AP US Government Summer Assignment 2013
MBHS – Mr. Bilyeu
In order to prepare for the AP US Government class, you will be required to complete the
following summer assignment. There are multiple components, so please take care to read through
the directions carefully. The completion of each component adds to your grade. This summer
assignment is your first test grade of the semester whether you have this class in the Fall or the
Spring. It is due for ALL students on Wednesday of the first week of school. (AUGUST 28th)
Place each of these components into a binder with dividers between each component. Bring the
completed assignment to J-106.
1. (20 points) Vocabulary – On 3x5 index cards Define each of the vocabulary words on the
handout provided. Don’t just write down the dictionary’s definition. You should understand the term
in its political context, and use your own words to explain it. Consider this: If I were to give you an
open-note test on these terms, would you feel comfortable with your answers? Place the index
cards in a sealable sandwich bag and place it in the pocket of your binder.
2. (20 points) Essay – You will write a clear, well-documented essay on the Republican and
Democrat Parties:
The essay should address the historical evolution of the two parties, changing viewpoints, and
targeted voters by demographic (Age, Income, Education, Gender, Race, etc.). Also, you should
include each party’s position on the following topics: abortion, social security, the economy, gun
control, immigration, gay rights, and health care. Be sure to address the geographic nuances within
the party – you will find that in some cases, there are differing views, even within the party. The
length of the essay is not as relevant as your comprehensive understanding of the topic. Try to keep
your essay no less than two and no more than four pages in length. (Single –spaced, 12 point Ariel
font, ½ inch margin top and bottom, ½ inch margin on each side)
3. (20 points) Supreme Court Ideology – Make a list the Supreme Court Justices. For each justice,
write a short paragraph on their judicial philosophy. For each justice, select a case from 2011-2013
for which they wrote a majority or minority opinion. Briefly, explain the case and that justice’s
reasoning in the case. www.oyez.org
4. (20 points) United States Constitution – Read it. Know it. Love it. There will be a 25 question
multiple choice test over the Constitution on the 1st Friday of the Semester. (Aug. 30, 2013 & Jan.
10, 2014)
5. (20 points) Current Events – You are required to collect 10 articles pertaining to United States
politics. You may use any reputable news source. You need to keep abreast of the major events
occurring in the United States, as a student in AP Government and as a conscientious citizen. For
each article, write (word process) a short summary of the article and your views on the issue. Attach
your summery to the front of the article.
You will need:
3 articles from June
4 articles from July
3 articles from August
If you have any questions, you can contact me at rbilyeu@mckinneyisd.net. It may take a few days
for me to reply, so do not wait until the last minute to ask questions. I know this seems like it is more
work than reading a book over the summer. Trust me when I say that the benefits of this project as
it relates to the material we will cover during the semester are much greater than a book you might
skim in order to take a multiple choice test.
I’m glad you chose to take AP Government. We are going to have a successful year.
Mr. Bilyeu
AP US Government Summer Vocabulary 2013
MBHS – Mr. Bilyeu
Affirmative Action
Judicial Restraint
Amicus curiae briefs
Judicial Review
Appropriations Bill
Liberalism (Modern)
Barron v. Baltimore
Legislative Courts
Block Grants
Legislative Oversight
Bureaucracy
Limited Government
Casework
Marbury v. Madison
Categorical Grants
Narrowcasting
Caucus (Congressional)
Oversight (Congressional)
Caucus (State Political Party)
Political Party
Civil Liberties
Patronage
Civil Rights
Pork Barrel Spending
Conservatism (modern)
Primaries
Cooperative Federalism
Progressive Tax
Democracy
Proportional Tax
Dual Federalism
Public Policy
Exclusionary Rule
Reapportionment
Exit Poll
Regressive Tax
Filibuster
Rule of Four
Fiscal Federalism
Separation of Powers
Formula Grants
stare decisis
Frontloading
Ticket Splitting
Gibbons v. Ogden
Unfunded Mandates
Gitlow v. New York
writ of certiorari
Incorporation Doctrine
writ of habeas corpus
Judicial Activism
AP US Government Summer Assignment 2013 RUBRIC
MBHS – Mr. Bilyeu
Vocabulary – 20 points
Political Party Essay – 15 Points
Supreme Court Ideology – 20 Points
Constitution Quiz – 25 Points
Current Events – 20 Points
Final Grade