US Government & Politics 2013-2014 Course Outline and Syllabus

Advanced Placement –AP

US Government & Politics 2013-2014 Course Outline and Syllabus

I have the great pleasure of welcoming you to Advanced Placement –AP US Government & Politics 2013-2014 (AP US GoPo!) Class. Let’s get to work together! This course will consist of a college-level comprehension and survey of American politics and government. You should be prepared to work hard. The key is reading; there will be many difficult and complex readings and concepts to analyze, and the course is meant to prepare you to excel on the AP US Government and Politics Exam, which you will take in May 2014.

Standards will be high and cannot be altered to suit individuals, so you should expect to do college-level and not college preparatory work if you are to succeed in the class.

This course is aimed at giving each student an analytical perspective on the dynamics of government and politics in the United States. Thisincludes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analytical examination of specific examples. This course also demands a familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute and inform U.S. politics.

I.COURSE OBJECTIVES

To learn and understand important facts, concepts, and theories pertaining to U.S. government and politics
To understand typical patterns of political processes and behaviors and their consequences (including the components of political behavior, the principles used to justify various government structures and procedures, and the political effects of these structures and procedures)
Students will be able to analyze and interpret basic data relevant to U.S. government and politics (including maps, charts, graphs, tables, exit poll data, and Supreme Court decisions)

II.REQUIRED MATERIALS

Textbook: Wilson & Dilulio, American Government: Institutions & Policies, (9TH to latest edition)
Test Preparation: Benson & Waples, Preparing for the AP United States Government & Politics Examination, (Matching Textbook Edition)
Supplemental/Primary Source Readings: The LANAHAN READINGS in the AMERICAN POLITY FIFTH EDITION 2011
Contemporary News Analysis: Supplementary articles from the New York Times, TheWashington Post, CNN, MSNBC, Time Magazine, TheEconomist etc.
Notebook
Travel Drive

III. GRADING FACTORS

Quarter grades will be computed according to the following factors:

Tests (AP Format) 50%
Homework/Research/Projects/Activities 25%
Classwork/Conduct/Participation/Attendance 25%

IV. CONDUCT

Students are expected to follow all rules in this class that correspond to those stated in the Prince George’s County Code of Student Conduct. Punctuality is a necessity and tardiness to class willresult in the loss of participation points. Work missed because of an unexcused absence may notbe made up. Work missed because of an excused absence must be made up within the week thestudent returns to school. It is the responsibility of the student to arrange for make-up work.

All assignments must be handed in on time; late work will not be accepted.

V. METHODOLOGY

This course is conducted using a variety of methods: lecture/discussion, simulations, cooperativelearning activities, and independent study/research. All students are responsible for reading theassignments before coming to class (both in textbook & in supplemental/primary source readingsbook) so that they may actively participate. Periodically, simulations and cooperative learningactivities replace and/or supplement the lecture/discussion. A variety of film clips and videos arealso used throughout the course. During each unit, students must complete numerous free response questions that demonstrate their ability to analyze and interpret informationpresented within that unit. The purpose of this is to prepare students for the free-response section of the A.P.U.S. Government & Politics exam.

VI. COURSE OVERVIEW/OUTLINE

Foundations of American Government (Chapters I, 2, 3)

-PrinciplesofGovernment

-What is Government?

-Forms of Government

-Themes of Government

Origins of American Government

--British Contributions

--Unification of the Colonies

--Declaration of Independence

--Articles of Confederation and the Critical Period

--Constitutional Design----Creation and Ratification

The United States Constitution

--Basic Principles (including separation of powers)

--Articles

--Amendment Process

--Amendments----Formal and Informal

Federalism

--Views of Federalism

--National Supremacy vs. States’ Rights

--Interstate Relations

--Politics of Federalism (fiscal, regulatory)

2. Political Beliefs and Behaviors (Chapters 4, 5, 6)

Public Opinion and Political Socialization

--Public Opinion and Democracy

--Distribution of Public Opinion

--Agents of Socialization

--Process of Socialization

3. Political Parties, Interest Groups, and the Mass Media (Chapters 7, 8, 9, 10)

Political Parties

--Functions of Political Parties

--History of the Two-Party System

--Nature of American Parties (major and minor)

