Unit Planning Outline
Unit I Constitutional Underpinnings & Federalism--Weeks 1-3
PART 1--AMERICAN IDEOLOGY & THE CONSTITUTION (Aug. 11-22)
● Key Topics: theories of democratic government, separation of powers, checks and balances,
Constitutional Amending Process, Electoral College
●
Essential Questions:
What is the purpose of government?
What was the founders’ view of the purpose of government?
What made this new system great, and what still applies to founders’ initial intent?
Why did Madison fear factions?
What were the reasons of the swift adoption of the Bill of Rights?
Why did the Anti-Federalists fear this new system?
●
Readings:
○ Textbook Chapters 1-2
○ Lanahan:
■
Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America
■
James Bryce, The American Commonwealth
■
James Madison, The Federalist 10
■
Michael Kammen, A Machine That Would Go of Itself
■
James Madison, The Federalist 51
PART 2--FEDERALISM (Aug.25-28)
● Key Topics: Federal/State Tensions, Federal mandates, federalism
●
Essential Questions:
Does this new system of government strengthen or weaken the separation of powers between the State
and Federal Government?
What are the powers of state and local governments when compared to the powers of the National
Government?
What influence should the federal government have over state and local issues such as education,
abortion, and the environment?
●
Readings:
○
Textbook Chapter 3
○
Lanahan:
■ James Madison, The Federalist 39 & 46
■ Thomas Birkland/Sarah Waterman, Is Federalism the Reason for Policy Failure in Hurricane
Katrina?
IMPORTANT DATES:
Part 1 Quiz #1--Friday Aug. 15
Part 1 Quiz #2--Friday Aug. 22
Part 2 HW Due--Thursday Aug. 28
Unit 1 Test --Friday Aug. 29
Dates are subject to change.
Advanced notice will be given if dates change.