AP American Government and Politics, S2015
Clayton High School
Mrs. Wiens
Name___________________________
Period_______
Unit I: Constitutional Underpinnings of the U.S. Government
Essential Questions for Unit I:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Why did the Framers create a republican form of government rather than a democracy?
What are the fundamental principles upon which our system of government is founded?
What values matter most in American democracy?
Why did the Framers create a federal system of government?
How is power divided between the national government and the states under the Constitution?
What competing values are at stake in federalism?
Where is sovereignty located in the American political system?
How is political power actually distributed in America?
Syllabus / Study Guide: The Constitution – Chapter 2
Date
1.
Mon,
Jan. 5
2.
Tues,
Jan. 6
3.
Wed,
Topics / Class Activities
Introduction to AP American Government
and Politics
! Why does government matter?
! What functions do all governments have?
! What constitutes the policymaking
system?
! What key principles characterize an ideal
democracy?
! What are three theories of American
democracy?
! What challenges face American
democracy?
! What set of values are shared widely
within the American society?
Activities
! Introduction to Govt. PPT
! Types of Governments
1. T/F Answers and Explanations
2. Finish Introduction PPT
3. Early State Constitutions (MA vs. PA)
1. John Locke's Second Treatise + PPT
Discussion
Assignments
1. Read the Constitution. It is found…
• Online at
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/c
onstitution_transcript.html
•
In the Edwards textbook Appendix pp. 745749 (711-717). Stop at the Amendments.
2. T/F Exercise. Mark only the likely TRUE
statements.
1. Finish reading the Constitution's
Amendments 1-27, Appendix pp. 750-753 (717721).
2. Read the excerpt from John Locke handout:
"Second Treatise on Civil Government";
Answer the questions on Locke's reading (see
box below) - a Handout
1. Read Edwards p. 30-40 (31-40) to “Making a
Constitution: The Philadelphia Convention”
1
Jan. 7
4.
Thurs,
Jan. 8
5.
Fri,
Jan. 9
2. Edwards text pp. 30-40 discussion
questions
2. Articles of Confederation Review PPT
3. Virginia Declaration of Rights versus the
U.S. Bill of Rights Activity
1. Principles of the Constitution
! Separation of Powers
! Checks and Balances (ppt)
2. Articles I-II PPT
1. Video: Representative Democracy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVD0bZ5
H4MY&feature=youtu.be
2. Principles of the Constitution continued...
! Limited Govt.
! Judicial Review (handout)
! Amendment Process (ppt)
! Ratification
6.
Mon,
Jan. 12
1. Socratic Circle: Richard Hofstadter article
in the Readings Book p. 43 – 49 and
Federalist 10 and 51
7.
Tues,
Jan. 13
Constitution Scavenger Hunt. Try to learn
these answers as you do the activity
2. Answer Test Review Questions #1-5 for
Chapter Two (found below)
1. Read the excerpts from Federalist 10 and 51
in Readings Book pp. 49-55, 97-101 They are
also found in the Appendix of your textbook on
pages 740-744 (706-711).
2. Answer questions found in the boxes (see
below) for each reading.
1. Read Edwards Ch. 2 p. 40 – 51 (41-51)
"Making a Constitution." Stop at "Ratifying
the Constitution"
2. Answer Test Review Questions for Chapter
Two #6-17 found below.
3. Read the Richard Hofstadter article found in
Readings Book pp. 43-49. You may dialogue
with colleagues tomorrow in Socratic Circles.
4. Answer the test review questions reading
questions #1- 6 on Hofstadter’s article (in box
below)
1. Read p. 51-65 (51-65) in Edwards text
2. Answer Test Review Questions #18-26
below.
Finish Scavenger Hunt
Questions on John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government
Use your own words to write / type answers to the following questions. Make sure you understand
what you’re writing.
1. Summarize the first paragraph in your own words.
2. Explain why, a free man in the state of nature would be willing to give up some of his freedom.
3. Summarize the three reasons Locke gives for why property is not protected in the state of nature.
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4. What are the two powers that Locke says man has in the state of nature?