--Party Ideology and Organization

--Parties and Elections

--Parties and Governments

Political Interest Groups

--Individuals, Groups, and Society

--Development of Groups

--Electoral Activity of Political Action Committees

--Lobbying

Campaigns and Elections

--Suffrage

--Participation and Voting

--Voter Turnout and Voter Behavior

--Election Campaigning

--Analyzing Election Results

--Elections and Governments

Politics and the Mass Media

--Media and Freedom of the Press

--Development of the Media in the United States

--Media and Politics

--Media and Government

--impacts of Media on Public Policy

--Evaluating the Media in Government

4. Institutions of National Government: The Congress, The Presidency, TheBureaucracy,and the Federal Courts (Chapters 11, 12, 13, 14)

Congress

--Institution of Congress----Origin and Powers

--Election to Congress

--Organization of Congress (parties, leadership, committees, staff)

--Functions of Congress (legislation, representation)

--Congressional Procedures

--Congressional Ethics and Reform

The Presidency

--Constitutional Basis of Presidential Authority

--Expansion of Presidential powers

--Presidential Elections----Electoral College

--Presidential Leadership

--Executive Office of the President

--Relations with the Cabinet

--Vice Presidency

--Struggle for Power (setting agenda, influencing legislature, building public support,implementing priorities, exercising leadership)

Executive Bureaucracy

--Organization of Bureaucracy

--Staffing the Bureaucracy

--Policymaking----Formal and Informal

--Bureaucratic Influence

--Accountability

--Reforming the Bureaucracy

The Judiciary

--Judicial Federalism

--Judicial Review

--Justices and Judges

--Supreme Court

--Landmark Cases

--Politics of Judicial Policymaking

5. Public Policy (Chapters 15, 16, 17, 20, 21)

Policymaking Process

--Types of policies

--Stages of Policymaking

--Politics of the Policy Process

Domestic policy

--Education Policy

--Health and Welfare Policy

--Housing Policy

--Environment and Energy Policy

Economic Policy

--Modern American Economy

--Economic Policy Objectives

--Monetary Policy

--Fiscal Policy

--Government Intervention in the Economy

--Politics of Economic Policymaking

Foreign and Defense Policy

--Policymakers

--Roots of Foreign and Defense Policy

--Evolution of Foreign and Defense Policy

--Contemporary Challenges

6. Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (Chapters 18, 19)

American Political Environment

--Personal Freedom and Social Welfare

--Distribution of Power

--Majority Rule and Minority Rights

--Individual Liberties

Rights, Liberties, and Constitutional Politics

Rights and Liberties vs. Economic Interest

Civil Rights

--Civil Rights and Criminal Justice----Equality Before the Law

--Diversity and Discrimination

--Federal Civil Rights Laws

Civil Liberties

--First Amendment Freedoms

--Protecting Individual Freedoms (due process, rights of the accused)

SIGNATURE PAGE

Principal Instructor

Student Signature Parent Signature

Unit One

Constitutional Underpinnings of United States Government

Overview

The study of modern politics in the United States requires students to examine the kind of government established by the Constitution, paying particular attention to federalism, the separation of powers, and checks and balances. Understanding these developments involves both knowledge of the historical situation at the time of the Constitutional Convention and an awareness of the ideological and philosophical traditions on which the framers drew. Such understanding addresses specific concerns of the framers: for example, why did Madison fear factions? What were the reasons for the swift adoption of the Bill of Rights? Familiarity with the United States Supreme Court’s interpretation of key provisions of the Constitution will aid student understanding of theoretical and practical features of federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances. Students should be familiar with a variety of theoretical perspectives relating to the Constitution, such as democratic theory, theories of republican government, pluralism, and elitism.

Essential Questions

Are the theories and philosophies relevant/prevalent in our democracy today?
Is the concept of Separation of Powers a reality today?
Is Federalism a viable form of government today?

Objectives

Students will be able to describe the purpose and of government and goals of American government.

Students will be able to identify the founders’ view of the purpose of government and the role of the citizen in the American Republic.

Students will be able to explain how the Constitution underpins the U.S. government.

Students will be able to identify the impact of the enlightenment thinkers on the development of the U.S. Constitution.

Students will analyze the ways the framers dealt with the following: pluralism, popular sovereignty, republican ideals and elite theory.

Students will be able to identify and explain the concepts of Federalism, Check and Balances, and Separation of Powers.

Students will be able to analyze and evaluate the theories of democratic government.

