ACGM
Geer/Schiller/Segal/Herrera,
Gateways to Democracy,
3rd Edition
ISBN w/ MindTap PAC: 9781285852904
ISBN text alone: 9781285858548
GOVT 2305 Federal
Government
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful
completion of this
course, students will:
CORE CURRICULUM
OBJECTIVES
(shown in blue
throughout)
Explain the origin and
development of
constitutional democracy in
 Social Responsibility, Personal
Responsibility: Chapter-opening vignettes
spotlight college students or college
graduates who have used a gateway in the
democratic system to effect change and
encourage readers to do the same. This is a
theme throughout the narrative. “To
Participate” learning outcomes close each
chapter, prompting students to test their
civic knowledge and become active
participants in their communities.
 Critical Thinking Skills: Critical thinking
questions conclude Global Gateways,
Supreme Court Cases, and Public Policy
boxed features ask students to apply what
they’ve learned to find real-world solutions.
Key Questions also appear in the margins.
 Empirical & Quantitative Skills: Construct
Your Own Policy exercises ask students to
consider how they would use what they've
learned to affect policy-making.
Policy and Global Gateways features often
include graphic data that can be analyzed
along with the Critical Thinking questions, as
can the figures and tables throughout.
Chapter 2: The Constitution
Learning Outcomes:
 Assess what drove the colonists to seek
Learning Path activities:
 What Do You Know About…? Video Introductions give a quick overview of the chapter topic and include critical
thinking short-answer activator questions that can be submitted for a grade (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication
Skills)
 Chapter Learning Outcomes help students focus on the key concepts in each chapter and assess their mastery of these
concepts (Critical Thinking Skills)
 Chapter Readings are interactive eBook versions of the text for each chapter (Critical Thinking Skills)
 Focus Activities include video, primary source, fill-in-the-blank, true/false, and analyzing charts and maps activities that
focus on inquiry, analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information. Many problem sets also ask students to
manipulate and analyze data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions. (Critical Thinking Skills, Empirical &
Quantitative Skills)
 Chapter Forums with Discussion and Polling Activities ask students to engage in collaborative discussion with their
peers and to cast their vote in a class poll. After completing these exercises, they should have a broader understanding
of opposing views and how their views compare to those of their peers. (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills,
Teamwork, Social Responsibility, Personal Responsibility)
 Wrap it Up Quizzes are 25 question multiple-choice quizzes that help student assess their understanding of the chapter
learning outcomes (Critical Thinking Skills)
 KnowNow American Government Blog applies current events to key concepts learned in the text, often incorporating
multimedia and data for analysis and prompts class discussion (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical
& Quantitative Skills, Social Responsibility)
Chapter 2
 Video Introduction: What Do You Know about The Constitution? with critical thinking activator questions (Critical
Thinking Skills, Communication Skills)
©2016 Cengage Learning | www.cengage.com/politicalscience/texasmindtap
the United States.
Demonstrate knowledge of
the federal system.
independence.
 Identify the major compromises at the
Constitutional Convention.
 Explain how the structure of the
Constitution protects liberty.
 Analyze why the Antifederalists opposed
the Constitution.
 Illustrate how the Constitution has stayed
responsive to changing needs.
 Chapter 2 Learning Outcomes
 Chapter 2 Reading: The Constitution
 Focus Activities: The Constitution (Critical Thinking Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills)
This Aplia problem set examines the founding of the United States government including why the colonists declared
themselves independent from Britain, and the structure and powers of the Articles of Confederation and the U.S.
Constitution.

