AP* United States Government and Politics
2014-2015
COURSE OVERVIEW
The Advanced Placement course in United States Government and Politics will give students an
analytical perspective on government and politics in the U.S. The course includes the study of
general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific examples. It also
requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S.
politics. Students who successfully complete this course will know important facts, concepts, and
theories pertaining to U.S. government and politics; understand typical patterns of political
processes and behavior, and their consequences and be able to analyze and interpret data relevant
to U.S. government and politics.
SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS
The following are suggestions that may be helpful to you. Many of the suggestions were
provided by previous AP government and politics students.
Read the Textbook. You are responsible for knowing the information provided in your textbook
regardless of whether or not we have discussed it in class.
Study your notes every night.
Keep up on current events.
Don’t forget the “basics” – for example, memorize important Supreme Court cases,
Congressional acts, and vocabulary.
Stay organized. It is recommended that you keep a three ringed binder for this class. Divide your
binder into the six units of study. Using a three ring binder will allow you to keep lecture notes,
handouts, and assignment in the same place.
Do the homework, even if it is not for a grade.
Outline the chapters and read the chapter summaries and critical thinking sections in each
chapter, as well as the vocabulary boxes.
Participate in class discussions.
After a test or quiz, write out the questions you missed with the correct answers.
Know the basic structure of the Constitution, as well as the Amendments.
Pay attention to lectures, and take good notes.
Form study groups.
Manage your time wisely.
Use a planner to keep track of important dates and deadlines. You will frequently get reading and
homework assignments a week or more in advanced. Use your planner to remember when
assignments are due.
GRADING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
This course will utilize a number of activities including textbook readings, supplemental
interpretive readings, authentic assessments, writing, and discussion. Some activities will be
graded and other will not however participation in all activities is required in order to receive
full credit in the course. At minimum, you should expect the following evaluative measure:
Essays on subjects covered in the course will be given bi-weekly. These will be timed as though
they were part of the AP exam. Late essays will not be accepted.
Participation in class is mandatory. Everyone should be able to contribute to class discussion at
least once per class session.
Quizzes and tests will be given throughout the course. Most quizzes will be announced however
some may not. All tests will be announced and will be timed as though they were part of the AP
exam. Because the AP exam will expect you to analyze and interpret the entire content of the
course, rather than memorizing facts, it is expected that you are familiar with all content areas
previously studied at all times.
There is no retesting in AP.
Extra credit may be offered occasionally for participation in activities outside of class. Examples
can include participating in a campaign, working at a polling place or attending a lecture. Extra
credit is rare and will only be offered on a class wide basis (meaning no individual extra credit
assignments will be assigned). Extra credit must be completed by the date assigned.
Homework is due at the beginning of the period. No late work will be accepted.
It is your responsibility to get any work that you miss when you are absent. You will be given
time to make-up your work; however it will not be accepted after the deadline. Any work that is
due on the day you were absent will be due on the first day of class upon your return. Tests will
be made up on the first scheduled advisory period.
This course grade will be determined by total point performance achieved by the student on
class projects, test, quizzes, handouts, oral presentations, debates, essays, etc. The Donegal
School District Grading Scale will be used.
SPECIFIC ASSESSMENTS IN CLASS: HOMEWORK, EXAMS, QUIZZES, ESSAYS
AND CURRENT EVENTS:
There will reading every night- an average of 5-7 pages in the text, with occasional handouts and
other supplemental reading. Students are encouraged to bring their textbook to class every day.
Students are also encouraged to have a 3-ring binder that they must bring to class.

Participation in class discussion is mandatory. Everyone should be able to contribute to
class discussion at least once per class session.
There will be pop quizzes that will include paragraph-style writing, multiple choice timed
quizzes on reading homework, lecture and homework assignments.
1-2 page typed essays will accompany selected units studied. These essays are formal, collegestyle essays that include a 5-paragraph style format with Chicago-style citations required.
Students will also be expected to frequently write free response questions (FRQ), in-group work
or on exams. All FRQ’s will be based on the format presented by the AP Government exam.
