AP United States Government and Politics Syllabus

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AP United States Government and Politics Syllabus

Overview –

The Advanced Placement course in United States Government and Politics is designed to give students a critical perspective on politics and government. This course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret United States politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and the ideas that make up the American political reality. At the conclusion of the course, students will have the

opportunity to take the A.P. Examination in the hopes of receiving college credit.

Along with the texts, a series of readings in government and politics as well as social history, several novels, and primary and secondary source materials are required. Reading is assigned in units and expected to be completed by the date specified. Please note that in this class reading is NOT optional.

In-class discussions are far-ranging and serve to supplement rather than replace the necessary independent reading. The course emphasizes a critical approach to the study of government and politics in America. The use of critical thinking skills plus the application of comprehensive persuasive writing are an integral part of AP United States Government and Politics. Activities designed to promote student interest and help them learn is an essential element of AP

Government and Politics. Mock trials, congressional budget simulations, and debates provide performance-based assessment and a valuable learning experience. Tests are designed to simulate the AP Exams. Questions, both multiple choice and essay for past exams are used. Students need to learn to interpret charts, graphs, and political cartoons. This kind of practice will make students less apprehensive for the real AP Exam.

Objectives –

The students will:

Investigate the major events in the development of the United States Constitution pertaining to:

constitutional underpinnings (5-15% of exam) civil rights and civil liberties (5-15% of exam)

political behavior and political beliefs (10-20% of exam) political parties, interest groups, and media (5-15% of exam) political institutions (35-40% of exam)

Congress the Presidency the Federal Courts Bureaucracies

diplomacy and international relations (5-15% of exam) economic developments (5-15% of exam)

public policy, social change, cultural and intellectual developments (5-15% of exam) Analyze cause and effect of major historical trends in politics

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Analyze and synthesize historical facts and data and use that knowledge to determine “change over time” pertaining to the themes of:

American diversity

American domestic policy American foreign policy changes in demographics economic transformations politics and citizenship reform movements religion

war and diplomacy

Examine the function of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the United States government.

Analyze topics in the mass media as they relate to: elections

politics and citizenship American domestic policy American foreign policy

Identify and investigate the influence of mass media on the American voter including: bias

negative campaigning

effectiveness of print versus broadcast

Use, read, and interpret a wide variety of maps, graphs, charts, political cartoons, and pictures

Texts

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Primary text –

Edwards III, George C., Robert L. Lineberry, and Martin P. Wattenberg. Government in America: People, Politics, and Policy. New York: Pearson Education, Inc. 2004. 11th ed. Secondary text –

Wilson, James Q., and John J. Dilulio Jr.. American Government: Institutions and Policies. Boston: McDougal Littell/Houghton Mifflin. 2006. 10th ed.

Supplemental resources –

Plano, Jack C. and Milton Greenberg. The American Political Dictionary. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, a Division of Thomson Learning, Inc. 2002. 11th ed.

The Princeton Review. Cracking the AP United States Government and Politics Exam. New York: The Princeton Review, a division of Random House Inc. 2006.

Woll, Peter. American Government Readings and Cases. New York: Pearson Longman. 2004. 15th ed.

Newspaper and magazine articles as assigned

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Websites (include but a re not limited to the following): www.apcentral.collegeboard.org http://wps.ablongman.com/long_edwards_government_11/10/2806/718366.cw/index .html http://college.hmco.com/polisci/wilson/am_gov/10e/student_home.html Novels –

Hamilton, Alexander, James Madison, and John Jay. Selected Federalist Papers. Mineola: Dover Publications, Inc. 2001

Herman, Edward S. and Noam Chomsky. Manufacturing Consent: The Political

Economy of the Mass Media. New York. Pantheon Books, a division of Random House Inc. 2002.

