Overview: This unit focuses on the historical context of the formation of the U.S. government as established by the framers at the Constitutional Convention.
Students will gain an understanding of the ideological and philosophical traditions guiding the work of the framers. Students will also understand the doctrines and historical background to the Constitution; key principles, such as federalism and separation of powers; the ideological and philosophical underpinnings of American government; and theories informing interpretations of the Constitution including democratic theory, republicanism, pluralism, and elitism.
*Homework is due on the date listed. All work must be handwritten unless discussed with teacher. No assignments will be accepted after the time they are collected or checked in class.
Sept.
8/9
Sept.
10/11
Sept.
16/17
Sept.
18/21
Sept
22/24
Sept.
25/28
Considerations that influenced the formation and adoption of the
Constitution
Federalism
Separation of
Powers
Federalism –
Case Study
How to answer an
FRQ
Multiple Choice
Exam
Edwards –Chapter 1 Democracy
Chapter 2 – Origins of the
Constitution up to (

) The
Madisonian Model
Edwards – Chapter 2 The
Madisonian Model 
end of chapter
Vocabulary Quiz Set 1
Edwards – Chapter 3
Written Response Quiz
Vocabulary Set 1
Study Guide Questions A
Vocabulary Set 2
Study Guide Questions B
The U.S. Constitution (Appendix) Free Response Question
Anti-Federalists, Articles of Confederation, checks and balances, consent of the governed, direct democracy vs. indirect democracy, elite and class theory, European Enlightenment, factions, Federalist Papers, The Great Compromise, hyperpluralism, limited government, majority rule, minority rights, natural rights, pluralist theory, popular sovereignty, power, representative democracy, Second Treatise on Government, separation of powers, social contract, Shays’ Rebellion, Three-fifths compromise, traditional democratic theory

1. Draw a schematic diagram of the American government under the Articles of
Confederation.
2. How did the colonial experience shape the policy agenda at the Constitutional
Convention? What issues comprised the agenda and how were they resolved?
3. Why did the Founding Fathers believe it was not necessary to address individual rights issues specifically in the Constitution?
4. What is the Madisonian model of government? How is it reflected in the structure of
American government? What issues or problems does it raise?
5. In what ways was the original Constitution both democratic and undemocratic? How has the Constitution become democratized throughout American history?
amending process, Bill of Rights, block grants, categorical grants, the "commerce clause", concurrent powers, confederation government, cooperative federalism, creeping categorization, delegated powers, devolution, dual federalism, elastic clause, enumerated powers, federalism, fiscal federalism, formula grants,
, full faith and credit clause, implied powers, judicial review, mandate (funded v. unfunded),
, , privileges and immunities, project grants, revenue sharing, supremacy clause,
Tenth Amendment, unitary government
1. Complete the following table:
Theory Who Holds Power
Pluralist
Elite and Class
Hyperpluralist
How Policy is Made
2. Describe the three general obligations that each state has to every other state under the
Constitution.
3. How did industrialization increase the role of the national government?
4. Compare and contrast the different types of federal aid and grants given to states and cities. What is the nature of the competition for federal grants? Under what conditions might states not want to receive federal aid?
5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of federalism for a democratic system of government? Give at least two contemporary examples to illustrate your answer.

Directions: You have 25 minutes to answer the following question. Unless the directions indicate otherwise, respond to all parts of the question. It is suggested that you take a few minutes to plan and outline each answer. In your response, use substantive examples where appropriate. Make certain to number each of your answers as the question is numbered below.
The framers of the United States Constitution created a federal system.
(a) Define federalism.
(b) Explain how each of the following has been used to increase the power of the federal government relative to the states:

Categorical grants

Federal mandates
(c) Explain how each of the following has been used to increase the power of the states relative to the federal government:

Block Grants

Tenth Amendment