AP Government (Period 1 & 6) Assignments

I you were absent for the Monday or Tuesday block please complete the following two part assignment. 

 

1) Go to the following website and review realism and liberalism theories of foreign policy.http://www.sparknotes.com/us-government-and-politics/political-science/international-politics/section2.rhtml

 

Write a short paragraph in which you contrast realism and liberalism. 

 

2) Read the following article and do the following

 

B) Analyze the authors argument. Write a few sentences in which you explain why you agree or disagree with the authors argument. 

Foreign policy presentation: See attachment, use the following websites:

 

 

Link to full article read in class. The Obama Doctrine 

 

A little late for the AP Exam but sill a good read. Many topics discussed in class show up in this article.

 

House GOP wins Obamacare lawsuit. 

 

Virtual Obama Museum 

 

AP Government Crash Course Videos 

Review Videos 

 

C-Span 

 

Tom Richey Keith Hughes: Hangout: live at 5:00

 

 

Tips for remembering content 

 

This Weeks Quiz Questions Executive and Legislative Branches 

 

Executive and Congress FRQ Quiz

 

1. The Constitution gives the President few powers to act without Congress. However the power of the presidency has significantly grown over time.

 

1. A) Describe one national security power of the president, one legislative power, one administrative power and one judicial power. (see page 399 in textbook)

 

1. B) Describe two reasons why presidential power has expanded.

 

1. C) Describe two ways Congress can serve as a check on the president.

 

1. D) Describe the honeymoon period of a presidency.

 

1. E) Describe how the War Powers Resolution attempted to limit the power of the president.

 

The Expansion of the federal bureaucracy has dramatically changed the way the government operates.

 

1. A) Describe the quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial powers that many bureaucratic agencies have.

 

1. B) Describe the concept know as the iron triangle

 

1. C) Describe what is meant by policy implementation?

 

1. D) Describe two reasons why policy implementation can fail.

 

1. E) Describe two ways Congress attempts to control the bureaucracy

 

 

Congress

 

The framers not only created a Bicameral legislature but also created two distinct chambers.

 

1. A) Name one power exclusively given to each chamber and explain why the framers gave it to that chamber.

 

1. B) Describe two aspects of Congress that can lead to gridlock.

 

1. C) Describe the importance of both the committee system and committee chairs in Congress.

 

1. D) Describe each of the following types of committees: standing, joint, select.
2. E) Describe one thing that Congress does besides write laws.

 

 

Vocabulary

 

Constituent Services

Legislative Oversight

Caucus (Congressional not a way of picking candidates)

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

Discharge Petition

Pendleton Civil Service Act

Merit Principle

Independent Regulatory Agency

Deregulation

Read Chapter 15 and answer the following questions 

 

Chapter 15 Discussion Questions

 

 

 

 

 

1) What did the Pendleton Civil Service act do? Explain what civil service means.

 

 

2) What is an independent regulatory agency? Explain how one might argue that they have both executive and legislative powers. Provide two examples of independent regulatory agency.

 

 

3) What are government agencies? Do you think these are necessary or could private companies better accomplish their goals? Explain and provide examples.

 

4) What are independent executive agencies? Provide two examples.

 

 

5) What is policy implementation? Describe each of the 6 reasons why policy implementation fails.

 

 

6) What is regulation? Which agencies regulate the automobile industry?

 

 

7) What is deregulation? Critics of regulation claim it does what?

 

 

8) What are the four ways presidents attempt to control the bureaucracy?

 

 

9) What is an Iron triangle/issue network? Provide an example that is not listed in the book.

 

Review Video Questions Executive and Legislative Branches 

 

The President/Executive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPBi_rNhh30

1) Describe the formal powers given to the president?

 

 

2) Why are the powers of the president more impressive today?

 

 

3) Why is the president’s role as chief executive important?

 

 

4) Why did the framers give the president war powers?

 

 

5) What is the significance of the War Powers Act?

 

 

6) Why does the President have executive privilege?

 

 

7) What determines how many votes each state gets in the electoral college?

 

 

8) Describe the winner take all system of the electoral college.

 

 

7) Who are the most powerful people around the president?

 

Congress

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-YKvx3vH7c

1) What are the distinct differences between the House and the Senate?

 

 

2) Describe the significance of filibuster.

 

 

3) How are the debate rules different in each chamber?

 

 

4) Why does the Senate have less rules?

 

 

5) What is closed rule?

 

 

6) Describe the division of labor in Congress.

 

 

7) What is reapportionment and what is gerrymandering?

 

 

8) What are constituent services?

 

Bureaucracy #1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8EQAnKntLs

1) Who are bureaucracies made up off?

 

2) Why do we have bureaucracies?