“Common Sense” and American Independence

The Declaration of Independence

Articles of Confederation

Checks and Balances

Compromise and the Constitution
 The Constitution Forum (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Social Responsibility, Personal
Responsibility)
Students can use these exercises to engage in collaborative discussion with their peers and to cast their vote in a class
poll. After completing these exercises, they should have a broader understanding of opposing views and how their
views compare to those of their peers.
o Discussion: The Constitution and Law Making
o Polling Activity: Raising the Debt Ceiling
 Wrap it Up: Chapter 2 Quiz (Critical Thinking Skills)
This final chapter activity will assess how well students understand the facts, themes, and concepts of the American
Constitution.
 KnowNow American Government Blog (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills,
Social Responsibility)
Chapter 3: Federalism
Learning Outcomes:
 Explain why the Framers chose a federal
system.
 Summarize how the Constitution institutes
the federal system.
 Outline how U.S. federalism has changed
over time.
 Compare and contrast national and state
governments.
Chapter 3
 Video Introduction: What Do You Know about Federalism? with critical thinking activator questions (Critical Thinking
Skills, Communication Skills)
 Chapter 3 Learning Outcomes
 Chapter 3 Reading: Federalism
 Focus Activities: Federalism (Critical Thinking Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills)
This Aplia problem set examines the structure and evolution of the federal system of government in the United States,
including the constitutional basis for federalism, federal-state relations, and modern interpretations of federalism.

Comparing confederal and federal systems

The advantages and disadvantages of the U.S. federal system

Federalism and the U.S. Constitution

Federalism and the Affordable Care Act

Dual and cooperative federalism
 The Federalism Forum (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Social Responsibility, Personal
Responsibility)
Students can use these exercises to engage in collaborative discussion with their peers and to cast their vote in a class
poll. After completing these exercises, they should have a broader understanding of opposing views and how their views
compare to those of their peers.
o Discussion: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
o Polling Activity: State Income Tax
 Wrap it Up: Chapter 3 Quiz (Critical Thinking Skills)
This final chapter activity will assess how well students understand the facts, themes, and concepts of Federalism.
 KnowNow American Government Blog (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills,
©2016 Cengage Learning | www.cengage.com/politicalscience/texasmindtap
Social Responsibility)
Describe separation of
powers and checks and
balances in both theory and
practice.
Chapter 1: Gateways to American Democracy
Learning Outcomes:

Analyze how the constitutional system
balances liberty and order.
Chapter 2: The Constitution
Learning Outcomes:

Explain how the structure of the
Constitution protects liberty.
Throughout Chapters 12-15
Chapter 1
 Video Introduction: What Do You Know About the Democratic Republic? with critical thinking activator questions
(Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills)
• Chapter 1 Learning Outcomes
• Chapter 1 Reading: Gateways to American Democracy
• Focus Activities: The Democratic Republic (Critical Thinking Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills)
This Aplia problem set examines the central ideas shaping and influencing the development of government in the United
States including the rule of law, the obligations of citizenship and approaches to citizen involvement in the political
process.
o
The Rule of Law
o
Direct versus indirect democracy
o
Obligations of U.S. citizenship
o Pluralism and elitism
 The Democratic Republic Forum (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Social Responsibility,
Personal Responsibility)
Students can use these exercises to engage in collaborative discussion with their peers and to cast their vote in a class
poll. After completing these exercises, they should have a broader understanding of opposing views and how their views
compare to those of their peers.
o
Discussion: Rule of Law and the Constitution
o
Polling Activity: Defining Marriage in California
 Wrap it Up: Chapter 1 Quiz (Critical Thinking Skills)
This final chapter activity will assess how well students understand the facts, themes, and concepts of the Democratic
Republic.
• KnowNow American Government Blog (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills,
Social Responsibility)
Chapter 2
 Video Introduction: What Do You Know about The Constitution? with critical thinking activator questions (Critical
Thinking Skills, Communication Skills)
 Chapter 2 Learning Outcomes
 Chapter 2 Reading: The Constitution
 Focus Activities: The Constitution (Critical Thinking Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills)
This Aplia problem set examines the founding of the United States government including why the colonists declared
themselves independent from Britain, and the structure and powers of the Articles of Confederation and the U.S.
Constitution.

