AP GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Class Expectations & Summer Work Overview
As a student in this class, you will be expected to come prepared every day to discuss the subjects currently being studied, be caught up on all assigned reading and have a basic knowledge of current news events. Class participation is the backbone to this course, and the more discussion we can have, the better. The class will be as worthwhile and
interesting as students and the teacher make it, so if we all put in our efforts, it will be a rewarding year for everyone. You need to know the following before school starts in September:
Materials needed:
You need to buy copies of The United States Constitution and The Declaration of Independence. These are the two most important primary
documents in American history, and you need to have copies on which you can write notes and highlight passages. There are numerous volumes which have both
documents (usually with many other significant ones included, as well) at a very affordable price. Look for the cheapest one—there are no “alternate” versions of these texts, so any edition will do. I included a link in the email which provides copies of these documents online for free. Having some hard copy will be necessary, however, when the class starts. For those with a smart phone or tablet, there are many apps available.
You need to have a bound composition book for all written assignments and journal entries. These assignments are usually concise and informal, and mostly measure your understanding of the assigned readings, current events and films viewed in class. Do not use a notebook or other loose leaf style book. You will not be taking pages out of this journal and it must be separate from your regular notebook.
The regular composition books you buy at office supply stores will do—they are usually very cheap and come in packs of more than one.
You need to buy a copy of The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli and have it read by the first class we meet in September. The book is a classic of political science and history, and has numerous translations. I would recommend the latest version (translated by Tim Parks, 2009, published by Penguin Books) and I will include a link detailing this book in the email. You will be given an assignment at the start of school dealing with this book. All you need to do before the start of school is to read the book critically and analytically. Taking notes on each chapter would be a good idea, as you will want to have specific points as it pertains to the assignment when school begins. The theme of the assignment will be “The Relevance of The Prince and Modern American Government” and you will be asked to use a select number of chapters to demonstrate the connection of this book to our modern American government and political system.
AP GOVERNMENT & POLITICS Summer Assignment
You will need a copy of The United States Constitution to complete this assignment. This packet is due on the first day of class and is intended to give you a solid foundation on The Constitution and its parts prior to the start of class in the fall. You should answer all questions on this paper (typed or neatly handwritten is fine).
PART I: THE PREAMBLE
In the space below, summarize each of the main principles (or goals) outlined in The Preamble and how you think they apply to our government and political system today. You must use specific examples from today to earn credit on this prompt.
PART II: THE ARTICLES
Summarize the purpose of each of the articles of The Constitution in the spaces below (2-3 sentences each):
Article I:
Article II:
Article III:
Article IV:
Article V:
Article VI:
Article VII:
Response Questions:
The powers of the Constitution specifically granted to particular branches of the federal government are called expressed powers.
1. Identify two expressed powers of the President:
2. Identify two expressed powers of the Senate:
3. Identify two expressed powers of the House of Representatives:
The principle of “checks and balances” dictates each branch of the federal government must have some method to control the other branches from gaining too much power. Look at the first three articles and answer the following questions:
1. What “check” does the executive branch have over the legislative branch?
2. What “check” does the executive branch have over the judicial branch?
3. What “check” does the legislative branch have over the executive branch?
4. What “check” does the legislative branch have over the judicial branch?
5. What “check” does the judicial branch have over the executive branch?
6. What “check” does the judicial branch have over the legislative branch?
7. The Constitution states the “supremacy clause” in Article VI. Explain this in your own words:
8. Describe two ways an amendment to The Constitution can be proposed:
9. Describe two ways amendments to The Constitution can be ratified (officially passed):
10.Upon reading the Constitution’s articles, which branch of the federal government is the most powerful? This is an “educated opinion” question, so feel free to answer as you like, but you need specific points to support your conclusion.
PART III: THE AMENDMENTS
Explain the general purpose of each of the following amendments and their relevance to American life today, for both the individual citizen and society at large.
Amendment 1:
Amendment 2:
Amendment 3:
Amendment 4:
Amendment 5:
Amendment 6:
Amendment 7:
Amendment 8:
Amendment 9:
Amendment 10:
Amendment 11:
Amendment 12:
Amendment 13:
Amendment 14:
Amendment 15:
Amendment 16:
Amendment 17:
Amendment 18:
Amendment 19:
Amendment 20:
Amendment 21:
Amendment 22:
Amendment 23:
Amendment 24:
Amendment 25:
Amendment 26:
Amendment 27:
The first 10 amendments to The Constitution were ratified all at once and called The Bill of Rights. Since then, only 17 amendments have been ratified in American history. Explain why you think so few amendments have been ratified and whether this is a positive or negative trend in American history and politics:
Constitutional Critiques and Analysis:
Charles A. Beard wrote a landmark essay called “Framing The Constitution” (1912) offering a very different analysis of the framers of The Constitution (the people called the Founding Fathers). Read the essay (there are numerous online links for this—you will have no problem finding it) and explain not only the main premise of Beard’s essay but whether you agree with him or not. You must use specific points to agree or disagree with his assessment. You are allowed to take a “sitting on the fence” position on this provided you explain both sides of your views.
Larry J. Sabato is a University of Virginia professor and one of the preeminent speakers in the country on The Constitution and its relevance to our nation today.
His book A More Perfect Constitution outlines 23 changes he feels should be made to The Constitution, adding specifics to his general thesis that the document needs an update to fit our modern era. Research his ideas and write about five of them in depth in the space below. You should choose the five you find the most interesting or ones that you think would most significantly alter the political system currently in place. Note: I do not expect you to buy this book (unless you want to—it’s very good) to complete this question. Simply do some online research, where you will find interviews and overviews of his book (he has given several interviews during which he details each proposal in moderate depth) and answer this question.