 

3) What are specific import functions the bureaucrats fulfill?

 

4) How do bureaucracies act like legislators?

 

5) What do some people want the tasks bureaucracies perform to become privatized?

 

6) What is the argument against privatization?

 

Bureaucracy #2 (types of bureaucracies)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIvUo3bP4Eo

 

1) How do Executive departments mostly provide services?

 

 

2) What are the functions of bureaucracies

 

 

3) How do bureaucracies increase their power?

 

 

4) What is the source of the expert’s power?

 

Bureaucracy # 3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12MCVhfo4j4

 

1) What are the different ways Congress attempts to control bureaucracies?

 

 

 

 

2) What is the General Accounting office?

 

 

 

3) What is the best way to control a bureaucracy?

 

 

4) Why is it difficult to get rid of bureaucracies?

 

 

 

5) What is deregulation?

 

 

 

6) What is devolution?

Interesting Article on Exit Polls and good review for AP Exam 

 

Review Quiz # 2 

Review Videos

Watch the attached video and answer the accompanying questions.

 

 

 

Unit One Review Quiz: You will be asked to answer two of the FRQs below and define five of the vocab terms. 

FRQ # 1

1. A) Describe two problems with the Articles of Confederation and two ways the Constitution addressed problems with the AOC.
2. B) Describe two compromises made by the Framers at the Constitutional Convention.
3. C) Describe two undemocratic features of the Constitution when it was ratified and two ways the American politics have become more democratic.
4. D) Describe two ways the Constitution limits the power of the federal government.

 

FRQ # 2

1. A) Describe one reason why the framers created a federalist form of government.
2. B) Describe the transformation from dual federalism to cooperative federalism.
3. C) Describe the significance of each of the following cases in regards to federalism: Gibbons v. Ogden and McCulloch v. Maryland.
4. D) Describe two reasons why the balance of power has shifted to the federal government. (not including the above cases)
5. E) Describe a contemporary federalism issue in one of the following areas: marriage, voting rights, abortion, guns,

 

 

FRQ # 3

1. A) Describe enumerated and implied powers of the federal government and give an example of each.
2. B) Describe the significance of the 10^th Amendment and federalism.
3. C) Define fiscal federalism and explain how the government uses it to influence state governments.
4. D) Describe the significance of the full faith and credit clause.
5. E) Describe the significance of the privileges and immunities provision of the Constitution.

 

Vocab

 

New Jersey Plan

Virginia Plan

Writ of habeas corpus

Federalist Papers

Grants-in-Aid

Unfunded Mandate

Categorical Grant

Block Grant

Extradition

Commerce Clause

Prepare for Unconstitutional Power Grab Game 

 

Foundations and Federalism Video Question 

Please watch the videos and answer the associated questions for each video 

 

American Foundations

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD3wPsvi1wA&list=PLE7BA4D521708F298

1) Why didn’t the Articles of Confederation Work? (list several reasons)

 

 

2) What was the question facing the Constitutional Convention?

 

 

3) What does “We the People” symbolize?

 

 

4) What was the only office directly elected by the people?

 

 

5) How were the rights of individual liberties protected?

 

 

6) Why is the 1^st Amendment important?

 

 

7) What is selective incorporation?

 

 

8) How do you change the Constitution?

 

Federalism

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJo_C5acEJg&list=PLE7BA4D521708F298&index=2&nohtml5=False

1) Why did the Framers create a federalist form of government? What are some other reasons not mentioned in the video?

 

 

2) Describe the importance of the tenth Amendment in regards to federalism.

 

 

3) How does federalism encourage political activity?

 

 

4) Why has the power of the federal government grown?

 

 

5) Which parts of the Constitution have been used to expand the power of the federal government?

 

 

6) Describe the difference between a grant and a mandate.

 

 

7) Describe the difference between a block and categorical grant.

 

 

FRQ QUiz 

 

1) A minority group is a group that lacks political power. Often time’s minority groups form organizations or interest groups to promote their cause. The Constitution contains several provisions that protect the rights of individuals who try to promote their interests in a representative democracy.

 

(a) Explain two provisions in the Bill of Rights that protect individuals who try to influence politics.

 

(b) List and describe two interest groups that have been formed to protect or promote the rights of a specific group of Americans.

 

(c) List and describe the significance of two Supreme Court decisions that guaranteed a specific right of a minority group.

 

(d) Describe two pieces of legislation that have made it easy for minorities to participate in the political process.

 

2) While the right to Free Speech is guaranteed in the 1^st Amendment there have been debates about what is covered by Free Speech.

 

(a) Describe the two clauses in the first Amendment regarding free speech.

