Unit Two Outline
Political Beliefs and Behaviors
Individual citizens hold a variety of beliefs about their government, its leaders, and the U.S. political
system in general; taken together, these beliefs form the foundation of U.S. political culture. It is
important for students to understand how these beliefs are formed, how they evolve, and the processes
by which they are transmitted. Students should know why U.S. citizens hold certain beliefs about
politics, and how families, schools, and the media act to perpetuate or change these beliefs.
Understanding the ways in which political culture affects and informs political participation is also
critical. For example, students should know that individuals often engage in multiple forms of political
participation, including voting, protest, and mass movements. Students should understand why
individuals engage in various forms of political participation and how that participation may affect the
political system.
Finally, it is essential that students understand what leads citizens to differ from one another in their
political beliefs and behaviors and the political consequences of these differences. To understand these
differences, students should focus on the demographic features of the American population and the
different views that people hold of the political process. They should be aware of group differences in
political beliefs and behavior. Students should also understand how changes in political participation
affect the political system.
AP Focus
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Define what is meant by political cultures, and list the dominant aspects of political culture in
the United States.
List the contributions to U.S. political culture made by the Revolution, by the nation’s religious
heritages, and by the family structure.
Explain how the “culture war” between orthodox and progressive Americans shapes the debate
over controversial policy issues.
Identify reasons for American’ mistrust of government, and explain how it is affected by both
political events and political efficacy, both internal and external.
Explain why political tolerance is a necessary component of a democratic system
Explain the role of public opinion in the American democratic system.
Discuss the basic elements of polling and explain how polling reflects the attitudes of people
generally
Discuss the role of family and other factors in the political socialization of today’s youth
Explain why there are crosscutting cleavages between liberals and conservatives in this country;
assess the significance of social class, race and ethnicity, and geographic region in explaining
political attitudes.
Define political ideology, and describe the ideological differences between the average public
and the political elites.
Explain voter turnout in the United States and the factors that may influence it
Describe how control of the elections have shifted from the states to the federal government,
and explain what effect this shift has had on blacks, women, and youth
Discuss those factors that appear to be associated with high or low political participation.
Syllabus
9/25/13
Reading Assignment: Edwards Chapter 6 (pages 183-195)
Lecture Topics: American Political Values
Homework: Study Guide #1 -#3
9/27/13
Reading Assignment: Edwards Chapter 6 (pages 195-201)
Lecture Topics: Polling in America, Efficacy and Trust
In-Class: Quiz #2
Homework: Study Guide #4 and #5
10/1/13
Reading Assignment: Edwards Chapter 6 (pages 201-205)
Lecture Topics: Political Ideology and Cleavages
Homework: Study Guide #6 and #7
10/3/13
Reading Assignment: Edwards Chapter 6 (pages 206-211) Chapter 10 (pages 312-317)
Lecture Topics: Political Participation and Voter Turnout
In-Class: Quiz #3
Homework: Study Guide #8-#10
10/8/13
In-Class: Timed FRQs
10/10/13
Unit Two Examination
10/15/12
Unit Two Exam Corrections
Unit Two Daily Participation Packet Due