Matthews, Chris. Hardball: How Politics is Played Told by One Who Knows the Game. New York: Simon & Schuster. 1998

Patterson, Thomas E. The Vanishing Voter: Public Involvement in an Age of Uncertainty. New York: Vintage Books, a Division of Random House, Inc. 2002 Rakove, Jack N. Original Meanings: Politics and Ideas in the Making of the

Constitution. New York: Vintage Books, a Division of Random House, Inc. 1996

Supplies –

Students need a three-ring binder in which to keep lecture notes, chapter outlines, essays, and other work assigned throughout the year. Students are expected to maintain their binders in an organized fashion and to come prepared for every class meeting.

Class Preparation and Expectations –

Adequate preparation for class includes, but is not limited to: completing assigned readings

outlining (taking notes on) chapters in the primary texts as assigned going beyond the text to understand the material

developing questions for discussion

carefully completing all assignments and submitting them when due attending class on a regular basis (attendance is mandatory)

engaging in collaboration when necessary to complete group activities/lessons studying for chapter and unit tests, given in both multiple choice and essay format

Student Success –

In order to be successful in AP United States Government and Politics, students must:

assume personal responsibility for their own education, devoting the appropriate time and energy to learning the subject

bring and use appropriate prerequisite skills in reading, writing, and critical thinking prepare properly for all examinations, including the AP exam in May

apply knowledge and concepts learned in class to current events and personal opinions

Collaborative Activities –

At different points during the year, students will be asked to work in collaborative groups. They will engage in various activities which will require them to research, create, and present

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“jigsawing” chapters between groups to discuss information

developing PowerPoint presentations to teach the class a specific chapter or period of time

Writing assignments in addition to FRQs –

Journal critiques ask the students to read and summarize an article concerning the presidential election and then form an opinion about the validity/point of view of the article.

Position papers require the students to read both the pro and con arguments of a particular issue in American government and politics. The students are then required to do the following:

Determine the problem and issue

If possible from the information given, determine the author’s frame of reference. Determine the author’s thesis and elaborate on what position each author takes on the

issue.

Formulate their own thesis and write an essay following this format:

Cite the supporting evidence each author uses to support his/her position (interpretation). In the remaining paragraphs, give their own support for their position:

With which author to they agree?

What evidence offered in the articles enables them to draw that conclusion?

What outside evidence (from text, other books, or articles) enabled them to draw that conclusion?

General vocabulary:

The meaning and use of the following terms are introduced at the beginning of the course and are referred to throughout the year. Students are expected to understand and use them appropriately. Terms:

Analyze, assess, compare, contrast, criticize, define, describe, discuss, enumerate, evaluate, explain, illustrate, interpret, justify, prove, summarize, synthesize, trace

Course Outline –

The AP United States Government and Politics class meets every day for 57-minutes. There are approximately 85 class meetings before the May exam.

Unit 1 – The Constitutional Framework Readings:

Edwards: Chapters 1, 2, and 3 Wilson: Chapters 1, 2, and 3 Woll: Chapter 1

Hamilton: Federalist Papers Novel: Original Meanings Worksheets/Handouts/Activities:

Worksheets:

Comparing/Contrasting Colonial Regions: New England, Middle, and Southern “From Authority to Individualism”

Anti-federalist Papers

Map: 13 colonies a geopolitical perspective

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Topics:

Steps toward Self Government 1754-1787 The Road to Revolution

Declaring Independence The Colonial Mindset

The English Heritage: The Power of Ideas (Locke, Hobbes, Montesquieu) The American Creed

The “Conservative” Revolution The Government That Failed

The Articles of Confederation The Drift Toward Anarchy Shay’s Rebellion

Making a Constitution The Philadelphia Plan

Equality Issues Economic Issues

Individual Rights Issues The Madisonian Model Federalism

How Federalism Works

Checking and balancing power Diversity and Accountability Liberalism and States’ Rights Fiscal Federalism

The Changing Nature of Federalism Intergovernmental Politics

Categorical Grants Project Grants Block Grants Ratifying the Constitution

The development of political parties The Federalist Papers

Important terms:

natural rights, limited government, Shay’s Rebellion, constitutionalism, supremacy clause, necessary and proper (elastic) clause, pluralism, factions, checks and balances, separation of powers, bicameral federal system, Writ of Habeas Corpus, Great Compromise, federalism, decentralization, concurrent powers, fiscal equalization, revenue sharing, project grants, unitary, confederation, categorical grants, intergovernmental politics, block grants, states’ rights,

bureaucracy, and judicial review. Writings:

Position paper – The Constitution: Fate or Fraud.