 

(b) Describe the significance of each of the following cases regarding free speech

• Gitlow v. New York
• Lemoon v. Kurtzman
• Schenck v. US
• Texas v. Johnson
• Citizens United v. FEC

 

3) One of the salient features of the Warren Court was the incorporation of the rights of the accused.

 

(a) List and describe the two clauses of the 14^th Amendment.

 

(b) Describe the incorporation doctrine (selective incorporation)

 

(c) List and describe three Supreme Court cases that incorporated a right of the acused and describe the significance of each case.

Civic Learning Reflection: See attachment 

Classwork for Firday 3/18: Gay Marriage and the 14th AMendment 

This weeks notes: Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s

Read Chapter Five and Answer the attached questions 

Exam on Friday: Courts and Civil Liberties 

Read the aerticles that were assigned to you (Group A or B) and complete the graphic organizer for your reading only. Try to get two points form each of your assigned readings. Bring you readings and the graphic organizer to class on Tuesday. 

Read the attached background reading for the SAC we will have on Tuesday.

Chapter Four Discussion Questions

 

1) What is the significance e of Barron v. Baltimore? Why did the court rule differently in Gitlow v New York? What is the incorporation doctrine? Do you think the founders intended for the Bill of Rights to restrict state governments or only the federal government?

 

2) What are the two elements of free speech? What is the significance of Lemon v. Kurtzman? Do you think the government should provide aide to church related schools?

 

3) What did the court rule in New York Times v. Sullivan? Do you agree with the ruling? Why or why not

 

4) What is the exclusionary rule? Do you think the exclusionary rule is a good idea? Why or why not?

 

5) What was established in Gideon v. Wainwright?

 

6) Described how the courts enunciated the right to privacy? Do you believe the Constitution protects the right to privacy?

Judiciary Notes

If you are absent on 3/18 watch the video, answer the attached questions and complete the restraint v. activism activity

 

Some countries central banks currently have negative interest rates to discourage people from saving. 

 

Supreme Court Web Homework

 

 

Use the website www.scotusblog.com to answer the following questions

 

 

1) Click on Plain English/Made Simple at the top of the website. Then click on biographies of the Justices. List the names the current Supreme Court Justices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2) Choose one of the Justices and write a brief summary of their biography.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3) Go back to the Plain English/Made Simple page. Click on Supreme Court Procedure. On the back or a separate sheet of paper, briefly describe the four major steps a case goes through before a decision is delivered.

Link to stream Inequality for All.

 

Chapter 16 Homework

 

 

1) Describe the two basic kinds of cases.

 

 

 

2) Describe what standing to sue means

 

 

 

3) Describe original jurisdiction and appellate jurisdiction.

 

 

 

4) Describe the process by which judges are chosen. What is senatorial courtesy?

 

 

 

5) Define judicial activism and judicial restraint

 

 

 

6) Describe the rule of four (pg. 522)

 

 

 

7) Describe the role of the solicitor general.

 

 

8)Describe stare decisis and precedent

 

 

9) Describe the significance of Marbury v. Madison

 

 

10) Read a historical review on pages 528-531. During what time periods were the justices the strongest proponents of judicial activism. During which time period were the justices the strongest proponents of judicial restraint? Defend your answer in 1-2 paragraphs.

Ch. 18 Questions

 

1) What are social welfare policies and why are they controversial?

 

 

 

2) What are entitlement programs? What are the two biggest entitlement programs? What are means-tested programs?

 

 

 

3) What is the difference between income and wealth?

 

 

 

4) How does the government impact personal income through taxation and expenditures?

 

 

 

5) What were the major provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act?

 

 

6) What challenges does Social Security face in the future?

Economic Policy Notes 

Budget Simulation Reflection 

 

1)What did you find most challenging about the budget process? Do you think this happens in real life? Explain

2)How did the Special Interest Groups request impact your decision making? If it didn’t what do you think the electoral consequences will be. (You are a member on Congress)

3) What was the most important priority to you in the budget? Did your group members share you priority.

4) Does your budget more closely represent Keynesian or Supply side economics? Why?

5) Write a few sentences explaining why the president should sign your budget. 

Chapter 17 Economic Policy Making

 

1) Describe the two major worries of politicians when it comes to the economy.

 

 

 

2) Describe Monetary policy

 

 

 

3) How does the Fed work to affect the supply of money and credit?

 

 

 

4) Describe Fiscal Policy and the difference between Keynesian and Supply-Side Economics.

 

5) Describe the four obstacles the government faces when controlling the economy

Budget Reading

 

Read the attached article and answer the questions that follow 

 

 

Chapter 14 Questions

 

1) According to the textbook, what are the contradictory demands that Americans put on their elected officials?

 

2) What are the three main sources of federal revenue?

 

3) What did the 16^th Amendment create?

