Week 1:
Day 1: Unit 1 Overview
Read through the syllabus and course objectives.
Discuss the importance of understanding the foundations of American democracy.
Introduce key concepts and themes of Unit 1.
Assign readings for upcoming topics.
Day 2: Ideals of Democracy
Define democracy and its core principles.
Discuss the ideals of democracy such as equality, liberty, and justice.
Analyze historical and contemporary examples of democratic ideals in action.
Assign readings and reflective exercises on democratic ideals.
Day 3: Types of Democracy
Explore different forms of democracy, including direct and representative democracy.
Compare and contrast parliamentary and presidential systems.
Analyze case studies of different democratic systems around the world.
Assign readings and discussion questions on types of democracy.
Week 2:
Day 4: Federalist No. 10 & Brutus 1 Summary
Introduce Federalist No. 10 and Brutus 1.
Analyze key arguments presented in both documents.
Discuss the views of James Madison and the Anti-Federalists on the structure of government.
Assign reading summaries and critical thinking questions.
Day 5: Challenges of the Articles of Confederation
Discuss the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
Analyze how these weaknesses led to the Constitutional Convention.
Explore the historical context and events that prompted the need for a stronger central government.
Assign readings and a short written response on the challenges of the Articles of Confederation.
Day 6: Ratification of the U.S. Constitution
Explore the ratification process of the U.S. Constitution.
Discuss the debates and compromises made during the ratification period.
Analyze the role of key figures such as Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and George Mason.
Assign readings and a debate activity on the ratification process.
Week 3:
Day 7: Principles of American Government
Introduce the principles of American government, including popular sovereignty, separation of powers, and checks and balances.
Analyze how these principles are reflected in the U.S. Constitution.
Discuss contemporary examples of these principles in action.
Assign readings and a group project on the principles of American government.
Day 8: Relationship Between States and the Federal Government
Explore the division of powers between states and the federal government.
Discuss the supremacy clause and federalism.
Analyze historical and current issues related to state-federal relations.
Assign readings and a case study on the relationship between states and the federal government.
Day 9: Constitutional Interpretations of Federalism
Discuss different interpretations of federalism throughout U.S. history.
Analyze landmark Supreme Court cases related to federalism, such as McCulloch v. Maryland and Gibbons v. Ogden.
Debate the implications of different interpretations of federalism on American government and society.
Assign readings and a written response on constitutional interpretations of federalism.
Week 4:
Day 10: Federalism in Action
Explore how federalism operates in practice through case studies and examples.
Discuss the role of federal, state, and local governments in various policy areas such as education, healthcare, and transportation.
Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of federalism.
Assign readings and a group project on federalism in action.
Day 11: Required Founding Documents
Review key founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
Analyze the significance of these documents in shaping American democracy.
Discuss the principles and values expressed in each document.
Assign readings and a reflection on the importance of founding documents.
Day 12: Multiple Choice Questions
Review multiple choice questions based on Unit 1 content.
Practice answering questions individually and in groups.
Discuss strategies for approaching multiple choice questions.
Assign additional practice questions for homework.
Week 5:
Day 13: MC Answers and Review
Review answers to multiple choice questions from the previous day.
Discuss any concepts or topics that students found challenging.
Review key takeaways from Unit 1.
Provide feedback on student progress and areas for improvement.
Day 14 & 15: Unit 1 Wrap-Up and Assessment
Conduct a review session covering Unit 1 material.
Unit assessment covering concepts, readings, and discussions from the unit.
Reflect on student learning and progress throughout Unit 1.
Preview upcoming units and topics in the course.
