majority leader
Whips
Minority leader
Standing committees
Bill
Speaker of the House
Legislative oversight
Committee chairs
Seniority system
House Rules Committee
Filibuster
Select committees
22nd amendment
Impeachment
Presidential coattails
25th amendment
Legislative veto
National Security Council
Council of Economic Advisors
Watergate
Office of Management and Budget
Cabinet
Veto
Pocket veto
War Powers Resolution
Crisis
Budget
Congressional Budget Office
Budget resolution
House Ways and Means
16th amendment
Appropriations bill
Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control act of 1974
Social Security
Incrementalism
Uncontrollable expenditures
Expenditures
Reconciliation
Senate Finance Committee
Tax expenditures
Medicare
Deficit
Entitlements
Revenues
Income tax
Authorization bill
Continuing resolutions
Bureaucracy
Patronage
Pendleton Civil Service Act
Civil service
Hatch Act
Office of Personnel Management
Executive orders
Senior Executive Service
Independent regulatory agency
Governmental corporations
Independent Executive Agencies
Policy implementation
GS rating
Iron triangles
Administrative discretion
Street level bureaucrats
Regulation
Command-and-control policy
Incentive system
Standard operating procedure
Standing to sue
Senatorial courtesy
United States v. Nixon
Original jurisdiction
Appellate jurisdiction
District courts
Courts of appeal
Supreme Court
Justifiable disputes opinion
Stare decisis
Precedent
Original intent
Judicial implementation
Class action suit
Solicitor general
Judicial restraint
Judicial activism
Political questions
Statutory construction
Unit 5: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (15 Days)
Students will explore the Bill of Rights and the protection of civil liberties, including but not limited to Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Religion, the Rights of Defendants, and the Right to Privacy. Students will study how civil rights and the struggle for equality have been affected by public policy. Students will study the historical expansion of civil rights to include previously-excluded groups, and they will evaluate whether or not this expansionist trend continues today.
Readings and Materials for Unit 5:
- Edwards et al. Chapters 4 and 5
- Others as distributed in class
Essential Questions for Unit 5:
- How do we balance individual rights and liberties against government’s power?
Essential Skill for Unit 5:
- Writing answers to Free Response Questions
- Analyzing and Interpreting Demographic and Crime Data
Unit 6 Content:
Civil liberties
Bill of Rights
Miranda v. Arizona
6th Amendment
Plea-bargaining
Unreasonable searches and seizures
Establishment clause
Prior restraint
Libel
Symbolic speech
1st Amendment
14th Amendment
Gideon v. Wainwright
Search warrant
Exclusionary rule
5th Amendment
Self-incrimination
Commercial speech
Probable cause
Doctrine of incorporation
8th Amendment
Cruel and Unusual Punishment
Right to privacy
Civil rights
Poll taxes
Comparable worth
Brown v. Board of Education
Americans with Disabilities Act
Civil Rights Act of 1964
15th Amendment
Equal protection
13th Amendment
24th Amendment
Suffrage
19th Amendment
White primary
Plessy v. Fergusen
Affirmative action
Voting Act of 1965
Unit 6: Public Policy (8 Days)
Students will examine the policy-making process and evaluate the degree to which the process results in policies reflecting the public interest. Policies concerning economics, social welfare, healthcare, the environment, and national security will be highlighted.
Readings and Materials for Unit 6:
- Edwards et al. Chapters 17-20
- Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Articles and materials relevant to current public policy issues.
- Others as distributed in class
Essential Question for Unit 6:
- What are the factors that impact the policy-making process in the domestic and foreign policy arenas?
Essential Skill for Unit 6:
- Writing answers to Free Response Questions
- Analyzing macroeconomic data
- Formal Debates
Unit 5 Content:
Capitalism
Mixed economy
Keynesian economic theory
Consumer price index
Laissez-faire
Monetary policy
Federal Reserve System
Fiscal policy
National Labor Relations Act
Supply-side economics
Multinational corporations
Antitrust policy
Food and Drug Administration
Unemployment rate
Inflation
Collective bargaining
Taft-Hartley Act
Monetarism
Social welfare agencies
Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act
Progressive tax
Income distribution
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Wealth
Poverty line
Feminization of poverty
Means-tested programs
Regressive tax
Transfer payments
Social Security Act of 1935
Entitlement programs
Proportional tax
Income earned income tax credit
Social Security Trust Fund
Health maintenance organization
Clean Air Act of 1970
Water Pollution Act of 1972
Environmental impact statement
Medicare
Patients’ bill of rights
Environmental Protection Agency
National Environmental Policy Act
Endangered Species act of 1973
National health insurance
Superfund
Foreign policy
United Nations
Interdependency
Tariff
Secretary of State
Arms race
OPEC
CIA
NATO
EU
Cold War
McCarthyism
Joint Chiefs of Staff
Strategic Defense Initiative
Isolationism
Containment doctrine
Balance of trade
Secretary of defense
Détente