“Common Sense” and American Independence

The Declaration of Independence

Articles of Confederation

Checks and Balances

Compromise and the Constitution
 The Constitution Forum (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Social Responsibility, Personal
Responsibility)
Students can use these exercises to engage in collaborative discussion with their peers and to cast their vote in a class
poll. After completing these exercises, they should have a broader understanding of opposing views and how their
views compare to those of their peers.
©2016 Cengage Learning | www.cengage.com/politicalscience/texasmindtap
o Discussion: The Constitution and Law Making
o Polling Activity: Raising the Debt Ceiling
 Wrap it Up: Chapter 2 Quiz (Critical Thinking Skills)
This final chapter activity will assess how well students understand the facts, themes, and concepts of the American
Constitution.
 KnowNow American Government Blog (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills,
Social Responsibility)
Demonstrate knowledge of
the legislative, executive,
and judicial branches of the
federal government.
Supreme Court Cases features in each chapter
illustrate the constitutional and legal context in
which American democracy has evolved.
Chapter 12: Congress
Learning Outcomes:

Describe how Congress has developed.

Define what the powers of Congress are.

Outline how Congress is structured.

Explain how a law is made in Congress.

Assess what a member of Congress does.
Chapter 13: The Presidency
Learning Outcomes:

Outline what is required to serve as
president.

Identify the powers of the president and
explain how they are limited.

Describe the growth of executive
influence and the organization of the
White House.

Analyze why the president is so powerful
during wartime.

Summarize how the White House is
organized.

Assess presidential greatness.
Chapter 14: The Bureaucracy
Learning Outcomes:

Explain what the bureaucracy does.

Outline the essential elements of a
bureaucracy.

Describe the growth of the bureaucracy
over time.

Assess how the bureaucracy is both
accountable and responsive, and how it
can fail.
Chapter 15: The Judiciary
Chapter 12

Video Introduction: What Do You Know about the Congress? with critical thinking activator questions (Critical
Thinking Skills, Communication Skills)

Chapter 12 Learning Outcomes

Chapter 12 Reading: Congress

Focus Activities: The Congress (Critical Thinking Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills)
This Aplia problem set focuses on the Congress, including an examination of congressional powers, members of Congress,
reapportionment, congressional committees and legislative process, and lawmaking and congressional leadership.
o Congressional powers
o Members of Congress
o Reapportionment
o Congressional committees and legislative process
o Lawmaking and congressional leadership
 The Congress Forum (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Social Responsibility, Personal
Responsibility)
Students can use these exercises to engage in collaborative discussion with their peers and to cast their vote in a class
poll. After completing these exercises, they should have a broader understanding of opposing views and how their
views compare to those of their peers.

Discussion: Representation in Congress

Polling Activity: The Power to Declare War

Wrap it Up: Chapter 12 Quiz (Critical Thinking Skills)
This final chapter activity will assess how well students understand the facts, themes, and concepts of the Congress.

KnowNow American Government Blog (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative
Skills, Social Responsibility)
Chapter 13

Video Introduction: What Do You Know about the Presidency? with critical thinking activator questions (Critical
Thinking Skills, Communication Skills)

Chapter 13 Learning Outcomes

Chapter 13 Reading: The Presidency

Focus Activities: The Presidency (Critical Thinking Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills)
This Aplia problem set covers topics related to the presidency, including presidential qualifications and characteristics,
presidential powers, the role of the president in the legislative process, presidential involvement in domestic and national
security policy.
o Presidential qualifications and characteristics
o Presidential powers
o The role of the president in the legislative process
o Enacting the Civil Rights Act of 1964
o National security and presidential power
©2016 Cengage Learning | www.cengage.com/politicalscience/texasmindtap
Learning Outcomes:

Describe what the judicial branch does.

Explain how state and lower federal courts
operate.

Review the procedures the Supreme Court
uses.

Identify factors that influence judicial
rulings and the impact those decisions
have.

Discuss how federal judges get selected.

Outline how the Supreme Court has
expanded and contracted national
powers.
 The Presidency Forum (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Social Responsibility, Personal
Responsibility)
Students can use these exercises to engage in collaborative discussion with their peers and to cast their vote in a class
poll. After completing these exercises, they should have a broader understanding of opposing views and how their
views compare to those of their peers.

