AP US Government Summer Reading 2015-2016
In order to prepare for the AP US Government class, you will be required to complete the following
summer assignment. There are multiple components, so please take care to read through the
directions carefully.
1. Vocabulary – Define each of the vocabulary words. Don’t just write down Mr. Webster’s definition.
Understand the term in its political context, and use your own words to explain it. Consider this: if I were
to give you an open-notebook test on these terms, would you feel comfortable with your answers?
2. Primary Sources: You will need to read the listed primary sources from the adoption period of
the Constitution.. These writing cover the debates surrounding the creation of our present
governmental system by those who created it. Make sure you fully consider the questions
3. Current Events – You are required to collect at least 6 newspaper or magazine clippings pertaining to
United States politics. In order to develop an understanding of the functions of the government, it is
good practice to follow the major events occurring in the U.S. You need 2 articles from June, 2 articles
from July, and 2 articles from August. For each article, include a short summary and your views on the
issue.
4. Reading assignment. Although it is not required, it is highly recommended you purchase a study guide
for the test. 5 Steps to a 5: AP US Government & Politics by Pamela K. Lamb is an excellent choice. You
should make sure you have completed Chapter 6 “Architecture and Development of the US
Government” before class begins.
AP US Government Vocabulary
Americans with Disabilities
Act
Amicus Curiae brief
Appellate courts
Bill of attainder
Blanket primary
Block grants
Brown v. Board of Education
Caucus
Cloture
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Congressional Budget Office
Contract with America
De facto segregation
De jure segregation
Deficit
Ex post facto
Exclusionary rule
Executive order
Federalism
Filibuster
Franking privileges
Gatekeeper role
Gender gap
Gerrymandering
Gideon v Wainwright
Great Society
House Ways and Means
Committee
Interest groups
Iron Triangles
Judicial activism
Judicial restraint
Line item veto
Logrolling
Mandates
Marbury v Madison
McCain-Feingold Act
Medicaid
Medicare
Motor Voter Act
Pentagon Papers
Necessary and proper clause
New Deal Coalition
Office of Management and
Budget
Oversight
Patronage
Plurality
Pocket veto
Pork barrel
Reagan Revolution
Realignment
Revenue sharing
Soft money
Split ticket voting
Unfunded Mandates
AP US Government Summer Reading 2015-2016
Primary Sources:
Federalist 10: http://www.constitution.org/fed/federa10.htm
Questions on Federalist Number 10:
1. According to Madison, what are factions and where does he write of them?
2. What are the causes of factions?
3. What is the most common and durable source of faction?
4. How could we cure the "mischiefs of faction," according to Madison? Based on the writing, how
are these remedies worse than the disease?
5. What is Madison's solution for controlling the effects of factions?
6. How does Madison differentiate between a republic and a pure democracy?
7. How does a republic inhibit the effects of factions, according to Madison?
Federalist 51: http://www.constitution.org/fed/federa51.htm
Questions on Federalist Number 51:
1. Which branch of government did Madison think would be the weakest?
2. Which methods does Madison suggest to check the powers of government?
3. How is the separation of powers between the three branches assured?
4. Which branch appears as an exception to the separation of powers norm? Why is this exception
not dangerous?
5. According to Madison, what are the two great advantages of federalism?
6. In Madison’s view, what is the "end" (supreme goal) of government?
7. How does the author view of human nature and how does it affect his prescriptions for the
republic?
Federalist 70: http://www.constitution.org/fed/federa70.htm
Questions on Federalist Number 70:
1. In what ways is an energetic executive necessary for the new republic?
2. What ingredients which constitute energy in the Executive?
3. Why does Hamilton disagree with the idea of a plural executive?
4. According to the author, how do human weaknesses complicate decision‐making?
5. Why is disagreement within the legislative branch beneficial, while in the executive branch it is
detrimental?
Anti-Federalist 1: http://www.constitution.org/afp/brutus01.htm
Questions on Anti-Federalist Number 1:
1. What is most important question that was ever proposed to the decision of the people?
2. What happens once people give up power?
3. According to the author, how great are the powers of the proposed legislature?
4. How does the author interpret the necessary and proper clause?
5. How does the size of the United States argue against a republic as opposed to a confederation?