Critical Review and/or Extended Response Test – upon completion of Original Meanings

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Tests: Upon completion of the unit:

Day 1 – 60 multiple-choice questions in AP style

Day 2 – Several extended response questions and one FRQ.

Unit 2 – Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Readings:

Edwards: Chapters 4 and 5 Wilson: Chapters 18 and 19 Woll: Chapter 3

Hamilton: Federalist Papers Worksheets/Handouts/Activities:

Worksheets:

The Bill of Rights

Landmark Supreme Court Cases “How to Write a Case Brief”

List of significant historical terms/people/events to define, identify, and/or explain. Topics:

The Bill of Rights:

Freedom of Religion: Establishment Clause Free Exercise Clause Freedom of Expression Speech vs. Press Types of Speech

Commercial Speech Symbolic Speech

Restrictions on free expression Prior Restraint

Libel Slander Sedition

Time, Place, and Manner The Right to Privacy

Expansion of Civil Liberties over time Racial Equality throughout history Gender Equality throughout history Gay Rights

The Graying of America ADA

Important terms:

Fourth Amendment, Fifth Amendment, Sixth Amendment, Eighth Amendment, Fourteenth Amendment, incorporation doctrine, probable cause, warrantless search, exclusionary rule, self-incrimination, cruel and unusual punishment, equal protection, suffrage, poll taxes, literacy tests, protest, civil disobedience, and comparable worth.

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Writings:

Position Paper – Write a case brief from the list of cases included in the handout and analyze the impact the case made on civil rights and civil liberties and investigate the extent the case had on the American political and/or social system.

Unit 3 – Political Behaviors and Beliefs Readings:

Edwards: Chapters 6 and 10 Wilson: Chapters 4, 5, and 6 Woll: Chapter 4

Novel: The Vanishing Voter Worksheets/Handouts/Activities:

Worksheets:

“The Constitution – Balancing Competing Interests” Analysis of the Constitution

“Foundations of American Foreign Policy” Political Ideology Survey

The American People The Melting Pot

The Graying of America Gender Gap

Regional Issues Educating America

Political Socialization Learning Politics Over Time Measuring Public Opinion

The Role of Polls in American Politics How Polls Are Conducted

What Polls Reveal About American Politics Political Ideologies

Public Participation

Historical Perspective Comparative Perspective Participation and Democracy Voting

Registration

Identifying the Non-voters The Disillusioned Electorate

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Important terms:

Public opinion, demography, census, melting pot, minority majority, reapportionment, sampling, political culture, political socialization, political ideology, gender gap, exit poll, legitimacy, referendum, initiative, political efficacy, civic duty, civic virtue, policy voting, and retrospective voting.

Writings:

Position paper – “Red State, Blue State - The Demographics of Politics.”

Critical Review and/or Extended Response Test – upon completion of The Vanishing Voter

Unit 4 – Political Parties, Interest Groups, and the Media Readings:

Edwards: Chapters 7, 8, 9, and 11 Wilson: Chapters 7, 8, 9, and 10 Woll: Chapters 4 and 5

Novel: Manufacturing Consent/Hardball Worksheets/Handouts/Activities:

Political Party Outline

Political Parties

Political Party Organization

Party Eras throughout American History The First Party System (1796-1824) Jackson and the Democrats (1828-1856) The Republican Eras (1860-1928) The New Deal Coalition (1932-1964)

