AP United States Government and Politics
Summer Assignment
Mrs. Kelly
Email: kellyamy@wcps.k12.md.us
“If all men were angels, no government would be needed.” - James Madison
Welcome to AP Government!
The preparation to become an informed and active member of the United States political process can
sometimes be a daunting task. With a constant flow of information from the internet, news programs,
newspapers, and even social networking, information seems to become more confusing rather than
informative. By studying the principles of our Constitution and the foundations our political culture,
you will become engaged and informed about the complex system of American government.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a summer assignment?
You are about to be part of a class that is both fun and rigorous. This is a college level U.S. Government
course, and as such, we will hit the ground running this summer in order to begin our exploration into
the diverse nature of American Government.
*Bonus Perk: Your advance work is going to make our conversations a lot more interesting,
from the very first day 
When is this assignment due?
Please submit your completed assignment by Monday, August 26.
Where should I write (or glue) my summer assignment?
Your summer assignment should be contained in a single subject spiral bound notebook. You will
keep this spiral for notes throughout the course.
What if I lose this paper or I lose the Constitution worksheets?
No worries. All handouts are attached and posted to the class website and to My Big Campus.
Class Website - http://www.kellyushistorygov.weebly.com
- On the top bar, click “AP Government Summer Assignment.” There you will find instructions,
Constitution worksheets, and links that will help complete your assignment.
My Big Campus - Log In and click on “AP Government and Politics (APGOPO 2013)” group. Click on
“Resources” and “APGOPO Summer Assignment 2013.” There you will find instructions, Constitution
worksheets, and links that will help complete your assignment.
What if I have a question during the summer?
You can always contact me during the summer. The easiest and most efficient ways are to email me at
kellyamy@wcps.k12.md.us or send me a message on My Big Campus. These are the best ways to
contact me during the school year when you have a burning homework question that you just cannot
figure out.
1. The United States Constitution. This is the essential guide to our government’s structure and
philosophy. It is essential that you have a general understanding of the basic structure, powers
listed, and amendments of the Constitution. Want to be ready for anything? Glue the
worksheet into your notebook when complete.
FIND.
These websites has a searchable version:
 http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution.html
 http://usconstitution.com/
READ.
We will be reflecting on the Constitution throughout the year. Read every
word thoroughly. Look up what you do not understand.
WRITE.
Complete the worksheets attached to this page. You will use it all year as
your personal guide to the Constitution. Glue these worksheets into your
AP Government spiral notebook.
2. Supreme Court Cases. These cases have changed the way the Constitution has been
interpreted and applied. It is essential that you know these cases throughout this course. Want
to be ready for any discussion in class? Write these cases in your spiral notebook.
FIND.
These websites are where you want to search these cases.
 http://www.oyez.com
 http://www.findlaw.com
 http://www.landmarkcases.org
WRITE.
In your spiral notebook, you will create a journal of 17 landmark
Supreme Court cases. You will be able to reference these cases using your
journal throughout the year. These cases need to be handwritten and
follow this format:
 Provide the Constitutional Question: You need to establish was
Constitutional question arose from the specific case.
 Provide background information: In one paragraph, summarize
what the case was about.
 Provide a summary of the opinion of the court. In one
paragraph, summarize the opinion of the court.
The list of cases and an example can be found on the last page of this
packet.
Landmark Supreme Court Cases
1. Marbury v. Madison (1803) - Rewrite
the example below into your notebook.
2. McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
3. Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)
4. Barron v. Baltimore (1833)
5. Dred Scott v. Sanford (1857)
6. Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)
7. Schenck v. United States (1919)
8. Gitlow v. New York (1925)
9. Korematsu v. United States (1944)
10. Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka
(1954)
11. Mapp v. Ohio (1961)
12. Engle v. Vitale (1962)
13. Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)
14. Tinker v. Des Moines Independent
School District (1969)
15. Regents of California v. Bakke (1978)
16. Texas v. Johnson (1989)
17. Citizen United v. Federal Election
Commission (2010)
Case #1: Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Constitutional Question
Does the Supreme Court of the United State have the power, under Article III, Section 2, of the
Constitution, to interpret the constitutionality of a law or statute passed by Congress?
Background Information
In his last few hours in office, President John Adams made a series of “midnight
appointments” to fill as many government posts as possible with Federalists. One of these
appointments was William Marbury as a federal justice of the peace. However, Thomas
Jefferson took over as President before the appointment was officially given to Marbury.
Jefferson, a Republican, instructed Secretary of State James Madison to not deliver the
appointment. Marbury sued Madison to get the appointment he felt he deserved. He asked
the Court to issue a writ of mandamus, requiring Madison to deliver the appointment. The
Judiciary Act, passed by Congress in 1789, permitted the Supreme Court of the United States to
issue such a writ.
Opinion of the Court
The Court decided that Marbury’s request for a writ of mandamus was based on a law passed
by Congress that the Court held to be unconstitutional. The Court decided unanimously that
the federal law contradicted the Constitution, and since the Constitution is the Supreme Law of
the Land, it must reign supreme. Through this case, Chief Justice John Marshall established the
power of judicial review: the power of the Court not only to interpret the constitutionality of a
law or statute but also to carry out the process and enforce its decision.