Calendar – Unit 1 is approximately 5-15% of AP Exam (Multiple Choice Sections)

45 Minutes – Semester / 80 Minute – Semester / 50 Minutes –
All Year
6 Teaching Days / 9 Teaching Days / 12 Teaching Days
1 Exam Day / 1 Exam Day / 1 Exam Day

Content Taught

Considerations that influenced the formulation and adoption of the Constitution
Theories of Democratic Government
Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances
Federalism

Sills Taught

Current Event Evaluation
Primary and Secondary Source valuation
Data Evaluation
Editorial Cartoon Interpretation and Analysis
AP Exam Test Preparation: Multiple Choice and Free Response Questions (FRQs)

Additional Readings with Assignments

1)Benjamin Franklin's Speech at the Conclusion of the Constitutional Convention, September 17, 1787 "I Agree to This Constitution, with All Its Faults"

Unable to give the speech himself due to his old age, Franklin praises the Constitutional Convention for creating what he believes to be the best possible outcome for the creation of a new Republican government. However, he also warns of the natural tendency of all democracies to slip into despotism, claiming that the people will become so corrupt as to deserve one. He alludes that the United States is not immune from such a fate.

2)James Madison. “The Federalist No. 10” In American Polity 5th ed. Edited by Ann G. Serow and Everett C. Ladd, 56-63, Lanahan Publishers, Baltimore MD.

The “Father of the Constitution” and 4th President of the United States, Madison along with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay wrote the Federalist papers in order to defend our Constitution and new form of government. In No.10 Madison warns of the dangers of parties and factions in our new government and his attempts to stop them.

3)Cato V, November 22, 1787 “Can an American Be a Tyrant? On the Great Powers of the Presidency, the Vagueness of the Constitution, and the Dangers of Congress”In The Debate on the Constitution: Part One: September 1787 to February 1788, by Bernard Baylin, 399-404, New York, NY: Library of America, 1993.

Following the ratification of the Constitution in September 1787, a spirited debate broke out in newspapers and journals across the nation between federalists and anti-federalists. Men ranging in stature from George Washington to anonymous farmers all weighed in on their opinion of our new government. One such author, known as “Cato V”, criticized the vague language of the Constitution as well as the lack of clearly defined powers given to the President and Congress. Cato feared our nation would turn into a presidential monarchy or a cumbersome Congressional aristocracy.

4)James Madison. “The Federalist 39 and 46” in American Polity 5th ed. Edited by Ann G. Serow and Everett C. Ladd, 119-124, Lanahan Publishers, Baltimore MD.

Part of Madison’s magnum opus, in Federalist 39 and 46 Madison creates a distinct but compatible difference between the local, state and federal governments. Conscientious of the liberties and freedoms fought for by the individual states, Madison carefully articulates a multi-leveled Republican government that respects and allows for the autonomy of the individual states but nevertheless creates a federal government that will provide national cohesion that was sorely lacking under the previous Articles of Confederation.

5)Alexis De Tocqueville. “Democracy in America” in American Polity 5th ed. Edited by Ann G. Serow and Everett C. Ladd, 3-7, Lanahan Publishers, Baltimore MD.

One of the greatest political commentaries on our new nation by a non-American, a young Alexis De Tocqueville travelled across the United States in 1831 to examine what it was that made the United States unique both politically and socially was. Tocqueville came to the conclusion that Americans value equality and liberty above all else, to the point of obsession. Tocqueville also warned that this obsession would eventually lead to the social destruction of the United States and prompted him to say “Americans are so enamored with equality that they would rather be equals in slavery than unequal in freedom.”

6)Richard Henry Lee to George Mason, October 1, 1787 “On the Deviousness of Congress's Action, and the Need for Amendments” In The Debate on the Constitution: Part One: September 1787 to February 1788, by Bernard Baylin, 45-48, New York, NY: Library of America, 1993.

President of the Continental Congress, first President Pro Tempore of the Senate and Senator from Virginia, Richard Henry Lee was a strong anti-federalist as were many of his Southern contemporaries. In his 1787 letter to George Mason, Lee criticizes the tremendous power given to the federal government as well as the fact that while the new Constitution declares we have rights, it does not state what those rights are. His voice, along with many anti-federalists such as Thomas Jefferson, led to the creation of the Bill of Rights.

