The AP United States Politics is about understanding why government and politics
matter. This is an intense class that will help the students learn in-depth patterns, themes, political processes, and institutions occurring in our political system. My students will learn about policy –making and how it is implemented in our government. This course is an AP class and is designed to prepare my students to achieve higher-learning skills and prepare them for the AP Test. This course is a year- long class and opened to juniors and seniors.
Textbook:
Edwards III, George et. al. Government in Action 16th ed. New York: Pearson Longman, 2018.
Supplement Texts:
Articles, Foundational Documents...
Other Materials:
We will examine and analyze graphs and data within each chapter. Numerous articles and supplemental readings will be assigned and used in class from major newspapers, news magazines, and policy analysis journals as supplementary readings, as events dictate in our discussion of politics and government. For example, the students will read NY Times, Washington Post etc.
Students will be responsible for keeping up with current events in politics and government, such as announcements of policy shifts, important Congressional bills, and debates in the House of Representatives and Senate. Also, should be aware of any case decisions of the Supreme Court, and general political discussion by watching and listening on the radio to sources of national political news and commentary and reading national/international newspapers.
OBJECTIVE:
Students should understand the institutional guarantees to political and civil rights granted under the Constitution; the rights conferred by the American government system; the major roles of the Presidency, Congress, key Supreme Court cases and arguments regarding constitutional protections. Students should understand the importance of the mass media, interest groups and other factions within our society and how they play a role in our government.
WEEK 1-2
*WHAT IS GOVERNMENT, ROOTS, FOUNDATIONS
Chapter 1 pgs. 1-23
Foundational Document-Declaration of Independence,
WEEK’s 3-5-THE CONSTITUTION
Chapter 2 pgs. 24-57
Foundational Document- The Constitution, Articles of Confederation, Brutus 1, Federalist papers
WEEK 6-8 FEDERALISM
Chapter 3 pgs. 58-84
S.C -McCulloch v. Maryland, U.S. v. Lopez
Foundational Document-Constitution
WEEK 9-10 CIVIL LIBERTIES
Chapter 4 pgs. 85-128
Engle v. Vitale, Wisconsin v. Yoder, Schenck v. U.S., Tinker v. Des Moines, Roe v. Wade, NY Times v. U.S, McDonald v. Chicago
WEEK 11-12 CIVIL RIGHTS
Chapter 5 pgs. 129-161
Brown v. Board of Education, Letter from Birmingham, 14th Amendment
WEEK 13- 14 PUBLIC OPINION
Chapter 6 pgs. 164-191
Polling assignment
UNIT 5-POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
WEEK 15 MASS MEDIA
Chapter 7 pgs.192-217
Bias project
WEEK 16-17 POLITICAL PARTIES
Chapter 8 pgs. 218-242
WEEK 18-20 ELECTIONS AND VOTING BEHAVIOR
Chapter 9 pgs. 243-282
WEEK 21-22 INTEREST GROUPS
Chapter 10 pgs. 283-308
Interest Group project
WEEK 23-26 CONGRESS
Chapter 11 pgs. 309-340
WEEK 27-29 THE PRESIDENCY
Chapter 12 pgs. 341-381
Chapter.13 pgs. 382-408
WEEK 30-BUREAUCRACY
Chapter 14 pgs. 409-440
Do a Federal Budget Simulation
WEEK 31-32-THE FEDERAL COURTS
Chapter 15 pgs. 441-478
WEEK 33-34-REVIEW FOR AP EXAM
WEEK 35-36 ECONOMIC CONCEPTS
TEACHING STRATEGIES
As an educator, I do my best incorporate different teaching methods to enhance the learning process. I will lecture, discuss, and provide student-centered lessons and activities.
STUDENT EVALUATION
I will use Chapter Tests, Free Responses/Political Cartoons, Presentations/Projects, Essays and any other assessments that benefit the learning process.
I look forward to a wonderful year and if you have any questions you can email here at school or see me during the Advisory Study Hall…
Mr. Riesen