AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
AP & Weighted
Mr. Brother
Room C102
This course will provide an analysis of the nature of the American political system, its
development, and how it works today. It will examine the basic processes and institutions that allow
the system to function, as well as public policies and civil liberties. The course will focus mainly on
the national government, but State government will be covered as well (to satisfy Missouri
Requirements).
The weighted aspect of this course is discussed in the student handbook. The Advanced
Placement part of the course is the opportunity to take the College Board examination which will be
offered in May for possible college credit. Sign up deadline for the test will be announced in class
early in the Spring semester. If you do NOT take the Advanced Placement examination, your
transcript will NOT show the AP course designation.
This course will be taught more upon the lines of a college course. This means that the
amount of daily pencil and paper homework will be reduced, but the amount of required work will
actually increase, mainly in the area of reading.
Much of the work in the course will center upon reading. Students must read the assigned
materials before class and be prepared to participate in class discussion.
Tests in this course will be over assigned text and other readings, as well as lecture and
discussions. These tests will generally be objective multiple choice tests that may include short
answer or essay questions including analysis of data from charts, graphs and tables.
Every week, students will be given a short answer/essay question on Monday that will cover
our current unit of study that will be due on Friday. Each of these assignments will be worth 10
points. These questions will be similar in style to College Board Examination written response
questions to help prepare students for the actual College Board Exam. Occasionally, a short analysis
of a news article may be substituted for this assignment. These will count towards the students
homework grade.
A major research project (term paper) will be included in each semester of this course. The
term paper will follow the old MLA style and be worth 100 points. The format of the paper will be
covered in class at that time. These will count towards the students test/project grade.
There will be other smaller research projects including one book review per quarter, and
other possibilities such as presentations and opinion papers. Book reviews will count toward the
students test/project grade.
The overall goal of this course is not only to provide an increased understanding of our
American political system, but also to motivate you to become knowledgeable about current actions
and concerns of this system, and become an active participant in the system.
Textbook: Wilson, James Q., and Dilulio, John J. Jr. American Government: Institutions and
Policies, 9th edition. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. (new edition purchased every 4
years)
AP American Govenrment
Short Answer/Essay Weekly Assignment
Mr. Brother
The purpose of these assignments is to prepare you for the written response questions on
the College Board Examination in May as well as to check the depth of your understanding of
particularly important concepts in American Government.
HOW TO COMPLETE THE SHORT ANSWER/WEEKLY ESSAY ASSIGNMENT
1. Read the question and the instructions carefully. The question should correspond to the
current chapter or unit that we are studying in class.
2. Answers may be hand written (legibly) or typed.
3. All answers should be written in complete sentences with proper punctuation.
4. All value judgments must be backed up with data and/or other evidence.
AP American Government
Book Review Instructions
Mr. Brother
The purposes of this assignment are twofold: 1) to provide students with further background
knowledge of government through reading, 2) to provide students with reading and analytical
skills for social studies work.
ACCEPTABLE BOOKS: Books must deal DIRECTLY with AMERICAN GOVERNMENT.
ALL BOOKS MUST BE PREAPPROVED BY THE INSTRUCTOR. Any books
discussed in class or mentioned specifically in the textbook or on the attached list are
acceptable. Other types of books include: analysis of political actions or situations,
biographies of American political figures, books presenting solutions to American
political problems, and political commentaries.
( Be certain to get the book approved by the instructor.)
BOOK REVIEW: Reviews should be about 850 words (approximately 3 to 4 pages) typed,
double-spaced with a one-inch margin all around. All important aspects of the book must be
covered even if you must go significantly over the suggested word limit! There will be NO title
page. The first page of the report should begin with the proper heading (AP American
Government, Name, Book Review, Date) then a blank line. The review should then follow this
format. (Sections of the paper must be numbered accordingly, in the left margin)
1. Book citation: Author, Title, Publisher, Publication Date, Number of pages.
2. Identification of the Author: (A brief paragraph telling who this person is and why
they are qualified to write such a book.)
3. Description of the Content of the Book. ( What was the book about? You must
include enough details to show that you have read the book, but be brief enough to
keep the length down. These three sections should be approximately one-half of the
entire report.)
4. Major Ideas of the book. ( In other words, what did the author try to present, or why
did the author write the book.)
5. Effectiveness of author's presentation. ( How well did you think the author presented
his/her work? Did it ramble on or jump around? Did it need more organization?etc.)
6. Your personal judgment of the book. (What did the book contribute to your
knowledge and understanding? What changes were needed or what points and
information were ignored in the work? ) Do not view this section as a oneparagraph conclusion. It is what you think of the book and is EXTREMELY
important.
Remember that the sections of the report should be numbered in the left margins.
TWO COPIES OF THE REVIEW MUST BE TURNED IN.
