AP U.S. Government & Politics
Current Events
Mr. Iacono
Purpose: The study of current events ensures that we stay informed about the
situations that are developing around us. Think of it this way, today’s news is
tomorrow’s history. The events that happen each day in our government are applicable
to our studies of how the same government operates. Current events will strengthen our
understandings about government and politics.
Scope: As political scientists, we will focus on events that correlate to our current topic
of study, past topics of study and issues of domestic and foreign policy. Domestic
policy pertains to decisions by the government to enhance the quality of life for citizens.
Foreign policy is a policy pursued by the government in its dealings with other nations,
designed to achieve national objectives to enhance the quality of life for citizens.
Directions: When assigned current events for homework you are expected to report on
4 news worthy events. One event must focus on government or politics related to a past
topic of study. One event must focus on government or politics related to our current
study topic. One must be related to domestic policy. Finally, one must be related to
foreign policy.
Sources: The information that you collect can be obtained from many sources.
Acceptable sources are the Internet (Yahoo, MSN, ABC, CBS, or other reputable news
based websites), the radio (1010AM, CBS News 880AM, or other reputable radio
broadcasts), magazines (Time, Newsweek or other reputable magazines), and
newspapers (USA Today, Connecticut Post, or other reputable newspapers).
Format: Record your current events on a single sheet of paper, typed or neatly written,
in the following format for each event (excluding heading):
Name:
Subject/Period:
Date:
Time:
Details:
Connection:
Reflection:
When did the news take place?
What happened? Be detailed!
How does this event link to your studies?
What do you think about the event?
*Note: All topics must pertain to U.S. government and politics. News of entertainment
focus or general pop culture is not acceptable news to report on.