Download Wasserman AP Syllabus

AP GOVERNMENT UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT & POLITICS:
SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
TEXTS/MATERIALS:
Main Text: Maleby, et al. Governent by the People. 21st edition (2006)
Supplemental Text: Woll. American Government: Reading & Cases. 16th edition (2006)
Also:
Primary sources
A variety of current news reports & commentary from major news sources such as
newspapers, television, the Internet, and journals.
COURSE OVERVIEW:
This year-long survey course closely examines the formal and informal foundations of
our government and the processes of the American political system. Think of it as Civics
& Economics on steroids - it is much more detailed and intensive. In addition to
increasing your knowledge of our government and political systems, this course will also
serve other beneficial purposes. It will prepare you for college-level work in the areas of
higher level thinking and valuable study skills. It will also enable you to hone you critical
thinking skills through analysis and careful examination. In addition, you will have the
opportunity to earn college credit by successfully completing the AP Exam* in May.
Since this is a college-level course, it will be taught as such. You will be responsible for
your own learning. This means that you must come to class prepared to discuss outside
reading each day. What we do in class will enhance what you have done outside of
class. Deadlines must be met and quality must be a priority. This course will require a
great deal of discipline and a high-level work ethic on your part. However, I do think if
you do your part, this will be a worthwhile and enjoyable class. I look forward to a year
of solving? the worldʼs problems - through consensus and compromise, of course!
GRADING:
As this is a college-level class, we will follow the college-level grading system:
"
100-90 A
"
89-80 B
"
79-70 C
"
69-60 D
Your grade will reflect your performance on:
Assignment:
Times Counted:
outside reading & quizzes
1
vocabulary projects (6 total)
1
category tests (6 total)
2
category projects (6 total)
2
analytical & interpretive free-response questions
(6 total)
1
attendance
1
•
CURRICULUM OUTLINE:
I. Constitutional Underpinnings of the United States Government
(Readings: Maleby: Chapters 1 & 2; Woll: 1,3,4,6,& 12)
Reading Quizzes, Co-operative Sample Multiple Choice Questions, Weekly News
Connections, Vocabulary Project (Keynote)
A.Formation & adoption of the Constitution
B.Separation of Powers
C.Checks & Balances
D.Federalism
E.Theories of a Democratic Government
Critical analysis of government response to 9/11: Based upon documentary: On Native
Soil
Instruction, Practice, Application of Free-Response Question: Explain how the
Constitution is a living document. Also, Identify and explain how the framers were able
to be flexible when it came to some major compromises.
II. Political Beliefs & Behaviors
(Readings: Maleby: Chapters 4, 5, & 8; Woll: 2, 28)
Reading Quizzes, Co-operative Sample Multiple Choice Questions, Weekly News
Connections, Vocabulary Project (Keynote)
A.Beliefs about political leaders
B.Processes citizens learn about politics
C.Public Opinion
D.Civic Participation
E.Influential Factors influencing citizens
Critical analysis of voting patterns of 18 - 25 year olds in presidential elections
beginning with the ratification of the 26th Amendment.
Instruction, Practice, Application of Free-Response Question: Explain conclusions
drawn from the data analysis of 18 - 25 year oldsʼ voting patterns.
III. Political Parties, Interests Groups, & Mass Media
(Readings: Maleby: Chapters 6, 7, 9, & 10; Woll: 34, 35, 39, 45 &49
Reading Quizzes, Co-operative Sample Multiple Choice Questions, Weekly News
Connections, Vocabulary Project (Keynote)
A. Political parties & elections
B. Interest Groups, including PACs
C. Mass Media
Critical analysis of exit polls in recent elections and their reliability,
Instruction, Practice, Application of Free-Response Question: Explain the negative
effects of the use of public opinion polls by the media and political candidates in recent
elections.
IV. National Government Institutions
(Readings: Maleby: Chapters 11, 12, &13, ; Woll: 52, 54. 56, & 70)
Reading Quizzes, Co-operative Sample Multiple Choice Questions, Weekly News
Connections, Vocabulary Project (Keynote)
A. Institutional Power
B. Balance of Power
C. Linkages between institutions
Instruction, Practice, Application of Free-Response Question: Explain judicial activism.
Use court cases that exemplify this principle.
V. Public Policy
(Readings: Maleby: Chapters 18, 19, 20, & 28 Woll: 15)
Reading Quizzes, Co-operative Sample Multiple Choice Questions, Weekly News
Connections, Vocabulary Project (Keynote)
A. Federal government policymaking
B. Policy agendas
C. Enacting policy
D. Bureaucracy & Courts
E. Linkages between policy & policy makers
Critical analysis of past presidential policies and how their success is viewed today.
VI. Civil Rights & Civil Liberties
(Readings: Maleby: Chapters 14, 15, 16, & 17; Woll: 18, 23, 24, 74, 77, 78, )
Reading Quizzes, Co-operative Sample Multiple Choice Questions, Weekly News
Connections, Vocabulary Project (Keynote)
A. Judicial Interpretation
B. Substantive Rights & liberties
C. The 14th Amendment
Instruction, Practice, Application of Free-Response Question: Produce a timeline of the
major civil rights milestones from the Civil War until the passage of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964. Explain why you chose the events you selected.
*AP EXAM:
The U.S. Government & Politics Exam is:
★ 2 hours & 25 minutes long
★ 45-minute multiple-choice (60 questions)
★100-minute free-response (4 questions)
For more information on this class and the exam, visit College Boardʼs website:
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_usgov.html?usgovpol