AP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
BOOK REVIEW ASSIGNMENT – FIRST QUARTER
1)
From the list attached, students are to select TWO academic books about a topic/biography concerning an
aspect of the American government. It would be ideal to select books from either the same author or on the
same topic. See the instructor if you struggle with deciding the books to use for this assignment.
2)
The reviews will run from five-to-six typed double spaced, Times New Roman 12-font, one-inch margin
(standard) pages. All papers should be written in the third person (do not use I, me, we, etc) with a formal
style. Since it is important that the review should conform to collegiate-level standards in grammar,
style and spelling, it is suggested that the student write several drafts of his/her review. Please
proofread your review in order to eliminate all typographical and other errors. You may use other reviewers
work for ideas to get your review started, but they must be cited and the words/concepts used distinctly your
own work (use the MLA format you’ve used in your English classes). If you’ve cited other work, you must
also include a reference page at the end of your review. All papers will be checked for plagiarized material.
Any non-cited work that is directly quoted from another source such as The New York Times Review of
Books, or simply www.amazon.com user reviews, will be considered plagiarized. Any proof of plagiarism
will result in the review being thrown out and the reviewer forced to rewrite the review and/or a review of
the student’s qualifications to remain in the class. All papers will be submitted to the online plagiarism
checker www.turnitin.com.
3)
Remember that this book review should be a critical analysis and NOT A SUMMARY. I want to read your
thoughts concerning the books. A book report will show little of your understanding of the
thoughts/concepts from the book. Besides, if I wanted a book report, I’d read the books myself (in many
cases, I have read the books or have read reviews of the books in a national newspaper or academic journal).
4)
CONTENT OF THE REVIEW.
a) An introduction that includes a description of the subject and time period covered in the books. (10
points) – ½ page
b) A careful analysis of the central theme of book one. (i.e. What is the author trying to do with this
book?) Students should look for an overall positive, negative or objective tone to the work. Did the
author accomplish the goals they had for writing the book? Be specific with your analysis and support.
(15 points) – 1 page
c) A careful analysis of the central theme of book two. (i.e. What is the author trying to do with this
book?) Students should look for an overall positive, negative or objective tone to the work. Did the
author accomplish the goals they had for writing the book? Be specific with your analysis and support.
(15 points) – 1 page
d) A detailed compare and contrast of the two books. What are the strengths and weaknesses of book one
when compared to book two? What are the strengths and weaknesses of book two when compared to
book one? Which book was better? Why was it better? Were both books equally good/bad? Be
specific with support from the books to make your arguments. You should include 4-5 specific points of
support from the books (refer to the pages specifically) in making your case about the books. This
section should be the longest and most detailed part of the review. (50 points) 2-3 pages
e) What particular contribution do these books make to your understanding of American government and
the policies it must develop? Explain. Briefly state your own conclusions concerning the books, the
topic covered and ideas for further reading. (10 points) ½ page
5)
GOOD LUCK. Remember, if you have questions, or are at a loss on how to proceed, see the instructor.