 

4) The income tax is generally progressive. What does this mean? Is this a far an efficient way to tax the population? Explain why or why not.

 

5) How does the federal government borrow money?

 

6) Describe the effects that happen when the government borrows large sums of money.

 

7) Define uncontrollable expenditures and entitlements. How much of the budget is made up of uncontrollable expenditures?

 

8) What did the Budgeting and Accounting Act do?

Interesting Free lecture

Do Primaries Really Make Presidential Elections More Democratic? 

Geoffrey Cowan 

 

FRQs for Final Exam 

 

2016 Fall Final Exam FRQ

Your Final Exam is worth 10% of your grade. For the FRQ portion I will pick three of the below questions for which you will choose two to answer.

 

Chapter One

 

1. A famous definition of politics is “who gets what and how.”

 

1. Explain the three main theories of American democracy.
2. Describe what a linkage institution is and how they shape the government’s policy agenda.
3. Describe two criterions for democracy.
4. Describe two challenges to democracy.

 

1. Chapter Two

 

The authors of founding documents of The United States were heavily influenced by events that happened in the years before the nation’s birth

 

1. Describe the ideas of natural rights, consent of the governed and limited government.
2. Describe a specific example of how each of the above ideas appears in the Constitution or Declaration of Independence.
3. Describe two specific ways the Constitution limits majority rule.
4. Describe two parts of the Constitution that have led to an increase in the power of the federal government.
5. Describe two informal ways of changing the Constitution

 

III. Chapter Three

Federalism is a salient feature of American democracy.

1. Define Federalism
2. Describe enumerated powers and implied powers and provide and example of each.
3. Describe the shift from Dual to Cooperative federalism.
4. Explain how the federal government engages in fiscal federalism to encourage states to do things.
5. List two advantages and to disadvantages of federalism.

 

1. Chapter Six
2. Define Political Socialization
3. Explain how liberals and conservatives differ on both foreign and economic policy.
4. Describe two forms for political participation
5. Describe one event that has led to the decline of trust in government
6. Explain the relationship between class and political participation.

 

1. Chapter Eight and Nine

 

One of tasks of political parties is to pick candidates.

1. Describe Open blanket and closed primaries.
2. Describe why early primary and caucus states are important
3. Explain how republicans and democrats distribute delegates differently
4. Explain what happens at the national convention
5. What is the party platform?

 

1. Chapter 10

Voting is one of the most common forms of political participation

 

1. Explain Anthony Downs’ theory about why a rational person would vote
2. Describe political efficacy and explain its relationship to voting.
3. How did the Motor Voter Act impact voting?
4. Which groups of people are most likely to vote.

 

VII. Chapter 11

Interest Groups are a prominent linkage institution in American politics.

1. Explain what an interest group is
2. Describe the free rider problem
3. Explain the three ways that interest groups attempt to shape policy
4. Describe the revolving door of politics.

 

VIII. Presidents often going into office hoping to do great things but often time find it difficult to accomplish them.

1. Describe the formal domestic powers of the president.
2. Explain the informal powers of the president.
3. Explain how Congress serves as a check on the executive branch.
4. Describe two roles of the president.

Final Exam Study Guide 

 

AP Government First Semester Final Exam Study Guide

Pluralism

Hyperpluralism

Class and Elite Theory

Linkage Institution

Strict and Loose constructionists (interpretation of Constitution)

Policy Agenda

Difference between policy and law

Representative democracy

Challenges of democracy

Delegate v. Trustee model of representation

Ideas in the Declaration of Independence (Consent of the governed, limited government, natural rights, natural law, unalienable rights)

Articles of Confederation (be able to contrast with the Constitution and explain problems with it)

Shays’ Rebellion

Federalists and Anti-Federalists (review chart on page 49)

Virginia Plan

New Jersey Plan

Connecticut Compromise (Great Compromise)

3/5 Compromise

Federalist papers (Be able to summarize the main arguments in 10 & 51)

Amending Process (Constitution)

Informal ways of amending the Constitution

Checks and balances (be able to provide examples)

Concurrent powers (shared powers)

Elastic Clause (necessary and proper clause)

Enumerated powers

Delegated powers

Implied powers

Judicial Review

Marbury v. Madison

Supremacy Clause

Powers given to the executive branch in the Constitution

Powers given to the legislative branch in the Constitution

Federalism

Powers given to the state and federal governments (review chart on page 71)

10^th Amendment

full faith and credit clause

Commerce Clause

Categorical Grants

Block Grants

Competitive Federalism

Cooperative Federalism

Dual/ Layer Cake Federalism

Cooperative/ Marble Cake Federalism

Fiscal Federalism

New federalism

Unfunded Mandates (be able to define and give examples)