Discussion: Electing a Female President

Polling Activity: Presidential Veto Power

Wrap it Up: Chapter 13 Quiz (Critical Thinking Skills)
This final chapter activity will assess how well students understand the facts, themes, and concepts of the Presidency.

KnowNow American Government Blog (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative
Skills, Social Responsibility)
Chapter 14

Video Introduction: What Do You Know about the Bureaucracy? with critical thinking activator questions (Critical
Thinking Skills, Communication Skills)

Chapter 14 Learning Outcomes

Chapter 14 Reading: The Bureaucracy

Focus Activities: The Bureaucracy (Critical Thinking Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills)
This Aplia problem set covers topics related to the federal bureaucracy, including necessity of the bureaucracy, the
evolution of the bureaucracy, patronage, and bureaucratic power.
o The necessity of the federal bureaucracy
o The evolution of the federal bureaucracy
o Patronage and the federal bureaucracy
o Bureaucratic power
 The Bureaucracy Forum (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Social Responsibility, Personal
Responsibility)
Students can use these exercises to engage in collaborative discussion with their peers and to cast their vote in a class
poll. After completing these exercises, they should have a broader understanding of opposing views and how their
views compare to those of their peers.

Discussion: Bureaucracy at Work

Polling Activity: Bureaucracy and Regulation

Wrap it Up: Chapter 14 Quiz (Critical Thinking Skills)
This final chapter activity will assess how well students understand the facts, themes, and concepts of the Bureaucracy.

KnowNow American Government Blog (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative
Skills, Social Responsibility)
Chapter 15

Video Introduction: What Do You Know about the Judiciary? with critical thinking activator questions (Critical
Thinking Skills, Communication Skills)

Chapter 15 Learning Outcomes

Chapter 15 Reading: The Judiciary

Focus Activities: The Judiciary (Critical Thinking Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills)
This Aplia problem set covers topics related to the federal judiciary, including the jury system, the structure of the U.S.
court system, Supreme Court nominations, Supreme Court processes, as well as judicial review, judicial activism, judicial
restraint, and U.S. Supreme Court decision making.
o The jury system
o Supreme Court nominations
o The structure of the U.S. court system
©2016 Cengage Learning | www.cengage.com/politicalscience/texasmindtap
o Supreme Court processes
o Judicial review, judicial activism, judicial restraint, and U.S. Supreme Court decision making
 The Judiciary Forum (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Social Responsibility, Personal
Responsibility)
Students can use these exercises to engage in collaborative discussion with their peers and to cast their vote in a class
poll. After completing these exercises, they should have a broader understanding of opposing views and how their
views compare to those of their peers.

Discussion: Supreme Court Confirmation Process

Polling Activity: Jury Duty

Wrap it Up: Chapter 15 Quiz (Critical Thinking Skills)
This final chapter activity will assess how well students understand the facts, themes, and concepts of the Judiciary.
 KnowNow American Government Blog (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative
Skills, Social Responsibility)
Evaluate the role of public
opinion, interest groups, and
political parties in the
political system.
Chapter 6: Public Opinion
Learning Outcomes:

Decide why public opinion is powerful.

Describe how well polls measure public
opinion.

Identify who drives public opinion—
citizens or elites.

Discover how ideology and partisanship
shape public opinion.

Describe how demographic characteristics
influence public opinion.
Chapter 8: Interest Groups
Learning Outcomes

Outline how interest groups have
developed over time.

Identify the types of interest groups that
have evolved.

Describe activities interest groups engage
in.

Analyze what balances out power among
interest groups.

Assess what makes an interest group
successful.
Chapter 9: Political Parties
Learning Outcomes:

Outline how political parties evolved in
American politics.

Identify which issues divided the first
political parties.
Explain why two parties dominate the U.S.

