1101 Section (Jan. 18, 2013)
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Announcement: Midterm procedures
Announcement: Office Hours by appointment
Road Map to Midterm 1
Attendance Roll Call
Discussion: Checks and Balances
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We’ll think about this as five-paragraph essay
Textbook Highlights: U.S. Constitution
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Short Answers to Learning Outcome Questions
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Key Terms
Discussion: Gun Control Debate
Essay Writing Practice
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Please review the memo I emailed on the form of
five-paragraph essay
Following this template:
 Allows you to organize your thoughts quickly and
use your time wisely during tests
 Helps grader award you points!
 Gives you a better idea how to prepare for essay
tests
 NEVER JUST START WRITING WHATEVER COMES
INTO YOUR HEAD ON AN ESSAY EXAM
Essay Writing Practice
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“Please explain the rational for checks and balances,
and identify specific examples of checks and balances
in the U.S. Constitution.”
What’s the most logical outline for a fiveparagraph essay that answers this prompt?
 Let’s try this on the board…
 Consider the grader’s perspective: what’s the
difference between B and C answers? A and B
answers?
Chapter Two Learning Outcomes
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L01: Explain the theoretical and historical factors
that influenced the writers of the U.S. Constitution.
 Note:
Constitution is capitalized, constitutional is not.
 Must address both theoretical (philosophical) and
historical factors in your answer.
Chapter Two Learning Outcomes
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L02: Describe the structure of the Articles of
Confederation, and explain why the confederation
failed.
Chapter Two Learning Outcomes
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L03: Identify and explain the compromises made by
the delegates to come to agreement on the U.S.
Constitution.
Chapter Two Learning Outcomes
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L04: Explain the rationale for, and give example of
the separation of powers and the checks and
balances in the U.S. Constitution.
 This
is too broad for short answer question, but makes
an excellent essay question.
Chapter Two Learning Outcomes
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L05: Demonstrate understanding of the formal and
informal processes for amending the U.S.
Constitution.
Chapter Two Key Terms
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Study tips:
When it comes to historical events, you want to be able to
answer the classic journalist-type questions about the event:
Who? What? Why? Where? When? So What?
 You will not be tested on historical trivia.
 Pay attention to Gurian’s emphasis, repetition of phrases.
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Some Key Terms:
Confederation v. Federal System
 NJ Plan v. VA Plan
 Great Compromise (CT Compromise)
 3/5th Compromise
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Chapter Two Key Terms
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More Key Terms:
 Federalists v. Anti-Federalists
 Separation
of Powers
 Checks and Balances
 Electoral College (Gurian studies pres. Elections)
 Supremacy Doctrine (distinguish judicial review)
 Express v. Implied Powers
 Necessary and Proper Clause (“Elastic Clause”)
Gun Control Debate
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What is being proposed?
What’s public opinion on issue?
How well are leaders responding to public opinion?
What’s boundary between states’ rights and
federal supremacy?