New Federalism

Be able to describe three contemporary issues regarding federalism

Positive and negative aspects of federalism

Political Socialization

Differences between conservatives and liberals

Divided government

Party Era

Critical election

Party dealignment

Party realignment

Party platform

Political participation (who participates in the political process)

Tasks of political parties

Three heads of political parties

Third political parties

                  -Challenges to third parties

                  -Roles that they play

Invisible Primary (Media Primary)

Front loading

Problems with primary/caucus system

Political Action Committee (PACS)

Super PACS

501c4 groups

527 groups

Matching Funds

McCain-Fenigold

Citizens United

Fairness Doctrine

Equal Time Rule

Electoral College (how it works, problems, why we stull use it)

Swing states

McCulloch v. Maryland

Gibbons v. Ogden

Buckley v. Valejo

Interest groups

Differences between House of Reps and Senate

Requirements for Congress and President

Judicial Review

Evolution of Federal Power over States Rights (general trends and major events that shifted the balance)

Political Agenda

Mandate Theory of Elections

Motor Voter Act

Two-Party System

Party Eras

Political efficacy

Paradox of the Presidency

Presidential Powers

War Powers Resolution (Act)

The Cabinet

 

Winter Break Extra Credit

 

Visit the PBS Frontline and watch 1-3 episode. Write a paragraph summarizing the episode you watched and write a paragraph explaining how it relates to concepts discussed in class. You may pick any episode but I listed a few recommendations below.

 

 

Immigration Battlehttp://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/immigration-battle/

 

Obama At Warhttp://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/obama-at-war/

 

Cliffhangerhttp://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/cliffhanger/

 

Climate of Doubthttp://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/climate-of-doubt/

 

The Choice 2012http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/choice-2012/

 

Obama's Dealhttp://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/obamasdeal/

 

The Choice 2008http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/choice2008/

Podcast from Jessica and Kiersten 

Cabinet Confirmation Assignment

 

1) Write a paragraph that summarizes the mission of your department and explain three contemporary issues the department faces.

 

If you are a nominee: Chose 5 topics that you will take questions about.  

 

If you are a senator come up with three questions to ask you senator after they give you the topics. 

 

 

Congress FRQ Quiz

 

Study the attached Questions 

 

 

Recommended Reading: Dems use rare procedure  to force vote on keeping guns form terror suspects. 

If you were absent on Tuesday 12/8 please complete the following reflection questions from our mock legislative session. 

 

1)Do you feel that you more closely followed the delegate or trustee model of representation?

2)What positions did you take that your district would like/dislike.

3)What will you advertise and take credit for when running for reelection?

4)Which special interests will support andoppose you.

5)Describe the 30 second ad you will air when running for reelection.

Chapter 13 Discussion Questions (Part I 391-404)

 

1) What do the authors of the textbook mean when they argue that Americans are of two minds about the presidency?

 

2) How did the Twenty-Second Amendment change the presidency? Do you think this is a good amendment? Why or why not?

 

3) Which two presidents were impeached? How did Nixon avoid impeachment? Do you think any Presidents (including the two that were impeached) took actions that met the threshold required for impeachment?

 

4) What is the significance of the Twenty-Fifth Amendment?

 

5) The textbook argues that during the 1950s and 60s many favored a powerful presidency, but during the 1970s many felt differently. What accounted for this change? How do you think people feel today? Do you think any events are responsible for the way people feel today? Do you think it depends on who is holding the office?

 

6) According to the textbook what resource does the president have for controlling the bureaucracy?

 

7) What is the President’s Cabinet?

Executive Power point and Kennedy Speech/Worksheet 

Recommended Reading: An estimate about how the next census will change the congressional map. 

 

Congress Web Homework: See Attachment 

Template for bill

Interesting conversation between scientist Neil DeGrassee Tyson and President Bill Clinton on the intersection of politics and science. 

Recommended Reading on the 2016 Republican primary.

 

 

Period One Podcast for 11/13

Recommended Reading: Supreme Court to hear Texas Abortion Law Case 

Congressional District/State Research. Research the district or state you are representing. Then answer the attached questions. 

Chapter 12 Questions 

 

1) Describe some of the frustrations and challenges that members of Congress experience. If you were a member of Congress, which of these would be the most frustrating to you?

 

 

2) What are some of the perks of being a congressperson? Do you think the perks outweigh the frustrations of being a congressperson?

 

 

3) The authors of the textbook make the following argument: “Members of congress are not typical or average Americans.” What types of people typically enter Congress? Why do you think Congress is not an accurate representation of the nation?  

 

 

4) According to the textbook, what is the best thing a candidate can have going for him or her in a congressional election. Should we impose term limits on members of Congress?

