AP Government Syllabus: Unit 2
Mr. Benson
Wilson: Chapters 1 and 2
Sept. : 15
1. Journal / Discussion: What is Democracy? How does it work? Why
doesn’t every state use democracy?
2. Notes: PPT on Const. Underpinnings
3. Enlightenment Philosophers
4. Introduce the Constitution Project
Homework: Constitution and Read
Sept. 17:
1. Overview Notes on US Government
2. Work on Constitution Project
3. Introduce Term List and begin
Homework: Read CH 2, work on term list, Constitution Project
Sept. 21:
1. Journal / Discussion: Journal / Discussion: Ben Franklin quote: explain
what he meant.
2. Describe how the framers of the Constitution thought of every possible
scenario for the survival of the Constitution and that power would be
shared throughout the Government.
3. Mini-Lecture: Different plans for the Constitution
The Six Principles of the Constitution
4. Principles chart
5. Ways of amending the Constitution
Sept. 23:
1. Journal / Discussion: Explain the concept of Checks and Balances. Be
thorough.
2. Overall view of Checks and Balances : Chart
3. Video: Standard Deviants
4. Review important facts of SD
Homework: Read
Sept. 25
1. Discussion Questions Due
2. Review Sheet for Unit 1 test
Homework: Const. Project
Sept. 29
Unit 1 Test !!! Terms Due !!!
Oct. 1
1. Amendment Quiz
2. Review 3 Branches of Gov.
3. Play : Power Grab Game
Homework: Finish Const. Project
Oct. 5
1. Constitution Test
( Const. Project Due )
Discussion Questions:
Chapter 1, 2, and 3
Answer in Essay format and it must be Hand Written.
What is the difference between power in general and political power? Give examples of
both.
Discuss the Framers’ view of the “will of the people”, and why they favored
representative government.
What were the motives of the framers?
How has America’s federal system changed since the first days of the Republic?