AP U.S. Government & Politics
Current Events
Purpose: The study of current events ensures that we stay informed about the situations that are developing around us. Think of it this way, today’s news is tomorrow’s history. The events that happen each dayin our government are applicable to our studies of how the same government operates. Current events will strengthen our understanding about government and politics.
Scope: As political scientists, we will focus on events that examine the actions and decisions of our government, including policy. Domestic policy pertains to decisions by our government to enhance the quality of life for citizens in the United States. Foreign policy isa policy pursued by our government in its dealings with other nations, designed to achieve national objectives to enhance the quality of life for citizens in the United States.
Directions: When assigned current events you are expected to report on 1 news worthy event that is either about a past topic of study, our current topic of study, domestic policy or foreign policy. Make every attempt to vary the type you chooseweek to week.
Sources: The information that you collect must be obtained from reputable sources (i.e. CNN, MSNBC, etc.). Acceptable sources can be obtained using the Internet, the radio, television, magazines, and newspapers.
Format: Record your current events on a single sheet of paper, double spaced, typed or neatly written, in the following format:
Name:
Subject/Period:
Date:
Date:When did the news take place?
Location:Where did the news take place?
Details:What happened? Be detailed!
Connection:How does the event connect to our course?
Reflection:What do you think about the event?
The actual heading and part labels should be recorded on your current event. Only the answers to the questions and not the questions themselves should be recorded.
Tip: If you plan to type your current events weekly, create a template of the heading and parts then save. Each week simply open the document and answer the questions.
*Note: All topics must pertain to U.S. government and politics. News of sports, entertainment or general pop culture is not acceptable news to report on.
Mr. Iacono
AP Gov/ Period 8
August 12, 2015
Date: August 11, 2015
Location: Any town, USA
Details: A teacher, by the name of Mr. I Care, encourages every student to form, voice and support an opinion about the U.S. government through current events. Amazingly, each week every single student does the assignment in an attempt to learn about the U.S. government. As a result each student is a better informed citizen of the United States.
Connection:This event is clearly about First Amendment rights because the teacher is not attempting to suppress the right to free speech he is encouraging it in his students. This right is important in our government to ward off a tyrannical government.
Reflection: I think that this teacher really cares about his students’ opinions and future. The assignment seems fair and not that time consuming. Besides, I guess if I am going to live in this country perhaps I should be generally aware about what is happening in the government that runs it. I wish I had a teacher like Mr. I Care.