6. Define democracy, oligarchy, monarchy, and mixed government according to Locke.
7. Locke is famous for his ‘social contract’ theory of government. Based on what you just read, what do
you think the social contract is?
Questions for The Federalist, #10
Introduction: What were the Federalist Papers? How many were there? When were they written? By
whom? Why? (Use your text and other sources to answer)
1. What were the differences between a republic and a pure or direct democracy?
2. What are the dangers of a pure or direct democracy?
3. A well-constructed union should develop what advantageous tendency?
4. What were "our most considerate and virtuous citizens" complaining about?
5. What is Madison's definition of "faction"? Look up "faction" in the dictionary. Do the two agree?
6. Madison says that there are two methods for controlling faction: "removing the causes of faction" and
"controlling its effects." He then analyzes in detail two methods for "removing causes of faction."
What are these two methods, and does he recommend these methods? Why or why not?
7. In the course of answering question #4, Madison identifies the most common source of factions in
society. What is it?
8. When a body of men get together to make policy, what often happens? What kinds of issues divide
them?
9. Of the two methods for controlling faction (see #4 above), what is the best one to control it?
10. In a republican system, how can minority factions be controlled?
11. What can happen if a majority comprises the faction?
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12. Madison fears that majority factions could oppress the rights of others when in power. To prevent that
from happening, Madison suggests that a republic works better than a pure democracy. Why won't a
democracy work to control a majority faction's oppression of the minority?
13. Why will a republic overcome weaknesses associated with pure or direct democracy (for example,
control factions)?
14. Madison discusses large republics versus small republics. Which size does he prefer, and why?
15. Does Madison's concept of republican government include both majority rule and minority rights?
Explain your answer.
16. Is Madison's concept of republican government compatible with today's concept of representative
democracy? Explain your answer.
17. Thought question: Given what you know about the struggle over the ratification of the Constitution,
why did Madison write this essay? Why is it an argument that supports ratification of the
Constitution? After all, the Constitution is not even mentioned once in the entire essay!
Questions for The Federalist, #51
1. Analyze this statement: "It is of great importance in a republic not only to guard the society against
the oppression of its rulers, but to guard one part of the society against the injustice of the other part."
What does this statement have to do with majority rule and minority rights in a free government?
2. Do you agree with Madison's statement? Why?
3. Analyze: Why did Madison believe that a separation of powers was necessary "to be essential to the
preservation of liberty?"
4. How does Madison justify selecting members of the judiciary in an undemocratic way?
5. Analyze these sentences:
6. "Ambition must be made to counteract ambition."
7. "But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature?"
8. What methods are used to check the power of the Congress?
9. According to Madison, ought the president have an absolute negative power (veto) on the Congress?
Why or why not?
10. Define: single republic and compound republic
11. What does Madison mean by the phrase: "double security arises to the rights of the people"?
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12. Assess: How does Madison believe that our federal system protects the rights of both the majority and
the minority?
13. What is the "end (purpose) of government? Assess: In what areas of American life today has this goal
been achieved? Not achieved?
14. Analyze this statement: "In the extended republic of the United States, and among the great variety of
interests, parties, and sects..., a coalition of a majority of the whole society could seldom take place on
any other principles than those of justice and the general good. . ." What are some assumptions that
Madison has? (This one is hard!)
Reading Questions on Richard Hofstadter from The American Political Tradition (p. 43-49 in the
Readings Book)
1. What was the central dilemma facing the Founders concerning their views of human nature and the type
of government they sought to create?
2. Summarize in your own words the quote from Federalist 51 on page 61.
3. What were the three advantages to a federal government?
5. Why did the Founders believe that democracy could conflict with liberty? How did they define liberty?
6. What did the Founders believe that democracy would lead to? How can the United States avoid this
fate?
Edwards Ch. 2 Test Review Questions: The Constitution
Use your own words to answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.