 

 

5) What are the three primary activities that members of Congress engage in to increase the probability of their reelection?

 

 

6) What is casework? How does it relate to the question above?

 

 

7) How is the structure of the House different from the structure of the Senate?

 

 

8) What powers were restored to the Speaker of the House six decades after the revolt in 1910? What role does the whip play?

 

9) Describe the four different types of committees.

 

10) What is a Caucus (Congressional)? What role do they play in the legislative process?

1) Describe some of the frustrations and challenges that members of Congress experience. If you were a member of Congress, which of these would be the most frustrating to you?

 

 

2) What are some of the perks of being a congressperson? Do you think the perks outweigh the frustrations of being a congressperson?

 

 

3) The authors of the textbook make the following argument: “Members of congress are not typical or average Americans.” What types of people typically enter Congress? Why do you think Congress is not an accurate representation of the nation?  

 

 

4) According to the textbook, what is the best thing a candidate can have going for him or her in a congressional election. Should we impose term limits on members of Congress?

 

 

5) What are the three primary activities that members of Congress engage in to increase the probability of their reelection?

 

 

6) What is casework? How does it relate to the question above?

 

 

7) How is the structure of the House different from the structure of the Senate?

 

 

8) What powers were restored to the Speaker of the House six decades after the revolt in 1910? What role does the whip play?

 

9) Describe the four different types of committees.

 

10) What is a Caucus (Congressional)? What role do they play in the legislative process?

Week 2 Podcast due

Recommended Reading: We will not discuss the federal Reserve until next semester. However, with the drop in unemployment in today's job reports you will likely see many discussion about whether or not the FED should raise interest rates. The author of the article makes the case against raising them under current circumstances. 

 

Election Assignment 

Podcast # 2 for this week 

 

 

Recommended Reading: GOP Candidates lagging rely on Hew Hampshire to get close. 

Mid-Term Exam: See attached study guide 

Watch Review video on Campaign Finance reform and Citizens United v. FEC.

 

Link for NRA video 

 

Chapter 11 Discussion Questions

 

1) Describe the role of Interest groups

 

 

 

2) What are sub governments?

 

 

 

3) What is the difference between potential groups and actual groups?

 

 

 

4) What is the free-rider problem?

 

 

 

 

5) Describe each of the four ways that interest groups attempt to shape policy.

 

 

 

 

 

6) Describe the four types of interest groups that your book describes.

 

Recommended website from 2012 to review the nomination process. 

AP Government Mid-Term

Part I (In-Class)

 

Question # 1

 

During the drafting of the Constitution some of the framers were concerned about putting too much power in the hands of the people. Others were fearful of the federal government becoming too powerful. Despite placing several provisions in the Constitution to alleviate each fear the nation has become more democratic and the power of the federal government has grown significantly.

 

(a) Explain two ways the Constitution limited majority rule

(b) Explain two ways the nation has become more democratic.

(c) Explain one informal way of changing the Constitution and why informal methods of changing the Constitution are used more frequently than the formal amendment process.

(d) Describe one original feature of the Constitution that has led to a growth in the power of the national/federal government.

(e) Select one of the following and explain how it has been used to increase the power of the federal government.

Categorical grants

Federal mandates

Selective Incorporation

 

Question # 2

The nomination process for President has changed dramatically since 1968

(a) Explain what the invisible primary is

(a) Explain why many states switched from a caucus to a primary.

(b) Explain how Republicans and Democrats distribute delegates differently

(c) Explain one reason why the early states are important in the nomination process

(d) Explain one criticism of the early states in the primary process

 

Question # 3

A significant feature of the Electoral College is that most states have a winner-take all system

(a) Describe the winner-take-all feature of the electoral college.

(b) Explain one way in which the winner-take –all feature of the electoral college affects how presidential candidates from the two major political parties run their campaigns.

(b) Explain one way in which the winner-take-all feature of the electoral college hinders third-party-candidates.

(d) Explain two reasons why the electoral college has not been abolished

Chapter 10 Questions due

1) As previously discussed one role of third party candidates is to discuss issues ignored by the major parties. Which issues did Ralph Nader bring up in the 2000 election? Why did many liberal publications and political leaders try to convince Nader to pull out? Do you think Nader made the correct decision by staying in the race?

 

2) Why is it so difficult to pass a constitutional amendment changing the electoral college?

 

3) List the 3 Constitutional amendment that expanded suffrage along with who each amendment expanded suffrage to. (left side of page 306)

 

4) Explain how state laws vary when it comes to crime and voting. How doe sthis relate to federalism?

 

5) What did Anthony Downs argue about voting?

 

6) What is political efficacy? What was the 1993 Motor Voter Act? What should the government do, if anything to encourage people to vote?