Students will examine numerous charts, graphs, and political cartoons from the overheads and
power points included with the text (O’Connor), as well as handouts taken from other sources
deemed relevant by the instructor.
Exams will follow each unit. Each exam will consist of multiple-choice and essay questions.
Exams will cover material from the textbook, homework, and class discussion.
Knowledge of contemporary political events is essential for the analytical focus that must be
exhibited in essays. It is highly recommended that students expose themselves to as many of the
following sources as possible: major newspaper (i.e., Washington Post, National Weekly, New
York Times and Christian Science Monitor); major news magazines; television news programs
(i.e. “ News Hour with Jim Lehrer,” “Nightline,” even the Daily Show) C-SPAN; major network
evening news programs; and public radio-NPR
Text:
O’Connor, Karen, and Larry J. Sabato. American Government: Roots and Reform, 10th. Edition.
Longman. New York. 2009
Pearson’s Online Solutions: Online Textbook and Activities
Supplemental:
Ladd, Everett and Serow, Ann. American Polity.5th. Edition. Lanahan. Baltimore. 2011
Local and metropolitan newspapers and news magazines, television and the Internet
COURSE OUTLINE
I. Constitutional Underpinnings (8 Days)
· Roots of American Government
Political Culture and Ideologies
Declaration of Independence
Articles of Confederation: Strengths and Weaknesses
The Constitution: Bundle of Compromises, Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances
Amending the Constitution
Federalism
Readings:
O’Connor, Chapter 1 - “The Political Landscape”
O’Connor, Chapter 2- “The Constitution”
O’Connor, Chapter3- “Federalism
The Declaration of Independence
The United States Constitution
Federalist Papers #’s 10 & 51
Activities:
Intro to Current Events
Terms to Know
Quote Analysis: “If men were angels …”
Locke and Hobbes/ Social Contract Theory/ The Declaration of Independence (Flow Chart)
Articles of Confederation and Constitution Analysis (Venn diagram)
Constitution Scavenger Hunt
Amendment Search and Types (Graphic Organizer)
Supreme Court Reports: McCulloch v. Maryland (1819), Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)
Special Focus Reading: Federalism
Discussion: Medical Marijuana, Same Sex Marriage
Formal Assessments
Amendments Quiz
Unit Test: 40 Multiple Choice, 1 Free Response Question. Timed!
II. Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (8 Days)
Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
14th. Amendment: Incorporation Doctrine/Selective Incorporation
First Amendment Guarantees
Church and State
Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition
Crime and Due Process
Civil Rights Movement: Supreme Court Cases and Federal Legislation
Readings:
O’Connor, Chapter 5: Civil Liberties
O’Connor, Chapter 6: Civil Rights
Supreme Court Cases (Civil Liberties & Civil Rights)
Activities:
Current Events;
Terms to Know;
Supreme Court Glogs
Capital Punishment Debate;
Scott, Plessy and Brown (Graphic Organizer) and Discussion
Civil Rights Legislation: Timeline
Formal Assessments
Supreme Court Case Glog
Unit Exam: 40 Multiple Choice, 1 Free Response Question. Timed!
III. Institutions of the National Government: The Congress, The Presidency, The
Bureaucracy, and The Federal Courts (30 Days)
A. CONGRESS (8of 30 Days)
Bicameral Congress
The House and Senate
Organization of Congress: Leadership
How a Bill Becomes a Law: Filibuster, Cloture, and Political Parties
The Role of Committees: Standing, Rules, Special, Joint, and Conference
Powers of Congress
Theories of Representation and Decision Making
Congress vs. Other Branches of Government (Checks and Balances)
Readings:
O’Connor, Chapter 7 – “Congress”
Waterman, Richard: Presidential Signing Statements: The Constitutional Versus the New
Government Models
Activities:
Current Events
Terms to Know
Difference Between the House and the Senate: Graphic Organizer
Short Video: “How a Bill Becomes a Law”
Flow Chart: The Impeachment Process
Analyzing approval ratings of Congress and individual representatives to determine re-election
results
Assessments
Essay: Congressional Profile
Chapter Exam: 40 Multiple Choice, 1 Free Response. Timed!
