Advanced Placement United States Government & Politics Course Syllabus
Instructor: Rebecca Kegley
Contact information Rebecca.kegley@ops.org
Voicemail 557-3200
Welcome senior class 2016! I am glad to have to you in AP US Government and Politics this semester! This class is
very challenging and fast paced. If you find you are falling behind or know you have some absences approaching,
please stop by Rm 129 after school or email me at the above email to let me know. I am always willing to help
clarify concepts, give feedback on assignment or help students prepare for a test. The best approach for missed
assignments is via email so I may send you an electronic copy. It is sometimes hard to come up with a spare copy
right before or during class. Please read over the following information and see me or send me an email if you
have any questions. Student and guardian signatures are requested at the end.
Mission Statement-“Burke High School is dedicated to providing an exemplary education through the collaborative efforts of
students, parents, staff and community”
AP U.S. Government and Politics Course Description
Welcome to Advanced Placement Government. In this course students will study-the essential principles of
government and participate in a concentrated analysis of governmental institutions and the governmental
processes that are unique to the American political system. Topics to be studied are mandated by the AP College
Board course standards and objectives. They include: the Constitutional Underpinnings of the United States
government; Political Beliefs and Behaviors; Political Parties; Interest Groups; Mass Media; Institutions
(Branches) of Government; Civil Rights and Civil Liberties; and Public Policy.
Method of Instruction
Due Dates and Unit close information!!!! If you are Absent.
A variety of instructional methods will be employed in this class, including lecture, text readings, discussion,
debate, research projects, current events assignments, primary document analysis, essays, quizzes and
exams. If you are going to miss class, please see me outside of class time or email me to schedule a make-up
or turn-in appointment. End of units dates still apply even if you are absent. You may have to email an
assignment on due date. Again, being absent does NOT excuse you from a due date on unit close dates. I will
work with you if you must miss class, but attendance is crucial to excelling in class. All textbook reading will be
done as homework and is an important element to understanding lecture and activities during class. If you do
not read it not only hurts you but other students you could be working with on a project
Initial _______ initial _______
OPS AP US GOVERNMENT STANDARDS AND COURSE OBJECTIVES FOR A TOTAL OF 6 UNITS :
AP-US GOV 01: Critical analysis of the historical foundations of American Government and the examination of the
Constitution of the United States, particularly federalism, the separation of powers and checks and balances.
AP-US GOV 02: Evaluate how individuals and groups can effectively use the structure and functions of various
levels of government to shape policy (e.g., lobbying, voting, contacting government officials, petitioning). It is
important for students to understand how these beliefs are formed, how they evolve, and the processes by which
they are transmitted.
AP-US GOV 03: Analyze and evaluate the roles that political parties, interest groups, and mass media have played
in the United States.
AP-US GOV 04: Analyze and evaluate the functions of United States government (e.g., national security, legislative
law-making, executive implementation, judicial interpretation, constitutionalism, taxation, naturalization of
citizens.) Students will become familiar with the organization and powers, of the legislative, executive and judicial
branches of the United States.
AP-US GOV 05: Students will analyze the policy areas of government in both domestic and foreign relations.
Students will have an understanding of the formation and impact of policy processes and policy within all levels of
government. The policy unit will be covered before writing bills in the legislative process.
AP-USGOV 06: Students will study the development of the individual rights and liberties and their impact on
citizens. Students will read and analyze the United States Supreme Court and its landmark decisions.
READING ASSIGNMENTS
Textbook reading assignments will be done outside of class. We will be reading articles, cases and other
supplemental material in class. Expect to read one chapter a week. Reading quiz dates will be on the
assignment calendar. Expect a reading quiz once a week!
TEXTBOOK: Government in America 2015 editon Pearson Publisher.
O'Connor, Karen. American Government: Reading and Cases. 2nd ed. New York:
OPS District Grading Policy and Grading Scale All coursework and assessments are judged based on the level of
student learning from “below basic” to “advanced.” This course will provide multiple opportunities to achieve at
the “proficient” to “advanced” levels. Students are evaluated based on a proficiency scale or project rubric.
A final score for each reporting topic/standard will be determined using a weighted measurement for formative
grades (methods for learning) and summative scoring (evidence of learning.) All coursework and assessments are
important for student learning and must be completed to provide evidence of learning. Students will be able to
turn in work late if the appropriate unit is not closed. Units close on the day of unit assessments. Parents will be
notified before the end of the unit via Infinite Campus. If assignments or major assessments (final exam) are not
completed, zeros will be given and the grade for the topic/standard once the unit is closed. Students may contact
me before due dates if an absence or activity may interfere with a due date. Students have one day from return
to make up a unit test if absent on due date.