 

7) The book lists several variables that political scientists use to predict how likely people are to vote. Which groups are most likely to vote? Which groups are less likely to vote? Which of these relationships seemed the most obvious? Did any surprise you?

 

8) Describe the mandate theory of elections. Describe how recent elections results might challenge this theory.

 

9) How does party identification play a role in how people vote? How has modern technology changed the relationship between party identification and voting?

 

10) According to the book there are two reasons why the electoral college is important to the presidential election? Explain each of them.

CAP Research Due (pages 2-3 in packet) 

Interesting Read: The politics of creating a 2016 soundtrack. 

 

Podcast Instructions: see attachment 

 

A good website to get started: Real Clear Politics 

 

Recommended reading on the invisible primary in the Democratic party for 2016.

 

NY Times: Joe Biden Ran in the Invisible primary and lost to Hilary Clinton

Read the attached article and answer the attached questions (below also) 

 

Read Election 101: Five basics about ‘super PACs’ and 2012 campaign money from the Christian Science Monitor and answer the following questions.

 

 

1) According to the author, what is a Political Action Committee (PAC)?

 

 

2) What monetary limitations are placed on PACs?

 

 

3) How are super PACs different from PACs?

 

 

4) According to the author, what is the caveat of super PACs?

 

 

5) How have super PACs gotten around disclosure requirements?

 

 

6) According to the law, super PACs are not suppose to have contact with the candidate they are supporting. Do you think super PACs and candidates usually follow this rule?

 

 

7) What did the Supreme Court rule in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission?

 

 

8) What are Super PACs primarily used for?

 

 

9) What do campaign finance experts worry about?

 

 

10) According to Professor Crowder-Meyer, what good might come out of super PACS?

 

 

 

11) What is your opinion about super PACs? Are they good or bad for democracy? Answer in a complete paragraph and be prepared to defend your answer in class.

Stephen Colbert creates a Super PAC. 

 

Chapter 9: Nominations and Elections

 

1) Read governor Bush’s daily agenda on pages 266-267. Describe his schedule using only one word.

 

 

2) According to the textbook, what does success in the nomination game require? What do the authors mean by momentum? Who has the momentum in each of the current primary races? Why? Would you add anything else to this list?

 

 

3) How does the length of the presidential campaign compare to other industrial nations? What are the positive and negative aspects of having such a long campaign season? (the book only mentions the positive aspects, use your critical thinking skills and imagination to think of what the positive aspects might be. )

 

4) Why did most states replace caucuses with primaries?

 

5) What are superdelegates? They are a part if which party’s nominating process?

 

6) In reference to the New Hampshire primary, the authors argue, “[a]t this early stage, the campaign is not for delegates, but for images.” What do they mean by this?

 

7) How do the Democrats and Republicans distribute their delegates differently?

 

8) On page 273-274 the book lists several criticisms of the primary and caucus system. Briefly summarize what you believe the three strongest criticisms of the system.

 

9) Why was the FEC created?

 

10) What did the Supreme Court rule in Buckley v. Valejo?

 

11) What is soft money? Should we limit these types of contributions?

 

12) What are PACS, What impact do they have on elections.

Political Party Notes: Review for exam on Friday 

Unit Two Exam Chapters 6-8 

See attached study guide 

If you were absent on Wednesday 10/14 watch the following videos on the Iowa Caucus and review different types of primary elections. 

 

 

Recent Elections Research Assignment (See Attachment) 

Recommended Reading: Here Come the Republican  Moderates 

Recommended Reading:

The Messiest Speaker Battle in History  

FRQ Quiz: You will be asked to answer one of the FRQs on the attached document. Please review both the FRQ Guide also. 

 

Chapter 8 Discussion Questions

 

1) Describe the difference between political parties and interest groups. Why are political parties often called “three headed political giants?” Describe each of the three heads.

 

 

2) Describe each of the tasks parties perform. Why are political parties considered linkage institutions? Do political parties do a good job of communicating what people want to elected officials to do?

 

3) Describe closed, open and blanket primaries. Which type of primary do you think is best? Why?

 

4) What is a coalition? What is a critical election? Do you think 2016 will be a critical election? If so, which party will dominate and what coalitions will give them the victory?

 

5) What is a party era? What is party realignment? Are we currently in a party era? If so, which party is winning the majority of elections?

 

 

6) Why was the election of 1896 considered a realigning one?

 

7) Describe the current era of divided party government.

 

8) What is party dealignment?

 

9) Why do scholars believe third parties are important? According to the authors, how would a multiparty system benefit America? Do you think America should change its election process to give third party candidates a greater voice?