Week 6:
Day 1: Introduction to Unit 2
Read Unit 2 Overview (2.0)
Watch introductory videos or lectures on the topic
Begin outlining key concepts and terms in Unit 2
Day 2: Congress
Read about Congress (2.1)
Study the structures, powers, and functions of Congress (2.2)
Take notes on key points and examples
Day 3: Congressional Behavior
Learn about congressional behavior (2.3)
Research case studies or examples of congressional behavior
Discuss with peers or instructors
Week 7:
Day 4: The President
Study the roles and powers of the President (2.4)
Understand the checks on the presidency (2.5)
Compare and contrast the expansion of presidential power (2.6)
Day 5: Presidential Communication
Read about presidential communication (2.7)
Analyze speeches or addresses by past presidents
Consider the impact of presidential communication on public opinion
Day 6: The Judicial Branch
Learn about the judicial branch (2.8)
Explore the legitimacy of the judicial branch (2.9)
Discuss landmark Supreme Court cases that shaped the judiciary's role
Week 8:
Day 7: The Court in Action
Study how the court operates in action (2.10)
Analyze the process of judicial decision-making
Discuss the impact of court rulings on society
Day 8: Checks on the Judicial Branch
Understand the checks on the judicial branch (2.11)
Explore how other branches of government influence the judiciary
Consider the role of public opinion in checking the judiciary
Day 9: The Bureaucracy
Read about the bureaucracy (2.12)
Understand discretionary and rule-making authority (2.13)
Discuss the bureaucracy's role in implementing policy
Week 9:
Day 10: Holding the Bureaucracy Accountable
Study mechanisms for holding the bureaucracy accountable (2.14)
Explore examples of bureaucratic accountability
Discuss reforms or changes that could improve accountability
Day 11: Policy and the Branches of Government
Learn how policy is shaped by the branches of government (2.15)
Analyze case studies of policy-making processes
Discuss the role of interest groups and public opinion in policy-making
Day 12: Review and Practice
Review key concepts, terms, and examples from Unit 2
Complete multiple-choice questions (2.16)
Check your answers and review explanations (2.17)
Week 10:
Day 13 & 14: Wrap-Up and Reflection
Reflect on your understanding of Unit 2
Identify areas where you need further study
Prepare for assessment and take assessment on Unit 2
Week 11:
Day 1: Unit 3 Overview and The Bill of Rights
Read Unit 3 Overview (3.0) and discuss key concepts.
Dive into The Bill of Rights (3.1) and discuss the historical context and significance.
Day 2: First Amendment
Explore Freedom of Religion (3.2) and its implications in modern society.
Discuss Freedom of Speech (3.3) and analyze its limitations and controversies.
Day 3: First Amendment Continued
Continue discussing First Amendment topics: Freedom of Press (3.4).
Engage in debates or discussions about recent cases related to Freedom of Speech and Press.
Week 12:
Day 4: Second Amendment
Examine the Rights to Bear Arms (3.5) and analyze the ongoing debate surrounding gun control laws.
Discuss the historical context and interpretation of the Second Amendment.
Day 5: Balancing Individual Freedom with Public Order and Safety
Explore how Amendments balance Individual Freedom with Public Order and Safety (3.6).
Analyze case studies or hypothetical scenarios to understand the complexities involved.
Day 6: Selective Incorporation & the 14th Amendment
Study Selective Incorporation & the 14th Amendment (3.7) and its role in extending civil liberties to the states.
Discuss landmark cases that illustrate the process of selective incorporation.
Week 13:
Day 7: Amendments: Due Process and the Rights of the Accused
Delve into Due Process and the Rights of the Accused (3.8) and discuss the importance of fair legal procedures.
Analyze how these rights are applied in various legal contexts.
Day 8: Amendments: Due Process and the Right to Privacy
Explore Due Process and the Right to Privacy (3.9) and discuss its evolution in the digital age.
Analyze contemporary issues related to privacy rights and government surveillance.
Day 9: Social Movements and Equal Protection
Study Social Movements and Equal Protection (3.10) and their impact on civil rights.
Discuss key movements in history and their achievements.
Week 14:
Day 10: Government Responses to Social Movements
Analyze Government Responses to Social Movements (3.11) and discuss the role of government in addressing civil rights issues.
Explore the effectiveness of various government policies and actions.
Day 11: Balancing Minority and Majority Rights
Discuss the challenges of Balancing Minority and Majority Rights (3.12) in a diverse society.
Engage in activities or discussions that explore perspectives from different groups.
Day 12: Affirmative Action
Study Affirmative Action (3.13) and its role in promoting diversity and addressing historical injustices.
Debate the pros and cons of affirmative action policies.
Week 15:
Day 13: Multiple Choice Questions
Review the content covered in Unit 3 through Multiple Choice Questions (3.14).
Encourage students to work individually or in groups to answer the questions.
Day 14: MC Answers and Review
Go over the Multiple Choice Answers and Review (3.15) as a class.
Week 16:
Day 1: Unit 4 Overview
Read through Unit 4 syllabus and objectives.
Familiarize yourself with the main topics and assignments.
Note important deadlines.