You will be reading a total of four (4) books over the course of the year. You MUST be diverse
in the political ideologies of the books. If you read a conservative author, you must balance with
a liberal author in a later review. CHECK THIS BEFORE YOU START READING!
It is also recommended that you “double up” your reading. Many of the books on the reading list
are acceptable for your Language Arts courses as “pleasure reading” or in the nonfiction genre.
AP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT TERM PAPER
FIRST PAPER--- INFORMATIVE
Purpose:
The purpose of this paper is to provide in-depth research of some aspect of
government and present that information in a well organized and well developed
manner.
Topic:
The topic of this paper may be any United States governmental agency, policy, or
program. All topics MUST have the approval of the instructor. Students are
encouraged to pick a topic that they are interested in although topics can be
limited by the available resources. Because of limited resources, students are
encouraged to choose a topic that no one else is researching.
Style:
This paper will follow the MLA style of writing. The information pertaining to
this style will be distributed in class.
Length:
this
This paper should be approximately 1500-2000 words (about 6 to 8 pages though
varies with typewriters, word processors, and margins).
Spacing:
The paper should be double spaced with NO RIGHT JUSTIFICATION.
Margins:
There should be a 1 inch margin on all sides of the page with the exception of the
top margin of the first page of text which should have a 1.5 inch top margin.
Citations:
Use parenthetical notations for your citations in the body of the paper. Your full
bibliography will be in a separate bibliography section.
Bibliography: There will be two separate bibliographies. The first being the "List of Works
Cited," the second being the "List of Works Consulted." "Cited" means quoted
from or listed in the endnotes. "Consulted" will be a list of all other works that
you used in research, but did not cite. If both lists will fit on one page, you may
do that, but if both will not completely fit on one page, you must list them on two
separate pages.
Pagination:
The first page should not be numbered. All consecutive pages should be
numbered (beginning with "2"). The pagination should be centered at either the
top of the page or bottom with all pages numbered consistently.
Resources:
Resources should be from the last two years. Older resources may be necessary
for information, but the most recent information about the policies should be
emphasized. Resources may be from other places besides the CHS library, but a
copy of any materials not found in the CHS library must be turned in with
the paper.
Two Copies of the paper must be turned in. One for my file, and one
for return to you.
Outline of paper:
1. Title page: Title of paper, name, A.P. American Government, Date.
2. Body of paper
3. Endnotes (following MLA style)
4. List of works Cited (quoted from)
5. List of works Consulted (researched but not quoted)
Grading:
The entire paper is worth 100 points. The due date will be given to you by the
instructor.
AP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT TERM PAPER
SECOND Semester --- ARGUMENTATIVE
Purpose:
The purpose of this paper is to pick a controversial issue, research (at least) both
sides of the issue and decide what policy the government should take in solving
the issue. This should include analysis of relevant data available on the topic. The
conclusion reached must be supported by the evidence found, and both sides of
the issue must be well researched.
Topic:
The topic of this paper should be an issue that affects a United States
governmental agency, policy, or program. All topics MUST have the approval
of the instructor.
Students are encouraged to pick a topic that they have not reached a conclusion on
(i.e. do not know much about) so that they will be able to research the topic
without bias. Because of limited resources, students are encouraged to choose a
topic that no one else is researching.
Style:
This paper will follow the MLA style of writing. The same as last
Semester. Information pertaining to this style will be distributed in class.
Length:
This paper should be approximately 1500-2000 words (about 6 to 8 pages)
Spacing:
The paper should be double spaced with NO RIGHT JUSTIFICATION.
Margins:
There should be a 1 inch margin on all sides of the page with the exception of
the top margin of the first page of text which should have a 1.5 inch top margin.
Citations:
Use parenthetical notations for your citations in the body of the paper. Your full
bibliography will be in a separate bibliography section.
Bibliography: There will be two separate bibliographies. The first being the "List of Works
Cited," the second being the "List of Works Consulted."
Pagination:
The first page should not be numbered. All consecutive pages should be
numbered (beginning with "2"). The pagination should be centered at either the
top of the page or bottom with all pages numbered consistently.
Resources:
Resources should be from the last two years. Older resources may be
necessary for information, but the most recent information about the policies
should be emphasized. Resources may be from other places besides the CHS
library, but a copy of any materials not found in the CHS library must be
turned in with the paper.
Two Copies of the paper must be turned in. One for my file, and one
for return to you.
Outline of paper:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Grading:
Title page: Title of paper, name, A.P. American Government, Date.
Body of paper
Endnotes (following MLA style)
List of works Cited (quoted from)
List of works Consulted (researched but not quoted)
The entire paper is worth 100 points. The due date will be given to you by the
instructor.