Chapter 6
 Video Introduction: What Do You Know about Public Opinion and Political Socialization? with critical thinking activator
questions (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills)
 Chapter 6 Learning Outcomes
 Chapter 6 Reading: Public Opinion
 Focus Activities: Public Opinion and Political Socialization (Critical Thinking Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills)
This Aplia problem set covers topics related to public opinion and political socialization, including the defining
characteristics of public opinion, the impact of religion on public opinion, polling techniques, and the importance of public
confidence in a democracy.
o Defining characteristics of public opinion
o Religious differences and public opinion
o Public opinion and polling techniques
o The importance of public confidence in a democracy
o Forms of political participation
 Public Opinion and Political Socialization Forum (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Social
Responsibility, Personal Responsibility)
Students can use these exercises to engage in collaborative discussion with their peers and to cast their vote in a class
poll. After completing these exercises, they should have a broader understanding of opposing views and how their
views compare to those of their peers.
o Discussion: How Religion Shapes Public Opinion
o Polling Activity: New York Times Instant Polls
 Wrap it Up: Chapter 6 Quiz (Critical Thinking Skills)
This final chapter activity will assess how well students understand the facts, themes, and concepts of Public Opinion
and Political Socialization.
 KnowNow American Government Blog (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills,
Social Responsibility)
Chapter 8
 Video Introduction: What Do You Know about Interest Groups? with critical thinking activator questions (Critical
Thinking Skills, Communication Skills)
 Chapter 8 Learning Outcomes
 Chapter 8 Reading: Interest Groups
©2016 Cengage Learning | www.cengage.com/politicalscience/texasmindtap

political system.
Describe how to define partisan affiliation
and ideology.
 Focus Activities: Interest Groups (Critical Thinking Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills)
This Aplia problem set covers topics related to interest groups, including the formation and maintenance of interest
groups, types of interest groups, the effectiveness of interest groups, grassroots lobbying, and the regulation of interest
groups.
o The formation and maintenance of interest groups
o Interest group membership
o The effectiveness of interest groups
o Grassroots lobbying
o Regulating interest groups
 Interest Groups Forum (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Social Responsibility, Personal
Responsibility)
Students can use these exercises to engage in collaborative discussion with their peers and to cast their vote in a class
poll. After completing these exercises, they should have a broader understanding of opposing views and how their
views compare to those of their peers.
o Discussion: Participation in Interest Groups
o Polling Activity: Regulating Interest Groups
 Wrap it Up: Chapter 8 Quiz (Critical Thinking Skills)
This final chapter activity will assess how well students understand the facts, themes, and concepts of Interest Groups.
 KnowNow American Government Blog (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills,
Social Responsibility)
Chapter 9
 Video Introduction: What Do You Know about Political Parties? with critical thinking activator questions (Critical
Thinking Skills, Communication Skills)
 Chapter 9 Learning Outcomes
 Chapter 9 Reading: Political Parties
 Focus Activities: Political Parties (Critical Thinking Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills)
This Aplia problem set covers topics related to political parties, including the history of political parties in the United
States, the functions of political parties, the core constituencies of the major political parties in the U.S., the conflicting
nature of American political parties, and the difficulties third parties face in winning elections in the United States.
o The history of political parties in the United States
o The roles and responsibilities of political parties
o The core constituencies of the major political parties
o The conflicting nature of the three roles of American political parties
o Third parties in American politics
 Political Parties Forum (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Social Responsibility, Personal
Responsibility)
Students can use these exercises to engage in collaborative discussion with their peers and to cast their vote in a class
poll. After completing these exercises, they should have a broader understanding of opposing views and how their
views compare to those of their peers.
o Discussion: Working Together After Elections
o Polling Activity: Hurricane Sandy and Politics
 Wrap it Up: Chapter 9 Quiz (Critical Thinking Skills)
This final chapter activity will assess how well students understand the facts, themes, and concepts of Political Parties.
 KnowNow American Government Blog (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills,
Social Responsibility)
©2016 Cengage Learning | www.cengage.com/politicalscience/texasmindtap
Analyze the election process.
Chapter 10: Elections and Campaigns
Learning Outcomes:
• Describe the ideas that molded the Framers’
thinking about elections.
• Outline the steps in presidential campaigns.
• Identify the issues that shape presidential
campaigns.
• Outline the steps in congressional
campaigns.
• Determine which issues shape congressional
campaigns.
Chapter 10
 Video Introduction: What Do You Know about Elections? and What Do You Know about Campaigning for Office? with
critical thinking activator questions (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills)
 Chapter 10 Learning Outcomes
 Chapter 10 Reading: Elections and Campaigns
 Focus Activities: Elections and Campaigning for Office (Critical Thinking Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills)
This Aplia problem set covers topics related to elections, including the primary and nomination process, partisan
identification and vote choice, elections and the media, and the Electoral College; and covers topics related to
campaigning for office, including the advantages of incumbency, technological advances and the modern political
campaign, and campaign finance, PACs, and Super PAC .
o The primary system and nomination process
o Partisan identification and vote choice
o Elections and the media
o The Electoral College
o The advantages of incumbency
o Technological advances and the modern political campaign
o Campaign finance, PACs, and Super PACs
 Elections and Campaigning for Office Forum (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Social
Responsibility, Personal Responsibility)
Students can use these exercises to engage in collaborative discussion with their peers and to cast their vote in a class
poll. After completing these exercises, they should have a broader understanding of opposing views and how their
views compare to those of their peers.
o Discussion: Bringing the Party Together After Primaries
o Polling Activity: Presidential Election Process
o Discussion: Electing Incumbents
o Polling Activity: Super PACs and Elections
 Wrap it Up: Chapter 10 Quiz (Critical Thinking Skills)
This final chapter activity will assess how well students understand the facts, themes, and concepts of Elections and
Campaigning for Office.
 KnowNow American Government Blog (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills,
Social Responsibility)
Describe the rights and
responsibilities of citizens
Chapter 4: Civil Liberties
Learning Outcomes