Day 2: American Attitudes About Government and Politics
Read assigned textbook chapters or online resources on American attitudes towards government and politics.
Take notes on key concepts, theories, and historical contexts.
Participate in class discussion or group activities related to the topic.
Day 3: Political Socialization
Study the concept of political socialization and its importance in shaping political beliefs.
Analyze various agents of socialization such as family, education, media, and peers.
Reflect on personal experiences and influences in shaping your own political beliefs.
Week 17:
Day 4: Changes in Ideology
Explore how political ideologies have evolved over time in the United States.
Examine historical events and societal shifts that have influenced changes in ideology.
Discuss case studies or examples of ideological shifts in American politics.
Day 5: Measuring Public Opinion
Learn about different methods and tools used to measure public opinion.
Study the strengths and limitations of polling techniques, surveys, and other data collection methods.
Analyze recent public opinion polls on relevant political issues.
Day 6: Evaluating Public Opinion Data
Practice interpreting public opinion data and statistics.
Discuss the role of polling in informing policy decisions and political campaigns.
Critically evaluate the reliability and validity of public opinion polls.
Week 18:
Day 7: Ideologies of Political Parties
Explore the ideological differences between major political parties in the United States.
Compare and contrast the core principles and policy positions of Democrats and Republicans.
Analyze how party ideologies influence voter behavior and electoral outcomes.
Day 8: Ideology and Policy Making
Examine the relationship between ideology and policy making in the American political system.
Discuss how ideological divisions shape the policy agenda and legislative process.
Analyze case studies of landmark policies influenced by ideological debates.
Day 9: Ideology and Economic Policy
Study the role of ideology in shaping economic policy debates.
Explore different ideological perspectives on taxation, government spending, and regulation.
Analyze the impact of ideology on economic inequality and social mobility.
Week 19:
Day 10: Ideology and Social Policy
Examine how ideology influences social policy decisions on issues such as healthcare, education, and welfare.
Debate the role of government in addressing social inequalities and promoting social welfare.
Discuss competing ideological perspectives on the role of individual responsibility versus collective action.
Day 11: Multiple Choice Questions
Review multiple choice questions from assigned readings and class discussions.
Practice answering questions on key concepts, theories, and case studies.
Identify areas of strength and areas needing further review.
Day 12: Free Response Questions and Review Multiple Choice Questions
Review free response questions and prompts provided for the unit.
Practice writing coherent and well-supported responses to essay questions.
Review multiple choice questions once again to reinforce understanding.
Week 20:
Day 13: Review Session
Participate in a review session with classmates or instructors.
Clarify any remaining questions or concerns about unit material.
Review study notes, flashcards, and other review materials.
Day 14: Unit 4 Assessment
Take the Unit 4 assessment covering American political ideologies and beliefs.
Demonstrate understanding of key concepts, theories, and empirical evidence.
Review assessment feedback and identify areas for future improvement.
Week 21:
Day 1:
Read Unit 5 Overview (5.0)
Watch introductory videos on Voting Rights and Models of Voting Behavior (5.1)
Take notes on key concepts and terms
Day 2:
Read about Voter Turnout (5.2)
Research historical and recent trends in voter turnout
Identify factors that influence voter turnout
Day 3:
Study Political Parties (5.3)
Understand the role of political parties in the political process
Compare the two-party system with multi-party systems
Week 22:
Day 4:
Explore How and Why Political Parties Change and Adapt (5.4)
Research case studies of parties adapting to societal changes
Discuss the implications of party adaptation on democracy
Day 5:
Study Third-Party Politics (5.5)
Analyze the impact of third parties on the political landscape
Compare third-party movements in different countries
Day 6:
Research Interest Groups Influencing Policy Making (5.6)
Identify different types of interest groups
Discuss strategies used by interest groups to influence policy
Week 23:
Day 7:
Explore Groups Influencing Policy Outcomes (5.7)
Compare the influence of interest groups with that of political parties
Discuss the role of grassroots movements in shaping policy
Day 8:
Review key concepts from the unit
Create flashcards or a study guide for quick review
Discuss any challenging topics with classmates or instructors
Day 9:
Take a practice Multiple Choice Questions (5.14) quiz
Review answers and explanations
Identify areas for further study
Week 24:
Day 10:
Work on Free Response Questions and Review (5.15)
Practice writing responses to potential exam questions
Review feedback from instructors or peers