The Era of Divided Party Government (1968-Present) The Nomination Game

Deciding to Run

Competing for Delegates The Convention Send-off The Campaign Game

Organizing a Campaign Media Coverage

Advantage to Incumbents The Economics of Campaigning

Campaign Finance Reform Pac Money and its influence The Impact of Campaigns

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The Role and Reputation of Interest Groups Theories of Interest Group Politics

Pluralism Elitism

Hyper-pluralism

How Interest Groups shape Public Policy The Development of Media Politics The Media and Public Opinion

The Functions of Mass Media in Politics Today Gatekeeper

Communication Channel Agenda Setter

Important terms:

Party competition, linkage institution, party image, rational choice theory, ticket-splitting, party machines, patronage, open primaries, closed primaries, blanket primaries, coalition, critical election, reapportionment, party realignment, party neutrality, responsible party model,

proportional representation, caucus, superdelegates, frontloading, primaries, party platform, soft money, selective perception, subgovernments, collective good, lobbying, electioneering,

selective benefits, amicus curiae briefs, high-tech politics, mass media, media event,

narrowcasting, chains, beats, trial balloons, sound bites, talking head, and policy entrepreneurs. Writings:

Critical Review and/or Extended Response Test – upon completion of Manufacturing Consent and/or Hardball

Day 2 – Several extended response questions and one FRQ. Unit 5 - Congress Readings:

Edwards: Chapters 12, and 14 Wilson: Chapter 11

Woll: Chapter 8

Worksheets/Handouts/Activities:

List of significant historical terms/people/events to define, identify, and/or explain. Topics: Congressional Organization Bicameral legislature Majority/Minority Leadership Whips Committee Chairs

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Powers of Congress Enumerated Powers Implied Powers

“Necessary and Proper” Clause Congressional Process

Introducing a Bill Referral to Committee Scheduling

Debate

Markup and Revisions Funding

Congress and the Scope of Government Important terms:

incumbents, casework, pork barrel, filibuster, censure, cloture, immunity, logrolling, seniority system, standing committees, joint committees, select committees, conference committees, bill, and legislative oversight.

Writings:

Research Paper – “Congressional Profile” Tests: Upon completion of the unit:

Day 2 – Several extended response questions and one FRQ. Unit 6 – The Presidency Readings:

Edwards: Chapters 13 and 14 Wilson: Chapter 12

Woll: Chapter 6

Presidential Organization Vice President Cabinet

Executive Office Advisors White House Staff

First Lady

The Politics of Shared Power Domestic Policymaking Foreign Policymaking Formal Powers

Informal Powers The Budgetary Process

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The President and the People Chief Legislator Party Leader Commander-in-Chief Crisis Manager Fall Guy Presidents in Perspective George Washington Thomas Jefferson Abraham Lincoln Theodore Roosevelt Franklin Roosevelt Richard Nixon Ronald Reagan Bill Clinton George W. Bush Important terms:

Impeachment, cabinet, veto, pocket veto, line-item veto, executive privilege, War Powers Act, expenditures, revenues, incrementalism, entitlements, reconciliation, appropriations, and continuing resolutions.

Writings:

Position Paper – “2008 Presidential Election” Tests: Upon completion of the unit:

Day 2 – Several extended response questions and one FRQ. Unit 7 – The Judicial System Readings:

Edwards: Chapter 16 Wilson: Chapter 14 Woll: Chapter 9

List of significant Landmark Supreme Court Cases commonly found on the AP Exam. List of significant historical terms/people/events to define, identify, and/or explain. Topics:

Structure of the Federal Judicial System District Courts

Courts of Appeals The Supreme Court

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The Courts as Policymakers Judicial Review

Judicial Activism Judicial Restraint

The Federal Courts: A Historical Perspective Federalism – The Marshall Court

Manifest Destiny – The Taney Court

Progressivism – Justices Holmes and Brandeis Civil Rights – The Warren Court

Judicial Conservatism – The Rehnquist Court Important terms:

standing to sue, class-action suits, original jurisdictions, appellate jurisdiction, stare decisis, opinion, dissenting opinion, precedent, original intent, judicial implementation, federal question, and statutory construction.

