Ten Things That Every American Government Student Should Read

AP American Government

Summer Reading Assignment

Mrs. Jordan

“ Ten Things That Every American Government Student Should Read”

First, make sure to read both pdf files located on my school web page under “forms”. You will notice, hopefully, that page 1 is missing, and this is not a big deal so don’t worry! We will have a QUIZ over this reading the second week of school, and you need to complete the questions below to turn in the first day of school. Please feel free to email me with any questions during the summer as I will check my school email daily. You will need to print off this assignment and bring it to class THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. Thanks, and enjoy!

1. According to the reading, how were governments of the world developed?

2. The Constitution of the United States has added to our Congress the enumeration of powers by creating the “necessary and proper clause”, this clause states:

3. Explain the power of taxation.

4. Explain the term “federalism”.

5. What is “The essence of a President’s persuasive task?”

6. The power of the President to persuade is the power to ______.

7. Explain how a President can reduce the risks of failing to persuade? 8. Describe what the primary goal of the typical congressman is according to the reading.

9. Explain what “perks” are, and describe what the office of a congressman carries with it?

10. A congressman must win re-election how often?

11. Explain the role of the bureaucrat.

12. For most of the twentieth century, Congressmen have engaged in a mix of what three activities?

13. Explain the term “pork barrel”.

14. The federal budget must pass through which committee of Congress?

15. Describe what is meant by the term, “Ceteris Parabus”

16. According to reading, Congress is known as the ______of the Washington establishment. 17. Which Constitutional amendment guarantees that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of the law?

18. Explain why the first eight amendments were added to the Constitution.

19. Explain what the Constitution’s Due Process Clause provides.

20. Describe the significance of the Presidential election.

21. Which election ratified a sharp turn in public policy?

22. Describe specific examples of the media.

23. According to the text, what is press invasion of privacy leading us towards?

24. Describe the several possible names for the new public philosophy when it comes to candidates.

25. Describe the three biggest appeals of interest group liberalism. 26. Explain the Pluralist theory.

27. Identify five interest groups discussed in the reading.

28. Which Supreme Court case is best known as the “separate but equal” doctrine?

29. Explain the significance of “Brown v. Board of Education”.

30. List the clause, and amendment that came into play during the Plessy v. Ferguson case.