B. THE PRESIDENCY (8 of 30 Days)
Roots of the Single Executive
Constitutional Qualifications and Terms of Office
Presidential Succession and Disability
The Roles and Powers of the Presidency
Expansion of Presidential Power: The Imperial Presidency
Use of Media and the White House:
Overview of Foreign Policy and the President
Presidential Election Process: The Electoral College
Presidency vs. The Other Branches of Government
Readings:
O’Connor, Chapter 8 – “The Presidency”
Todd & Gawiser: How Barak Obama Won
Andrade, Lydia: Going Public and the Problem of Avoiding Presidential/Congressional
Compromise
Schiffer and Currier: War Powers, International Alliances, the President and Congress
Activities:
Current Events
Terms to Know
Chart of Presidential Powers (Duties, Description of Pres. Powers, Current Examples);
Essay: How modern Presidents have expanded their powers of the executive office.
Power Point: Presidential Elections
Assessments
Presidential Election Power Point
Chapter Test: 40 Multiple Choice, 1 Free Response Question. Timed!
C. BUREAUCRACY / BUDGET (6of 30 Days)
Structure and Growth of Bureaucracy
Bureaucrats and How Bureaucracies Work
Relationship Between Bureaucracies and the Executive and Legislative Branches
The Government and the Economy
The Budget Process
· Readings:
O’Connor, Chapter 9– “The Executive Branch and The Federal Bureaucracy”
O’Connor, Chapter 18 – “Economic Policy”
Wilson, James: Bureaucracy
Andrade, Lydia: Interest Group Interconnections
Activities:
Current Events
Terms to Know
Timeline: Development of the Federal Bureaucracy
Graphic Organizer: Types of Bureaucracies
Research/Discussion: Are Bureaucracies Necessary?
Federal Budget Analysis: How is Money Allocated and Spent?
Assessments
Unit Test: 40 Multiple Choice Questions & 1 Free Response Question. Timed
D. THE JUDICIARY (8 of 30 Days)
Roots of the Federal Judiciary
Judicial Review: Marbury v. Madison
The American Legal System
The Federal Court System
Nomination and Confirmation of Federal Judges
The Supreme Court & Judicial Philosophy
Landmark Supreme Court Cases
Readings:
O’Connor, Chapter 10 – “The Judiciary”
Yacobucci, Peter: The Tensions of Judicial Appointments
Landmark Supreme Court Cases
Federalist 78
Activities:
Current Events
Terms to Know
A Day in the Life: The Supreme Court in the Life of Students
Analysis: District Court appointees by race, gender, and ethnicity and determine ruling outcomes
Glog: Landmark Supreme Court Cases
How the President affects the Federal Judiciary
Assessment
Supreme Court Case Glog
Chapter Exam: 40 Multiple Choice Questions & 1 Free Response Question. Timed!
IV. Political Beliefs And Behaviors (8 Days)
Political Socialization
The Political Spectrum/Political Ideology
Public Opinion and Polling
Citizen’s Attitude Toward Government
Effects of Public Opinion on Government and Politics
Readings:
O’Connor, Chapter 11 – “Political Socialization and Public Opinion”
Moore, David: The Opinion Makers
Activities:
Current Events
Terms to Know
Political Socialization: Graphic Organizer
Debate: Should Civics Be Taught In American High Schools?
Political Spectrum Questionnaire: Where Do You Stand?
Poll Analysis: Written Report
Public opinion and Media
Assessments
Poll Analysis Report
Unit Exam: 40 Multiple Choice Questions & 1 Free Response Question. Timed!