Course Structure
Week 1
Introductory Material
Wilson – Chapter 1 – The Study of American Government
Supplemental material: 4 Theories of Origins of state,
Different forms of Government
Week 2-3
Supplemental material: Brief definition and comparison of Capitalism,
Communism, and Socialism
Wilson – Political Elites
Assessment: Chapter 1 Review Worksheets
Week 4
Wilson – Chapter 4 – American Political Culture
Assessment: Chapter 4 Review Worksheets
TEST – Chapters 1 & 4
September 17th (or school day before) – U.S. Constitution Day
Week 5-6
Wilson – Chapter 2 – The Constitution
Supplemental material: Review of Early American History
(Founding through Constitution)
Assessment: Read Declaration of Independence and translate to “modern”
English
Brief analysis of delegates to the Constitutional Convention looking at age,
education, political experience, and later accomplishments.
Additional Reading: Federalist #10 and #51
Assessment: Chapter 2 Review Worksheets
Week 7
Wilson – Chapter 3 – Federalism
Supplemental material: overview of Constitution structure,
Read and discuss Amendments
Assessment: Chapter 3 Review Worksheets
TEST – Chapters 2 & 3
Week 8-9
Wilson – Chapter 5 – Public Opinion
Supplemental material: Survey of political opinion
Reading on beliefs of liberals and conservatives
Assessment: Chapter 5 Review Worksheets
First Book Review Due
Week 10
Library Research for Informative term paper (6 – 8 pages)
Week 11 - 12 Wilson – Chapter 6 – Political Participation
Supplemental material: How to Register in Camden County
Historical Expansion of Electorate
Assessment: Chapter 6 Review Worksheets
November 11 (or school day before) – Veteran’s Day
Week 13
Wilson – Chapter 7 – Political Parties
Assessment: Chapter 7 Review Worksheets
TEST – Chapters 5 – 7
Week 14
Wilson – Chapter 8 – Elections and Campaigns
Analysis of voting trends by census demographics, including age, gender,
education, income, etc.
Assessment: Chapter 8 Review Worksheets
Analysis of voting
Week 15
Wilson – Chapter 9 – Interest Groups
Assessment: Chapter 9 Review Worksheets
Second Book Review Due
Week 16
Wilson – Chapter 10 – The Media
Assessment: Chapter 10 Review Worksheets
TEST – Chapters 8 – 10 including: Analysis of voting trends by census
demographics, including age, gender, education, income, etc.
Informative Term Paper due
Week 17
Review for First Semester Final
Week 18
(short week) First Semester Final
Semester 2
Week 19 (short week)
Wilson – Chapter 11 -- Congress
Week 20
Supplemental material: Leadership of Congress and roles of leaders
Analysis of the political party breakdown in Congress, its impact on the
legislative process and the importance in election cycles.
Analysis of a “stereotype” of members of Congress utilizing CSPAN’s “Profile of
Congress.”
Detailed analysis of the legislative process.
Assessment: Chapter 11 Review Worksheets
Week 21
(2 days for Pre-Registration)
TEST – Chapter 11
Week 22 -
Wilson – Chapter 12 – The Presidency
Supplemental material: Presidential Roles and Qualifications
Week 23
Supplemental material:Presidential Succession and 25th Amendment implications
Wilson – Chapter 13 – The Bureaucracy
Assessment: Chapter 12 Review Worksheets
Week 24
Supplemental material: Cabinet members and duties
Wilson – Chapter 20 – Foreign and Military Policy
Assessment: Chapter 13 Review Worksheets
TEST – Chapters 12, 13, 20
Week 25 – 26 District wide Review for EOC Test (State mandated Test)
Third Book Review Due
Week 27
Library Research for 2nd Term Paper
Week 28 - 29 Wilson – Chapter 14 – The Judiciary
Supplemental material: Court Decision process including a minimum of:
Court Case Background and Decision: Marbury v. Madison, McCulloch
v. Maryland, Plessey v. Ferguson, Brown v. Board of Education, Gideon
v. Wainright, Miranda v. Arizona, New Jersey v. T.L.O., (Horton v. Goose
Creek, Jennings v. Joshua)
Assessment: Chapter 13 Review Worksheets
TEST Chapter 13
Week 30
EOC Testing
Week 31
Wilson – Chapter 15 – Policy-Making
Assessment: Chapter 15 Review Worksheets
Wilson – Chapter 16
Assessment: Chapter 15 Review Worksheets
Chapter 16 Review Worksheets
Week 32
Wilson – Chapter 18 – Civil Liberties
Assessment: Chapter 18 Review Worksheets
Week 33
Wilson – Chapter 19 – Civil rights
Assessment: Chapter 19 Review Worksheets
Second Term Paper Due
Review for AP U.S. Government Examination
AP Government Examination
Review for 2nd Semester Final
Week 34
Week 35
Week 36
2nd Semester Examination