Identify what civil liberties are.

Explain why civil liberties are limited in
times of crisis.

Distinguish what rights of expression the
First Amendment protects.

Determine what religious freedoms the
First Amendment protects.

Outline how the “right to bear arms” has
been interpreted.

Describe what protections the Bill of
Rights provides to those accused of
crimes.
Chapter 4
 Video Introduction: What Do You Know about Civil Liberties? with critical thinking activator questions (Critical Thinking
Skills, Communication Skills)
 Chapter 4 Learning Outcomes
 Chapter 4 Reading: Civil Liberties
 Focus Activities: Civil Liberties (Critical Thinking Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills)
This Aplia problem set covers topics related to civil liberties, including the Bill of Rights, Supreme Court interpretations,
rights related to the First Amendment, privacy rights, and the rights of the accused.
o Why did the Bill of Rights come about?
o Interpreting the Bill of Rights
o Freedom of expression and the First Amendment
o Privacy and the Constitution
o The constitutionality of the death penalty
 Civil Liberties Forum (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Social Responsibility, Personal
©2016 Cengage Learning | www.cengage.com/politicalscience/texasmindtap

Assess what constitutes the right to
privacy.
Chapter 5: Civil Rights
Learning Outcomes

Define civil rights.

Explain how the federal and state
governments suppressed civil rights.

Assess how equal protection has
expanded.

Identify the groups at the forefront of the
civil rights movement.

Describe the new battles for civil rights.
Chapter 11: Voting and Participation
Learning Outcomes:

Explain why there are battles over ballot
access.

Outline how the right to vote has
expanded.

Identify who tends to turn out in American
elections.

Articulate the main theoretical
approaches that explain voting.

Evaluate how low turnout is in American
elections.

Analyze how voting changes in voting laws
have affected participation rates.

Describe other important forms of
participation.
Chapter 1: Gateways to American Democracy
Learning Outcomes:

Identify the successes have we achieved
and the obstacles we face in establishing a
“more perfect union.”

Analyze how the constitutional system
balances liberty and order

Describe the political values and ideologies
Americans share.

Evaluate American democracy in terms of
responsiveness and equality.

