Interactions Among Branches of Government

Objectives:

•To introduce students to the many complexities of government in the U.S. arising from the adoption of the federal system and how the nature and effects of federalism have changed throughout history and continue to change today

•To introduce students to the inherited beliefs, attitudes and opinions that Americans have about how their government ought to operate

Required Readings:

•Wilson text: Chapter 3 – Federalism

•Wilson text: Chapter 4 – American Political

Culture

•Madison: Federalist # 39 and #46

•Bryce: The Merits of the Federal System

•McCulloch v. Maryland

•Grodzins: The Federal System

American Polity Ch. 11 Kammen From A Machine That Would Go of Itself

Lecture:

•Federalism in the U.S.

Discussion Forum Topics:

•Federalism

•Equality of opportunity vs. economic equality

Assignments:

      • •Six Big Ideas in the Constitution
      • Naturalization Test
      • Amendment Cootie Catcher and other games to practice the Constitution & Bill Of Rights
      • •Federal vs. unitary and confederal systems of government (study graphic)
      • Legalizing marijuana debate
      • DACA debate

Assessment

•multiple choice questions

•Timed essays

  • Vocabulary
  • Amendments Quiz
  • Court Cases quiz