1. What were the events that led early Americans to declare independence from Britain? Make a list
of what the "Colonial Mind" was thinking at the time of the Revolution.
2. What is the basic philosophy that underlies the Declaration of Independence?
3. Summarize the parallels between Locke's writings and Jefferson's language in the Declaration of
Independence.
4. Make a detailed list of the weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation and explain how they laid
the groundwork for the Constitution.
5. What was Shays’s Rebellion and what role did that play in the push for changing the Articles of
Confederation?
5
6. What was the founders’ solution to the problem that people will pursue their own self-interest?
How is that different from what ancient philosophers believed? What did Madison argue and
propose in this context?
7. Describe what Madison meant by "factions" and how he proposed to solve the problems presented
by factions.
8. Demonstrate what we mean by the "Madisonian model" and how it is incorporated within the
Constitution.
9. Explain why critics claim that the Madisonian model actually reduces efficiency in the operations
of government.
10. Evaluate how the Constitutional Convention dealt with issues of equality.
11. Make a chart comparing and contrasting the Virginia Plan, New Jersey Plan, and the Great
Compromise.
12. What were the other compromises involving the president and the Supreme Court decided at the
Convention?
13. Explain why economic issues were high on the agenda at the Constitutional Convention and how
the framers tried to strengthen the economic powers of the new national government.
14. In the ratifying conventions, what were the economic divisions of who favored the Constitution?
15. What was Charles Beard’s interpretation of the Framers of the Constitution? What is now known
to counter his interpretation?
16. What is the difference between a democracy and a republic and how did the Constitution strike a
balance between these two forms of government?
17. List and define the two major principles of American representative democracy?
18. Make a chart showing the Federalist and Anti-federalist arguments about the Constitution.
19. What arguments did the Federalists have against a bill of rights?
20. List the liberties guaranteed in the body of the original Constitution. Learn that list. Define writ of
habeas corpus, bill of attainder, and an ex post facto law.
21. Summarize the three provisions in the Constitution regarding slavery. Why didn’t the Founders
abolish slavery?
22. Outline how to propose and ratify an amendment. Read over the language in Article V of the
Constitution. Memorize these methods.
23. How do constitutional changes--both formal and informal--continue to shape and alter the
Madisonian system?
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24. What is judicial review?
25. Identify factors that have led to the gradual democratization of the Constitution.
26. What are the proposals of those who say the government is too large and who would seek changes
in the
Constitution to limit the government? What are the counter arguments?
Not for the "faint of heart"…final test review questions
1. What is the purpose of government?
2. What is political power? How is political power distributed?
3. What is democracy? Where do we see examples of democracy in the United States today?
4. How did the Founding Fathers deal with the problem of liberty?
5. What were three major compromises made by the Founders when developing the Constitution?
6. What are the key principles of the Constitution?
7. Which branch of the Federal government was meant to have the most power? Explain.
8. If states each had their own Bill of Rights, why was there a need for the Bill of Rights in the U.S.
Constitution?
9. What were the motives of the Framers? What evidence do you have to support your answer?
Terms to Know for Ch. 2: The Constitution
1. Republic
2. Checks and balances
3. John Locke
4. Federalist Papers
5. Social contract
6. Federalist Papers Nos. 10 and 51
7. Natural rights
8. Judicial review
9. Consent of the governed
10. Marbury vs. Madison
11. Limited government
12. Separation of powers
13. State of nature
14. Popular Sovereignty
15. Factions
16. James Madison
17. Thomas Hobbes
18. Alexander Hamilton
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19. Democracy
20. Coalition
21. Oligarchy
22. Equal Rights Amendment
23. Monarchy
24. Writ of habeas corpus
25. Mixed government
26. Bill of Rights
27. Articles of Confederation
28. Charles Beard
29. Constitutional Convention
30. Shays' Rebellion
31. Articles of Confederation
32. Northwest Ordinance
33. The Great (or Connecticut) Compromise
34. New Jersey Plan
35. Virginia Plan
36. Citizenship
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Syllabus /Study Guide: Federalism – Chapter 3
Date
Due
Wed,
Jan. 14
Topics / Class
Activities
1. Federalism PPT
Assignments
Prepare for Friday's SOCRATIC CIRCLE using excerpts from
Daniel Elazar's American Federalism and Larry Gersont's Recall!