V. Political Parties, Interest Groups, And Mass Media (12 Days)
A. POLITICAL PARTIES
Roots of the Two Party System
Minor Parties in the Two Party System
Party Realignment/Critical Elections
Functions of Political Parties
Party Organization
The Party in Government
The Party in the Electorate
Dealignment
B. Voting and Elections
Patterns in Voter Turnout
Patterns in Voter Choice
Types of Elections
Election Process
Political Campaigns
Presidential and Congressional Elections
Electoral College (Review)
The Campaign Process
Campaign Finance: The Rules of the Game
The Main Event: The 2008 Presidential Campaign
Readings
O’Connor, Chapter 12: Political Parties
O’Connor, Chapter 13: Voting and Elections
O’Connor, Chapter 14: The Campaign Process
Burnham, Walter: Critical Elections and the Mainsprings of American Politics
Rothenberg, Stuart: Is 2008 a Realigning Election? Numbers Offer Some Clues
Activities
Current Events
Terms to Know
Timeline: U. S. Two Party System
Graphic Organizer: Types of Third Parties
Party Identification Analysis: Determine trends in Americans who identify with Democrats,
Republicans and Independents 1952-2008.
Political Party Brochure
Election Process Timeline
2008 & 2010 Congressional Elections Analysis
Debate- Campaign Finance: Freedom of Speech or License to Corrupt?
Assessment
Political Party Brochure
Party Identification Analysis Report
Congressional Elections Analysis Report
2008 Presidential Campaign Analysis
Unit Exam: 40 Multiple Choice Questions & 1 Free Response Question. Timed!
C. The Media
300 Years of News Media in the United States
Print Media
Radio News
Television News
Current Media Trends
Rules Governing the Media
The Media and Politics
Media Influence and Bias
Public Perception of the Media
Readings:
O’Connor, Chapter 15 – “The Media”
Mutz, Diane: How the Media Divides Us
Peterson, Bradley: Strange Bedfellows
Activities:
Current Events
Terms to Know
How Television Transformed Politics: Video Nixon and Kennedy
Watch and Compare Two Television News Shows: Graphic Organizer
Debate: Are the Media Biased?
Interpret and Discuss Political Cartoons
Video clip: The Media and Politics
Assessment
Essay: Are the Media Biased
Political Cartoon Analysis
Television News Comparison Paper
Chapter Test: 40 Multiple Choice Questions & 1 Free Response Question. Timed!
D. Interest Groups
Roots of the American Interest Group System
Types of Interest Groups
The Development of American Interest Groups
What Do Interest Groups Do? : Lobbying, Election Activities
Soft Money and Hard Money
PAC’s
Regulation of Interest Groups, Lobbyists, and PAC’s
Activities
Current Events
Terms to Know
Interest Group Research: Tactics, Techniques, and Influence- Oral report
Class Debate: Are PAC’s Out of Control
Assessment
Oral Report on Interest Groups
Chapter Exam: 40 Multiple Choice Questions & 1 Free Response Question. Timed!
VI. PUBLIC POLICY (8 Days)
Public Policy Making Process: Who Sets The Agenda
Implementation of Policy
Domestic Policy
Income Security and Health Care Policies
Energy and Environmental Policy
Economic Policy
Government Involvement in the Economy
Government Stabilization of the Economy
The Budget Process
Military v. Domestic Expenditures (“Guns and Butter”)
Foreign and Defense Policy
History of U.S. Foreign Policy and Defense
The U. S. as a World Power
Unilateralism or Multilateralism
Readings:
O’Connor, Chapter 17: Domestic Policy
O’Connor, Chapter 18: Economic Policy
O’Connor, Chapter 19: Foreign Policy
Cohen, Steven: Understanding Environmental Policy
Phillips, Kevin: Bad Money
Activities:
Current Events;
Terms to Know;
Data Analysis: Unemployment Rates by State and Determine how it Correlates to Governmental
Policy.
Debate: Economic Stimulus Payments
Examine State Health Care Insurance Plans: Pros and Cons-Graphic Organizer
Debate: Should the United States Pull out of the United Nations
Assessment
Data Analysis Report
State Health Care Examination Report
Unit Exam: 40 Multiple Choice Questions, 1 Free Response Question. Timed!
Review (6 Days)
Review for AP* U.S. Government and Politics Exam.
Sample AP* U. S. Government and Politics Tests. Timed!