Unit 1 Constitutional Underpinnings of the United States Government
Textbook: Government By The People: 23rd Edition; David B. Magleby & Paul C. Light
Supplemental Reading: The Federalist Papers, Marbury v Madison, & McCulloch v. Maryland
Description:
This unit will cover the type of government created by the Constitution, paying
particular attention to federalism and separation of powers. This unit begins with
the formulation and adoption of the Constitution. It will cover the doctrines and
historical background to the Constitution along with key principles such as
federalism, separation of powers, and the ideological and philosophical
underpinnings of American Government. Finally this section will include theories of
interpretation of the Constitution including democratic theory, republicanism,
pluralism and elitism.
Essential Questions:
What role does the Constitution play in modern American politics?
What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?
Is federalism a viable form of government today?
How do checks and balances determine the actions of government?
Is the concept of separation of powers a reality today?
What role does Judicial Review in the Supreme Court today?
Number of days:
13 teaching days and 2 testing days = 15 days in total
Unit 1 Objectives:
 Understand the purpose of government.

Analyze the founders’ view of the purpose of government and the role
of the citizen in the American Republic?

Explain how the Constitution underpins the U.S. government?

Compare & Contrast the three main branches of the US government.

Demonstrate how the system of checks & balances operates among
the three branches of the US government.

Determine how the use of Judicial Review strengthens the courts in a
separation of powers system by analyzing Marbury v. Madison.

Differentiate between the types of national and state powers.

Establish the link between the national government & federalism.
Day
1
2
Lesson
Introduction to AP GOV.
Constitution Activities
3
Constitution Activities
4
5
6
7
Separation of Powers
Checks & Balances
Checks & Balances
Judicial Review
8
9
10
14
Constitution Power Grab
War Powers Act
Federalist v. AntiFederalists
Federalism
Federalism
Doctrine of Incorporation:
Nationalizing the Bill of
Rights
Multiple Choice Test
15
FRQ
11
12
13
Resources
Unit 1 Guide
Constitution Summer
Outline
Constitution Summer
Outline
Homework
Read p. 3-14 Q: 1,3, 6-8.
Read p. 15-25 Q: 10, 13
&15.
Questions Due.
Read p. 29-34 Q: 1,2,4, & 5
Marbury v. Madison
Current Issue: Syria
The Federalist Papers
McCulloch v. Maryland
Mapp v. Ohio
50 Questions (40 min)
Read p. 35-41 Q: 8,9,10.
Complete Marbury v.
Madison Activity
Read p.42-47 Q: 12-15
Questions Due.
Review p. 23-25, Read p.
63-68
Read p. 68-75 Q: 3,4,&7
Discussion Questions TBA
Read p. 76-86 Q: 9, 12, &
14.
Prepare for Test
Prepare for Test
Questions Due
2 FRQ Questions (30 min)
Vocabulary List: (Create Index Cards Filing Each Term)
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Constitution
Democracy (Direct &
Indirect)
Representative Democracy
Constitutionalism
Statism
Popular Consent
Majority
Plurality
Articles of Confederation
Constitutional Convention
Bicameralism
Virginia Plan
New Jersey Plan
Connecticut Compromise
3/5’s Compromise
Federalists
Anti-Federalists
Natural Law
Checks and Balances
Separation of Powers
Partisanship
Referendum
Republic
Marbury v. Madison
Judicial Review
Writ of Mandamus
Congressional Elaboration
Impeachment
Executive Order
Executive Privilege
Federalism
Unitary Government
Confederation
Delegated Powers
Implied Powers
Necessary & Proper Clause
10th Amendment
Express Powers
Inherent Powers
Commerce Clause
Federal Mandate
Reserve Powers
Concurrent Powers
Full Faith & Credit Clause
Extradition
Interstate Compact
National Supremacy
States’ Rights