Study Guide Questions

Is federalism a viable form of government today? Why or why not? Compare and contrast Madison’s views on federalism to the concerns expressed by “Cato V”.
Is the concept of separation of powers a reality today? Explain, citing modern examples.
Benjamin Franklin gave an ominous warning: that the United States would eventually slip into a despotic form of government because the people would be so corrupted that they would be capable of no other form. Do you believe that Franklin’s warning is valid? What signs do you see in out socio-political society that would cause you to agree or disagree with Franklin’s assessment? Use specific examples
Alexis De Tocqueville feared that our preoccupation with individual freedoms would be our undoing. Do you agree with Tocqueville’s warning? What sorts of current social issues would lend credence to Tocqueville’s warning? What role do you think special interest groups today play in Tocqueville’s concerns?
Are the theories and philosophies of American government relevant and/or prevalent in the American democratic system today? Why or why not? Use current evidence as well as evidence from the readings to support your answer.

Classroom Activities, Long Term or Short Term Project

Federalism Research Activity (See attached worksheet)
Commerce Clause Activity (See attached lesson plan with supplemental materials)
Commerce Clause Healthcare Extension Activity (See attached materials)
AP Government – Federalism: The Scavenger Hunt (See attached worksheet)
Separation of Powers Audio Activity (See attached worksheet)

Textbook Correlation

Author(s) / Book / Chapters / Topic
Edwards, Wattenburg, Linesberry / Government In America: People Politics, and Policy / 2 (pgs.28-59)
3 (pgs.65-88) / The Constitution
Federalism
Lowi, Ginsberg, Shepsle, Ansolabehere / American Government: Power and Purpose / 2 (pgs. 32-70)
3 (pgs. 72-102) / Constructing Government: The Founding & the Constitution
Federalism & the Separation of Powers
Barbour, Wright / Keeping the Republic: Power and Citizenship in American Politics / 3 (pgs.70-90)
4 (pgs.97-131) / Politics of American Founding
Federalism & the U.S. Constitution

Political Cartoon and Data Analysis

Student will complete the AP Political Cartoon Analysis Worksheet (attached) for political cartoons given in class. Students will be given a few political cartoons in class (attached) and must choose one for the analysis.
Student will complete the AP Data Analysis Worksheet (attached) for data given in class. Students will be asked to find one piece of data, not presented in class, for analysis.

Vocabulary

Anti-Federalists
Articles of Confederation
Authoritarian Regimes
Bill of Rights
Consent of the Governed
Direct Democracy
An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution
Elite Theory
Electoral College
European Enlightenment
Federalist Papers
Federalist #10
Federalists
Formal Amendment Process
The Great Compromise
Informal Amendment Process
Judicial Review
John Locke
Majoritarianism
Natural Rights
New Jersey Plan
Pluralism
Ratification
Representative Democracy
Second Treatise on Government
Shay’s Rebellion
Social Contract
State of Nature
Three-Fifths Compromise
Virginia Plan
Block Grants
Categorical Grants
The Commerce Clause
Concurrent Powers
Confederal Systems
Creeping Categorization
Delegated Powers
Devolution Revolution
Federal Systems
Federalism
Grants-In-Aid System
Loose Construction
Mandate
National Supremacy
Necessary and Proper Clause
Nullification
Reserved Powers
Revenue Sharing
Strict Construction
Unitary Governments

Teacher Bibliography

Baylin, Bernard. The Debate on the Constitution: Part One: September 1787 to February 1788, New York, NY: Library of America, 1993.
Serow, Ann G., and Everett C Ladd, The Lanahan Readings in American Polity, 5th ed. Baltimore: Lanahan Publishers, Inc, 2011.
Various Street Law Recourses –
Political Analysis Worksheet adapted from AP Central
Federalism Group Project adapted from
Ethel Wood Website for Vocabulary Words –
Barbour, Christine, Gerald C. Wright, Matthew J. Streb, and Michael R. Wolf. Keeping the republic: power and citizenship in American politics. 5th ed. Washington, DC: CQ Press, 2006.
Edwards, George C., Martin P. Wattenberg, and Robert L. Lineberry. Government in America: people, politics, and policy. 15th ed. New York: Longman, 1998.
Lowi, Theodore J., Benjamin Ginsberg, and Kenneth A. Shepsle. American government: power and purpose. 12th ed. New York: Norton, 2002.

Unit Two