List the responsibilities of individuals in a
democracy.
Responsibility)
Students can use these exercises to engage in collaborative discussion with their peers and to cast their vote in a class
poll. After completing these exercises, they should have a broader understanding of opposing views and how their
views compare to those of their peers.
o Discussion: Eighth Amendment Rights
o Polling Activity: Privacy Rights
 Wrap it Up: Chapter 4 Quiz (Critical Thinking Skills)
This final chapter activity will assess how well students understand the facts, themes, and concepts of Civil Liberties.
 KnowNow American Government Blog (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills,
Social Responsibility)
Chapter 5
 Video Introduction: What Do You Know about Civil Rights? with critical thinking activator questions (Critical Thinking
Skills, Communication Skills)
 Chapter 5 Learning Outcomes
 Chapter 5 Reading: Civil Rights
 Focus Activities: Civil Rights (Critical Thinking Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills)
This Aplia problem set covers topics related to civil rights, including interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment, the
process of advancing civil rights for various minority communities, and the role of the Supreme Court in interpreting civil
rights over time.
o Interpreting the Fourteenth Amendment
o Diversity and civil rights
o The Supreme Court and civil rights
 Civil Rights Forum (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Social Responsibility, Personal
Responsibility)
Students can use these exercises to engage in collaborative discussion with their peers and to cast their vote in a class
poll. After completing these exercises, they should have a broader understanding of opposing views and how their
views compare to those of their peers.
o Discussion: Minority Rights Protection
o Polling Activity: Civil Rights Protection
 Wrap it Up: Chapter 5 Quiz (Critical Thinking Skills)
This final chapter activity will assess how well students understand the facts, themes, and concepts of Civil Rights.
 KnowNow American Government Blog (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills,
Social Responsibility)
Chapter 11
 Video Introduction: What Do You Know about Voting? with critical thinking activator questions (Critical Thinking Skills,
Communication Skills)
 Chapter 11 Learning Outcomes
 Chapter 11 Reading: Voting and Participation
 Focus Activities: Voting (Critical Thinking Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills)
This Aplia problem set covers topics related to voting, including characteristics of voters, the history of voting rights in the
United States, and the impact of voting methods on American elections.
o Characteristics of voters
o The history of voting rights in the United States
o Methods of voting and the electoral process
 Voting Forum (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Social Responsibility, Personal Responsibility)
Students can use these exercises to engage in collaborative discussion with their peers and to cast their vote in a class
©2016 Cengage Learning | www.cengage.com/politicalscience/texasmindtap
poll. After completing these exercises, they should have a broader understanding of opposing views and how their
views compare to those of their peers.
o Discussion: Election Day
o Polling Activity: Voter Registration
 Wrap it Up: Chapter 11 Quiz (Critical Thinking Skills)
This final chapter activity will assess how well students understand the facts, themes, and concepts of Voting.
 KnowNow American Government Blog (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills,
Social Responsibility)
Chapter 1
 Video Introduction: What Do You Know About the Democratic Republic? with critical thinking activator questions
(Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills)
• Chapter 1 Learning Outcomes
• Chapter 1 Reading: Gateways to American Democracy
• Focus Activities: The Democratic Republic (Critical Thinking Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills)
This Aplia problem set examines the central ideas shaping and influencing the development of government in the United
States including the rule of law, the obligations of citizenship and approaches to citizen involvement in the political
process.
o
The Rule of Law
o
Direct versus indirect democracy
o
Obligations of U.S. citizenship
o Pluralism and elitism
 The Democratic Republic Forum (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Social Responsibility,
Personal Responsibility)
Students can use these exercises to engage in collaborative discussion with their peers and to cast their vote in a class
poll. After completing these exercises, they should have a broader understanding of opposing views and how their views
compare to those of their peers.
o
Discussion: Rule of law and the Constitution
o
Polling Activity: Defining marriage in California
 Wrap it Up: Chapter 1 Quiz (Critical Thinking Skills)
This final chapter activity will assess how well students understand the facts, themes, and concepts of the Democratic
Republic.
• KnowNow American Government Blog (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills,
Social Responsibility)
Analyze issues and policies in
U.S. politics.
Policy evaluation is incorporated at the end of
every chapter, including Construct Your Own
Policy features.
Chapter 7: The News Media and the Internet
Learning Outcomes:

Determine why the media are important
in a democracy.