At the end of a grading period, scores for each reporting topic/standard will be averaged using assigned weights.
This weighted average is converted to a letter grade using this grading scale for the 2013-2014 school year.
A = 3.51 – 4.00
A-= 3.01 – 3.50
B = 2.51 – 3.00
B-=2.01 – 2.50
C = 1.51 – 2.00
D = 0.76 - 1.50
F = 0.00 – 0.75
Grades for the course are based on a variety of exercises and assignments throughout the course. The weights of
these components will be based on summative (proof of learning) and formative(necessary for learning)
assignments: Students should plan on at least 3-4 hours a week dedicated to reading and finishing assigned work.
Study guides and daily assignments 35%
Quizzes: 35%
Current Events 35%
RSP Projects 65%
Examinations and FRQ Essays 65%
Notes and vocabulary
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Notes will be a mix of student created and teacher led. Students are allowed to email me for make
up notes.
Each student is required to submit a study guide or outline notes for each chapter showing evidence
of main concepts and key topics.
Each student is required to keep a vocabulary list or flash cards consisting of key terms (usually
listed in bold on the side) from the chapter. Quizlet or Study Stack may be used.
Required Semester Project The required semester project for this class will be a bill writing simulation that
will follow bill to law as well as executive action and constitutionality on an approved issue facing the United
States. Other projects: We will also complete a unit which includes an election simulation, and Supreme
Court case project that combines the duties of the Supreme Court and civil rights and liberties.
I have read the above guidelines and requirements for AP US Government and Politics.
Student signature _____________________________________________________________________
Parent or Guardian signature ____________________________________________________________
Unit Objectives and End of Unit dates
Introducing Government in America
 Traditional Democratic Theory
 Contemporary Theories of American Democracy
 Pluralist Theory
 Elite and Class Theory
 Hyper-pluralism
The Constitution:
 Origins of the Constitution
 Articles of Confederation
 National Government under the Articles
 Weaknesses of the Articles
 Philadelphia Convention
 Checks and Balances
 Ratification of the Constitution
Federalism:
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Defining Federalism
Decentralized Government
Decentralized Policy
Constitutional Basis of Federalism
Supremacy Clause
McCulloch v. Maryland
Elastic Clause
Unit AP US-01 Exam Ch. 1-3 End of Unit September 7th and 8th
Unit 02: Civil Liberties:
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The Bill of Rights
Freedom of Religion
Freedom of Speech, Press, Assembly
Defendant’s rights
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Civil Rights Era
Right to Vote
Women and Public Policy
New Groups and Civil Rights
Affirmative Action
Civil Rights:
Exam #2: Unit 02: Unit 2 End date:
Sept 23 & Sept 24
Unit 03
Public Opinion and Political Action:
 The American People
 Political Socialization
 Public Opinion and Political Information
 Political Ideologies
 How Americans Participate in Politics
Mass Media & the Political Agenda
 Development of media politics
 The print media
 The broadcast media
 The media's agenda setting function
Unit 03 Project and end date Oct 1 & 2
Unit 04 Branches of American Government: Unit 05 Public Policy
Congress
RSP 1 Bill Writing and Debate
 Reps. & Senators
 Congressional Elections
 Advantages of incumbents
 Money in elections
 Organization of Congress
 Congressional leadership
 Committees and subcommittees
 Congressional process
 Lobbyists
Social Policy
 Defining rich and poor
 Government involvement
 Social welfare programs
Foreign and Defense Policy
 American foreign policy, an overview
 Politics of defense policy
Presidency
 Presidential powers
 Running the government
 The executive office
 Politics of shared powers
 The public president
The Federal Bureaucracy
 Bureaucratic organization
 Cabinets and Executive Agencies
RSP 2 Executive Implementation
Economic Policy
 Govt. and the economy
The Federal Courts
RSP 3 Constitutionality argument
 Nature of judicial system
 Structure of federal judicial system
 Politics of judicial selection
 Supreme Court function and cases
Unit Test and Close Date November 23 &24
Unit 06: Linkage Institutions in American Government
Political Parties
 Party in the electorate
 Party organizations
 The party in government: policy
 Party eras
 3rd parties: Impact on politics
Nominations & Campaigns
 Presidential primaries
 National conventions
 The campaign game
 Money & campaigning
Elections & Voting Behavior
 Who votes?
 How Americans Vote
 The electoral college
Interest Groups
 Role of interest groups
 Interest group politics
 Shaping of policy
 Types of interest groups
Unit Exam and Election Project Close Date December 10 & 11
Finals Review and Test Week December 14-18