Writings:

Position Paper – “Ivory Tower Policymaking: Judicial Activism without Worry”. Tests: Upon completion of the unit:

Day 2 – Several extended response questions and one FRQ. Unit 8 - Bureaucracies Readings: Edwards: Chapter 15 Wilson: Chapter 13 Woll: Chapter 7 Worksheets/Handouts/Activities:

How Bureaucracies Are Organized Cabinet Departments

Regulatory Agencies Government Corporations Independent Executive Agencies Nongovernmental Organizations Bureaucracies as Implementers Bureaucracies as Regulators Important terms:

patronage, civil service, merit principle, independent regulatory agency, non-governmental organization, governmental corporations, standard operating procedures, administrative discretion, street-level bureaucrats, regulation, deregulation, command-and-control policy, incentive system, executive orders, and iron triangles.

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Writings:

Position Paper – “Who Runs America?” Tests: Upon completion of the unit:

Day 2 – Several extended response questions and one FRQ. Unit 9 – Domestic Policymaking Readings:

Edwards: Chapters 17, 18, and 19 Wilson: Chapters 15, 16, 17, and 21 Worksheets/Handouts/Activities:

Economic Policymaking

How Governmental Policies affect the Economy Controlling Inflation

Controlling Unemployment Social Policymaking

Income, Poverty and Public Policy Welfare Social Security Healthcare Education Environmental Policymaking Energy Policymaking Land Use and Development Global Responsibilities Important terms:

capitalism, mixed economy, inflations, stagflation, consumer price index, laissez-faire, monetarism, fiscal policy, Keynesian economics, supply-side economics, multinational corporations, anti-trust policies, insider trading, collective bargaining, entitlement programs, means-tested programs, poverty line, feminization of poverty, proportional tax, regressive tax, transfer payments, health maintenance organization, national health insurance, parent’s bill of rights, superfund, and unfunded mandate.

Writings:

Position Paper – “Poverty by Choice: The Dumbing Down of America’s Education System”.

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Unit 10 – Foreign Policymaking Readings:

Edwards: Chapter 20 Wilson: Chapter 20

American Foreign Policy : An Overview Imperialism

Isolationism The Cold War The Era of Détente The End of Communism The War on Terror Politics of Defense Spending

Defense Spending Personnel

Weapons

The New Global Agenda

The Decreasing Role of Military Power Nuclear Proliferation

The International Economy The Global Connection Human Rights

Foreign Aid

The Role of the United Nations Important terms:

Foreign policy, détente, communism, containment, tariff, balance of trade, and interdependency. Writings:

Position Paper – “America Standing Alone in Iraq”. Tests: Upon completion of the unit:

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Unit 12 – Review for AP United States History Exam Activities:

Use of review texts; use of Edwards and Wilson texts as needed.

Review of topics in U.S. Government and Politics through collaborative group presentations.

Review of various charts and worksheets from throughout the year.

Synthesizing of information to review “change over time” in areas such as the expanding role of government, civil rights and liberties, democratic ideals, and foreign policy. Essay topics and brainstorming of thesis statements and vital facts

Practice exams

The culmination of the course is the AP United States Government and Politics exam in May.

I have read the syllabus for AP United States Government. I understand that I am being asked to read and comprehend approximately ten (10) pages per day from my American Government Textbooks and assigned reading. I also understand that my hard work in this class will enable me to successfully pass the AP U.S. Government Exam in May and therefore satisfy the general education requirement for American Government and Politics in most colleges and universities.

Student Signature Date

I have read the syllabus for AP United States Government. I understand that my child is being asked to read and comprehend approximately ten (10) pages per day from their American Government Textbooks and assigned reading. I also understand that their hard work combined with my support will enable them to successfully pass the AP U.S. Government and Politics Exam in May and therefore satisfy the general education requirement for American Government and Politics in most colleges and universities.