Analyze how the law protects the press.

Define trends in the history of the press.

Explain how changes in the mass media
have changed the information
Chapter 7
 Video Introduction: What Do You Know about Media and Politics? with critical thinking activator questions (Critical
Thinking Skills, Communication Skills)
 Chapter 7 Learning Outcomes
 Chapter 7 Reading: The News Media and the Internet
 Focus Activities: Media and Politics (Critical Thinking Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills)
This Aplia problem set focuses on media and politics, including an examination of the credibility of the news media, the
influence of the media on political campaigns and public policy, and a history of the evolution of the fairness doctrine.
o The credibility of the news media
o The influence of the media on political campaigns
o The influence of the media on public policy
o The evolution of fairness doctrine
©2016 Cengage Learning | www.cengage.com/politicalscience/texasmindtap


environment.
Assess how the news media affect public
opinion.
Evaluate the news media.
Chapter 16: Economic, Domestic, and Foreign
Policy
Learning Outcomes:

Outline the steps in the policymaking
process.

Identify the key federal programs that
comprise domestic policy.

Explain how the federal government
intervenes in the economy.

Evaluate the effectiveness of U.S. foreign
policy.
 Media and Politics Forum (Critical Thinking, Communication, Teamwork, Social Responsibility, Personal Responsibility)
Students can use these exercises to engage in collaborative discussion with their peers and to cast their vote in a class
poll. After completing these exercises, they should have a broader understanding of opposing views and how their
views compare to those of their peers.
o Discussion: Influence of the Media on Policy
o Polling Activity: Fair and Balanced Media
 Wrap it Up: Chapter 7 Quiz (Critical Thinking Skills)
This final chapter activity will assess how well students understand the facts, themes, and concepts of Media and
Politics.
 KnowNow American Government Blog (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, Empirical & Quantitative Skills,
Social Responsibility
Chapter 16
 Video Introductions: What Do You Know about Domestic Policy? and What Do You Know about Foreign Policy and
National Security? with critical thinking activator questions (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills)
 Chapter 16 Learning Outcomes
 Chapter 16 Reading: Economic, Domestic, and Foreign Policy
 Focus Activities: Domestic Policy and Foreign Policy and National Security (Critical Thinking, Empirical & Quantitative)
This Aplia problem set covers topics related to domestic policy, including the policy making process, environmental policy,
and immigration policy; economic policy, including tax structures, balance of trade issues, and the need for Social Security
reform; and foreign policy, including the U.S. approach to foreign policy and national security, pragmatism and ideology
in U.S. foreign policy, the U.S. as a superpower, and U.S. involvement in Middle East conflicts.
o The policy making process
o Environmental policy
o Immigration policy
o Economic policy
o Balance of trade
o Tax reform
o Social Security reform
o The U.S. approach to foreign policy and national security
o Pragmatism and ideology in U.S. foreign policy
o The United States as a superpower
o U.S. involvement in Middle East conflicts
 Domestic Policy and Foreign Policy and National Security Forum (Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills,
Teamwork, Social Responsibility, Personal Responsibility)
Students can use these exercises to engage in collaborative discussion with their peers and to cast their vote in a class
poll. After completing these exercises, they should have a broader understanding of opposing views and how their
views compare to those of their peers.
o Discussion: The Public’s Impact on Policy Making
o Polling Activity: Reforming Social Security
o Discussion: Developing Foreign Policy
o Polling Activity: U.S. as the World’s Superpower
 Wrap it Up: Chapter 16 Quiz (Critical Thinking Skills)
This final chapter activity will assess how well students understand the facts, themes, and concepts of Domestic Policy
and Foreign Policy and National Security.
 KnowNow American Government Blog (Critical Thinking, Communication, Empirical & Quantitative, Social
Responsibility)
©2016 Cengage Learning | www.cengage.com/politicalscience/texasmindtap