The Advanced Placement American Government course is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the foundations of the United States government, its institutions, the political processes, and how policy decisions are reached, in addition to hopefully preparing you for the AP exam in May. This class will necessitate extensive reading and it is expected that you keep up with all the readings.
Regardless of whether or not we are able to get to discussion of all the content, you are responsible for all the information outlined in each unit syllabus.
Emphasis will be placed on timely preparation for the May Exam. Students' performance on the actual AP Exam has no bearing on their class grade, however a reminder that students are expected to take the Exam in order for their student transcript to show AP Gov credit for this course.
Advanced Placement Credit
Advanced Placement (AP) credit is available for this class IF you take the AP Exam. The test will be administered in May and the cost is approximately $80. Information on registration will be provided as the exam approaches. Review and preparation for the test will be a focus this semester with more intensive preparation occurring during the weeks immediately preceding the exam.
Required Readings
Wilson, James Q. & Dilulio, John J. Jr. American Government: Institutions and Policies. 10th ed. Boston, Mass: Houghton Mifflin 2006. *this is our primary text
Ruckman, P.S. Jr. American Government :Student Study Guide. 10th ed. Boston, Mass: Houghton Mifflin 2006.
Optional AP Exam Study guides are also available to assist your preparation for the May exam. Many guides are available for purchase on your own. Two are provided for you and can be checked out at no cost:
Soifer, Paul. CliffsAP: U.S. Government and Politics. New York, New York. Wiley Publishing, Inc. 2003
Benson, David & Wapples, Karen. Fast Track to a 5: Preparing for the AP US Government and Politics Examination. Boston, Mass: Houghton Mifflin 2006.
Access to the APEX Learning online web course is also available.
Materials
Students are required to keep a three-ring binder for the class. The binder will be organized as instructed and all material, notes, quizzes, tests, and assignments will be kept in the binder. Binders will be checked periodically for content and organization. This binder will also be an important study tool during your preparation for the May exam. In addition, students are expected to bring their textbook and other necessary materials to class daily.
Methodology
Varying methods of instruction will be utilized, including lecture, inquiry questioning, discussion, simulations, group work, and independent research. Diversified documentary materials including primary and secondary sources will be used to supplement textbook readings. In addition to the text and supplemental readings we will incorporate a
significant amount of data analysis from a number of sources. Voting trends, public opinion polls, campaign fund-raising among others. Websites and will be utilized in many of these (i.e. www.opensectrets.org)
Students will be required to become actively involved in the development of their knowledge through activities such as debates, student led study groups, and involvement in political campaigns. Projects and activities
that will be required throughout the course of the year may include, but are not limited to: Volunteering for political campaigns, Letters to the editor, Research papers, Debates, Supreme Court Decision Briefs, Student led seminars, Web site research and critiques, Book reviews.
Grading scale :
A=90-100
B=80-89
C=70-79
D=60-69
F=59 and below
Class Expectations
Be respectful of your fellow classmates, teachers, and our classroom.
Be on time. Tardies will be handled according to school policy·
Come to class prepared.
Participate in the class.
Let me know of any questions, problems, or concerns.
Grade Weighting Breakdown
Each semester, grades will be weighted to the following scale:
30% High Stakes Exams--There are three exams which are each cumulative up to that point. These exams will simulate the AP Government and Politics Exam in style and content. Often questions from previously released AP tests are used for these high stakes exams.
70% Weekly Quizzes-- Each week we will take a quiz over the content for that chapter. These will consist of either 30 multiple choice questions or 1 Free Response style essay. The format of the quizzes will alternate
each week. (ie FR, MC, FR, MC, etc)
You may do supplemental assignments to make up points on these weekly quizzes if your score is not as high as you would like. We will discuss options available for this extra work.
Late Work/ Absences
Assignments are due at the beginning of the hour.
Make-up work due to excused absences will be consistent with school policy.
Arrange for assignments and taking quizzes ahead of time for preplanned absences and college visits.
Make-up quizzes and any assignments or supplemental work must be completed within one week of absence.
The following topics will be covered!!
Please follow the reading schedule carefully to avoid falling behind.
I. Constitutional Underpinnings of United StatesGovernment
II. Political Beliefs and Behaviors
III. Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Mass Media
IV. Institutions of National Government
V. Public Policy
*Please note that content from this unit will also be weaved throughout the other material in the course to give a better idea of the policy making as it applies to the
various institutions we study. For instance in the Constitution unit we will cover Line Item Veto, War on Global Terrorism, Patriot Act; in the Presidency unit we
will discuss War Powers Act; Campaigns and Elections unit, Heath Security Act, Term Limits and so on.