AP United States Government and Politics
Guide for Unit 1: Constitutional Underpinnings of American Government
(5-15% of AP Exam)
Essential Questions:
- Is the concept of separation of powers a reality today?
-Is federalism a viable form of government?
Unit Readings:
- Edwards et al. Chapters 1-3
- Articles:
o The Declaration of Independence
o The Constitution of the United States of America (including amendments)
o The Federalist No. 10
o The Federalist No. 51
o “We” by Eric Lane and Michael Oreskes
o “The Ratification Referendum: Sending the Constitution to a New Convention for Repair” by S. Levinson
Unit Schedule:
Day
Topic and Activities
9/1
Introduction:
 Overview of Policies, Syllabus, Unit Guide, and Packet
 Assignments:
 The Declaration of Independence Questions (9/2)
 The Constitution Questions (9/3)
 Academic Debate “How Democratic is the Constitution?” overview and, “We” OR “The Ratification…”
9/16
9/2
The Constitution: Lecture
 Due: Declaration of Independence Questions
9/3
Annotating and Real Reading
 Annotate Federalist #51
 Due: The Constitution Questions
 Assignment:
o Annotate Federalist #10 (9/8)
o Academic Debate “How Democratic is the Constitution?” overview and “We” OR “The
Ratification…” (9/16)
9/4
Federalists v. Anti- Federalists: Ratifying the Constitution
 Constitution Quiz
 Empire of Reason Video and Guide
 Due: Summer Assignment
 Assignment: Bill of Rights Outline and Cartoons (9/10)
9/8
Student Handbook Day w/ Special Guest Speaker
 Textbook Sign Out
 Assignment: Chapter 2 Study Guide and Key Terms (9/15)
 Due: Federalist #10
9/9
Federalists v. Anti-Federalists: Ratifying the Constitution
 Finish Empire of Reason and Discuss
9/10
The Constitution: Law School
 LSATS and Years 1 and 2
 Due: Bill of Rights Outline and Cartoons
9/11
The Constitution: Law School
 Year 2 and the Bar Exam
 War on Terror Reflection
 Voluntary Assignment: Cake Signups Marble or Layer Due 9/17
9/14
Principles of the Constitution: Separation of Powers
 The Power Grab Game
9/15
Principles of the Constitution: Checks and Balances
 The President, Congress and Foreign Policy
 Due: Chapter 2 Study Guide and Key Terms
 Assignment: Chapter 3 Study Guide and Key Terms
9/16
Principles of the Constitution: How Democratic is the Constitution?
 Structured Academic Controversy (SAC)
 Due: Annotated “We” or “The Ratification…” (Be prepared to discuss thoroughly)
9/17
Federalism: Lecture and Discussion
 The evolution of federalism in the U.S.
 Constitution Day!
 Due: Cake
9/18
Federalism: Case Studies
 You be the Supreme Court Justice!
9/21
Government in America:
 Government, Politics, the Policymaking System, and the Theories of Democracy
 Due: Chapter 3 Study Guide
 Assignment:
o Chapter 1 Study Guide and Key Terms (9/22)
o Practice FRQ 9/23
9/22
Government in America:
 Government Politics, the Policymaking System, and the Theories of Democracy
 Due: Chapter 1 Study Guide and Key Terms
9/23
AP/Unit One Exam Preparation
 FRQ and MCT Strategies
 Due: Practice FRQ
9/24
Unit One Exam
 Unit One FRQ (25 minutes) and Multiple Choice Test (30 questions in 20 minutes)