See Readings Book pp. 121-5 and 135-43.
1. What questions does this article raise in your mind?
2. Research online to find some initiatives passed in the last
decade in the state of California. Helpful website:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_California_ballot_proposit
ions
3. What is the most recent news about California state
government? Check out the website about how Californians
are feeling about the "state of their state."
http://www.field.com/fieldpollonline/subscribers/Rls2482.pdf
4. Go to the Missouri Secretary of State's website to view former
ballot measures and current initiative petitions approved for
circulation. Do you think that direct democracy (when voters
change policies at the polls and even government officials
before scheduled elections) is a good way to make law?
http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/s_default.asp?id=petitions
Missouri Election results found at:
http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/s_default.asp?id=results
8.
Thurs,
Jan. 15
9.
Fri,
Jan. 16
Early
release
day
Computer Lab Work:
1. E-mocracy's
Federalism Computer
Lab Activity;
Contemporary News
Analysis Assignment on
Federalism
1. Read Edwards p. 68-81 (71-82) to "Intergovernmental Relations
Today"
2. Answer Ch. 3 questions #1-7 below
3. Learn what the Supremacy, Elastic, Commerce, Full Faith and
Credit, Privileges and Immunities clauses say. You may choose to
make flashcards or just trust yourself.
4. Try to figure out the meanings of the following terms:
enumerated (or delegated or expressed), reserved, concurrent,
implied, and denied powers..
1. Read Edwards p. 81-90 (82-90) to the end of Ch.
2. Answer Ch. 3 questions #8-13 below.
3. Make sure you understand the differences amongst Dual,
Cooperative, Creative, and New Federalism. If it helps, make
flash cards.
4. Write out summaries of federalism cases #1 – 5 on the Supreme
Court list. I strongly recommend flash cards for doing this. Make
sure to summarize the issue as relates to federalism in each case.
Use the textbook book or Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/
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Mon,
Jan. 19
10.
Tues,
Jan. 20
11.
Wed,
Jan. 21
12.
Thurs,
Jan. 22
13.
Friday,
January
23
Martin Luther King,
Jr Day
No School
1. Turn in E-mocracy's
Federalism Computer
Lab Activity.
1. Read Edwards p. 90-96 (90-96)
2. Make sure that you understand the differences among grants-inaid, categorical grants, block grants, revenue sharing, and
mandates. You must have these firmly entered into your memory
2. On the Constitution’s banks
Ratification…
3. Fill in the Chart on Fiscal Federalism
• Write 2003 FRQ.
You will not have
more than 20
minutes to do so.
• Write a class rubric
• Discuss, compare
and contrast
3. Types of Federalism
QUIZ
Socratic Circle or
Discussion over Daniel
Elazar's American
Federalism and Larry
Gersont's Recall!
Found in Readings
Book pp. 121-5 and
135-43.
Write out summaries of federalism cases #6 – 12 on the Supreme
Court list.
1. Write FRQs from the
2006 tests. You will not
have more than 20
minutes to do so.
2. Write a rubric
together
3. Discuss, compare
and contrast
Mid-Unit (Chapters 2
& 3) Test: The
Constitution and
Federalism
Computer Lab
Review for the test over Ch. 2 and 3. Passing this test with 70%
or higher meets the state requirement for the U.S. Constitution
exam.
On your class webpage: TAKE PRACTICE CONSTITUTION
TESTS and FLASHCARD REVIEW
Edwards Test Review Ch. 3 Questions: Federalism
1. Define federalism and explain how such a system differs from a unitary or a confederation system.
2. Identify the ways in which the Constitution determines the powers of state and national governments.
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3. Evaluate how contrasting interpretations of the supremacy clause and the Tenth Amendment lead to
divergent views of the scope of state and national powers.