Recommended Reading on the Fairness Doctrine

Media Notes (CH. 7) 

Permission Slips die for Page One: Inside the New York Times

 

 

 

2016 Candidates Political Spectrum Assignment (See attached) 

 

Recommended Links

Sabato's Crystal Ball 

Real Clear Politics

Washington Post Politics 

Read chapter 7 and answer the attached questions. 

 

1) What is the political agenda? How do candidates attempt to control the political agenda? What examples does your book describe?

 

 

 

 

2) How has the role of the media changed in American politics over time? Why are political scientists critical of investigative reporting? Do you think investigative reporting is good or bad for our nation?

 

 

 

 

3) Describe the pecking order in print media. What has been happening to circulation rates? What do you think the impact of the pecking order has been on the quality of news received? How do you think the decrease in circulation rates have affected the quality of news we receive?

 

 

 

 

4) How did TV change the perception of government during the Vietnam War? What were the effects of cable news? Who do you believe does a better job reporting the news, papers, TV or social media?

 

 

 

 

5) Describe the three ways the FCC regulates the airwaves. What is narrowcasting? Do you think narrowcasting is a good or bad thing? D you think it impacts political ideology or voting behavior?

 

 

 

5) What are journalists dependent on to keep their businesses going? What is public ownership? What is a conglomerate? According to the text, who controls most of the newspapers? Does this present a potential conflict of interest? Should we place restrictions on who should own newspapers? Should every major city have a variety of news sources that are owned by different people?

 

 

 

6) What are the primary motivating factors in determining which news will be broadcasted? What is a trial balloon? Describe the relationship between newsmakers and journalists. What potential problems might arise? What do you think the criteria should be for determining what is news?

 

 

 

7) Why have political leaders found it difficult to get their message broadcasted on the major networks? Where have they gone to do this? What are some potential problems with leaders going to these networks?

 

 

8) Many people complain that the news is biased, what do the studies show? What is a talking head? What do people do when they see one on TV? What are the effects of this?

In Class Polling Assignment 9/29

Homework Canceled for 10/29

 

Hello class the reading for 10/29 is canceled. I posted it earlier but is not showing up so you will not be held responsible for it. 

Chapter 6 Discussion Questions

 

1) What is reapportionment? What part of the country are people currently moving to? How can reapportionment shift the balance of power in Congress?

 

2) Describe political socialization. What role does your family; the media and your school play in the socialization process? Which agents do you think play the biggest role in socialization?

 

 

3) What role do polls play in American Democracy? Explain how polls rely on sampling and why pollsters practice the technique of random sampling. What do critics of polls say? Should politicians use polls when making decisions (your opinion)?

 

 

4) What is a political ideology? Describe the difference between liberal and conservative ideology. What is the gender gap?

 

 

5) What were the results of the American Voter study? Do you agree or disagree with the findings of this study? Why?

 

 

6) Describe the relationship between, class, inequality and political participation.

Unit One Exam: See attached study guide 

Exam will be moved to Thursday 9/24  because counselors will be visiting us on Tuesday. 

Federalism Articles 

Federalism Mock Trial Project (See Attachment) 

Federalism Notes 

Chapter 3 reading questions 

Prepare for the Unconstitutional Power-Grab Game by studying the powers given to each branch of government at the federal level along with the powers given to the states and the checks on each.

 

See attachment for teams and more details. 

QuiZ # 1 Intro and Constitution 

 

You will be asked to define 10 of the following terms on the Quiz

 

Pluralism

Hyper-pluralism

Class-Elite Theory

Political apathy 

linkage institution

Federalism

Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)  

Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper) 

Full Faith and Credit Clause 

Judicial Review 

Federalist

Anti-Federalist

Constitution as a living document 

Strict v. Lose interpretation of Constitution 

Read Chapter two of How Democratic is the American Constitution and answer the attached questions. 

 

Recommended Reading: Kentucky Clerk ordered to court after refusing to issue gay-marriage license. 

 

Think about how this article relates to federalism and checks and balances. 

If you are absent on Tuesday 9/8 please complete the attached reading of Federalist Papers 10 & 51 and complete the Constitution Graphic Organizer. Also watch the videos linked below on Federalist papers 10 & 51. 

 

 

Chapter One Notes 

Please print out a copy of the Constitution and bring it to class everyday or download the Constitution App on you smartphone. 

If you were absent today please read the following article from the economist and answer the questions. 

Read the attached article on class and voting behavior and answer the questions that follow it. 

 

The 1% are more likely to vote than the poor or the middle class, and it matters – a lot.

Vox.Com October 24th 2014 

Please read the class syllabus and return the last page signed by both the student and parent or legal guardian. 

Exam on Summer Homework (Econ only, no questions on government reading or current events.)

 

The exam will test understanding of major economic concepts from the summer homework. Review the attached power point and your summer homework to prepare for thw exam.