4. Describe how the Supreme Court set forth the principle of implied powers in the McCulloch v.
Maryland case.
5. Explain the relationship of implied powers to enumerated powers.
6. How did the Civil War and the civil rights movement contribute to the development of national
supremacy over the states?
7. List and analyze the clauses in the Constitution that define the obligations that each state has to every
other state.
8. Trace the ways in which American federalism has changed over the past two centuries.
9. Compare the contrasting forms of dual federalism and cooperative federalism.
10. List the elements of the Constitution that 1) restrict the powers of the states 2) protect the powers of
the states 3) describe how the states should deal with each other and 4) have been used to expand the
power of the federal government.
11. What was the principle of nullification?
12. Why do members of Congress pass laws that cause governors and mayors to complain about the role
of the federal government?
13. Make a chart listing the positive and negative aspects of federalism.
More Test Review Questions
1. What role has devolution played in federalism?
2. What are the three governmental systems used throughout history?
3. What role does sovereignty play in political power?
4. What was the Founders ideas regarding federalism?
5. What role does the case McCulloch v. Maryland play in federalism?
6. What role does US v. Lopez play in federalism?
7. How does the elastic clause keep the federal government supreme?
8. What is dual federalism?
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9. What role does money play in the relationship between states and the federal government?
10. How do mandates affect federal-state relationships?
Terms for Ch. 3: Federalism
1. Federalism
2. Nullification
3. Devolution
4. Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions
5. Unitary System
6. John C. Calhoun
7. Intergovernmental relations
8. Dual Federalism
9. Sovereignty
10. Layer Cake Federalism
11. Confederation
12. Marble Cake Federalism
13. Tenth Amendment
14. Creative Federalism and The Great Society
(LBJ)
15. Supremacy Clause (Article VI
16. New Federalism (Competitive Federalism)
17. Elastic or "Necessary and Proper" Clause (Art.
18. Extradition
I, Section 8, clause 18)
19. Commerce Clause (Art. I, section 8, clause 3)
20. Marbury v. Madison
21. "Full Faith and Credit" Clause (Art. IV, Sec. 1)
22. Gibbons v. Ogden
23. "Privileges and Immunities" Clause (Art. IV,
24. Cooperative federalism
sec. 2)
25. Enumerated Powers (also called Expressed or
26. Fiscal federalism
Delegated Powers)
27. Reserved Powers
28. Categorical grants
29. Concurrent Powers
30. Project grants
31. Implied Powers
32. Formula grants
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33. Denied Powers
34. Block grants
35. Mandates
36. Revenue-sharing grants
37. Unfunded Mandates
38. Grants-in-aid
39. Treason
40. Conditions of Aid
Supreme Court Cases on Federalism: I strongly recommend that you start flash cards on 3 x 5 cards for
the Supreme Court cases. Include information on the background of the case, ruling of the court, and
significance of that particular case. You will have dozens of cases by the end of the year and this will be
very helpful for your study.
1.
Fletcher v. Peck (1810)
2.
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
3.
Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)
4.
National Labor Relations Board v. Jones & Laughlin Steel (1937)
5.
Wickard v. Filburn (1942)
6.
Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States (1964)
7.
South Dakota v. Dole (1987)
8.
United States v. Lopez (1995)
9.
Printz v. United States (1997)
10
United States v. Morrison (2000)
11
Gonzales v. Raich (2005)
12
Gonzales v. Oregon (2006)
Significant Laws on Federalism: Again, I recommend that you start flash cards for these laws. Include a
short summary of what the law did and its significance. Some of these laws will appear several times in
the course.
1. Civil Rights Act (1964)
5. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (1995
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2. Clean Air Act (1970)
3. Americans with Disabilities Act (1990)
4.
6. Personal Responsibility and Work
Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 or
Welfare Reform Act (1996)
7. No Child Left Behind (2002)
National Voter Registration Act or
Motor Voter Registration Act (1993)
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