Mrs. Snodgrass Ramona High School Room C16

Mrs. Snodgrass Ramona High School Room C16 [email protected] (760)787-4128

AP GOVERNMENT & POLITICS: UNITED STATES/ ECONOMICS 2014-2015 Syllabus

Textbook: Edwards, George C. III, Wattenberg, Martin P., and Lineberry, Robert L. Government in America: People, Politics, and Policy, 12th ed. New York: Pearson/Longman, 2006.

AP Test /Final Exam Date: Tuesday, May 12th @ 7:30 am

Supplemental Materials: Supplemental readings (including primary and secondary sources) will be provided by instructor.

Course Overview: The objective of this course is to develop a life-long interest in and ability to analyze multiple perspectives on United States government and politics. Emphasis is on both general concepts essential for understanding and interpreting U.S. government and politics as well as in depth analysis of specific examples and cases, with a clear expectation of taking and passing the United States Government and Politics Advanced Placement exam in May. The class focuses on the institutions, groups, beliefs and ideas that comprise the U.S. system of government, while developing important skills in critical thinking, time management, and problem solving. Reading, writing, and discussion will be emphasized in the areas of political theory, political patterns and process, government structures and procedures as well as the interpretation of data.

The curriculum for this class reflects the content of an introductory university course in American Government and political science. You will be expected to be self-motivated, thoughtful, and to complete assignments without constant monitoring. The course is designed to teach and challenge students to analyze evidence and to interpret issues, court cases and data. The national examination administered in May is representative of a college course final examination and therefore is considered appropriate for the measurement of skills and knowledge in the field of introductory United States Government and Politics. Please note that this is a yearlong course and that students will also meet their Economics requirement for graduation within this course. If they drop the course at the end of 1st semester than they will receive elective credit and will not have met the Civics or Econ requirement for graduation. Units of Study 1st Semester Unit 1 – Political Beliefs & Behaviors (3 weeks) Unit 2 – Parties, Elections & the Media (5 weeks) Unit 3 - Legislative Branch/Congress (6 weeks)

2nd Semester Unit 4 – Foundations of Government (3 weeks) Unit 5 – Executive Branch/POTUS & Bureaucracy (5 weeks) Unit 6 – Judiciary/Courts, Civil Liberties & Civil Rights (5 weeks) Unit 7 – Public Policy & Review (4 weeks) Unit 8 – Economics (5 weeks)

1 Course Requirements Grading & Policies: Your grade is based on a How your grade is determined: point system, Successful students attend 1. Assessments: (50%): Quizzes and Unit Exams for each unit of study and regularly, come to class on time, participate in a Fall Final Exam (Units 1-3) and a Spring Final (Units 1-7). Students taking class, complete assigned work on time, and the AP Test in May will NOT be required to take the Final Exam. STUDIES! 2. Course Project (20%): A fall and spring semester research project will Percentage grading scale: be assigned. 90 — 100 = A 2. Homework: (15%): Will include current events, readings, ID notes, 89 — 80 = B worksheets, and test preparation. Emphasis will be on completing 79 – 70 = C assignments NOT perfection. COMPLETE work will receive full credit and 69 – 60 = D homework incomplete, or late (without prior approval) receives no credit. 3. Class Work & Participation (15%). Grades will be awarded for 59 – lower = F participation and assignments completed in class. Your participation in class and with study groups are KEYS to success. Materials: Frequently Visited Websites:  Recommended: Preparing for AP Government exam  The White House - book. http://www.whitehouse.gov  Three ringed, loose-leaf binder  The United States Senate -  Notebook for Current Events Journal http://www.senate.gov/  Page dividers for Units  U.S. House of Representatives -  Pens & pencils (black for tests) http://www.house.gov/  Highlighters (2-3 colors)  Library of Congress - http://www.loc.gov/  United States Government Made Easy - http://www.usa.gov/  U.S. Federal Court - http://www.uscourts.gov/  Political parties – www.rnc.org and www.democrats.org  Civil Rights and Civil Liberties – www.oyez.org and www.findlaw.org *You can find additional resources on my website under RESOURCE tab. General Course & Unit Overview Units of Study AP Test Expectations: You will receive an OUTLINE that includes  Understand important facts, concepts and theories reading assignments, vocabulary, study pertaining to U.S. government and politics questions, and required assignments, and due dates at the start of each unit. Each unit will  Understand typical patterns of political processes and include the following: behavior and their consequences (including the components of  Reading assignments from the textbook political behavior, the principles used to explain or justify  Supplemental readings (articles) various government structures and procedures, and the  Lecture Notes & Discussion Questions political effects of these structures and procedures)  ID Notes & Quizzes  Be able to analyze and interpret basic data relevant to U.S.  Free Response Question(s)(FRQ) government and politics (including data presented in charts,  Class Assignments tables and other formats)  Unit Exam Be able to critically analyze relevant theories and concepts, apply them appropriately and develop their connections across the curriculum Course Assessments Course Assignments A majority of the course grade is based on your performance on Current Events: Students are responsible for assessments. Each unit will include several ID quizzes based on keeping up with the daily events in the the number in the reading, an FRQ question, and a Unit Exam (50 nation and the World by reading or listening multiple choice questions) to national news (e.g. Washington Post, CNN, Writing Component or other programs); or access a reliable

2 Students must answer numerous free–response questions with online source. essays that demonstrate their ability to analyze and interpret the Using Graphs, Maps, and Charts: Students are structure and actors within American government and politics. tested on their understanding of quantitative 1. Timed FRQ Writing: 1-2 timed prompts will be included in and visually presented Information (maps each unit. Students will respond to the prompt in class and graphs) on quizzes. with no notes. Reading Assignments & IDs: Each unit will 2. Transactive Writing: Write a letter to your senator or include specific “identifications” that must be representative urging support or opposition of a public completed by the assigned date. Weekly policy. A successful transactive piece must show a clear quizzes will be given to check for and timely purpose and be written in appropriate language understanding of these concepts, ideas, and for the intended audience. terms. 3. Book Review: Each student must read one book on modern Discussion Board Discussions: Students will politics. Your book review should be approximately two be required to respond to online Discussion pages in length and should include the following: Board questions and respond to their • A brief summary of the book, including specific classmates in each unit. Questions will be examples taken from the book posted on schoology.com and assignment • An analysis of the author’s purpose in writing will be graded as homework. the book, including evidence used by the author to support his or her position AP Exam/Final Exam • An evaluation of the validity of the arguments— Course focus on preparing for the AP Exam in are they logical? Are they convincing? May. Fall and Spring final exams will be the • A recommendation of this book—to whom would same format as the AP exam… you recommend this book and why?  60 multiple choice questions (45 minutes)  4 free responses questions (100 minutes) Policies & Procedures Late work will NOT be accepted unless PRIOR arrangements are made. NOT all in class assignments can be/or need to be made up. It will be your responsibility to see me during ELT to check if you are absent. Make up ID Quizzes must be completed during ELT and student is required to have completed all IDs for the weekly readings in order to take a make-up exam. Make up Unit Exams must be taken ASAP and before the end of a grading period, or student will receive a “0”. Exams will be given during long ELT day (Thursday) or during Period 5 or 6 with prior arrangement. Any student who does not miss a quiz will EARN a 30 point bonus; and/or does not miss a Unit Exam will receive a 20 point bonus at the end of the semester. This will apply to both the Fall and Spring semester. Semester projects will have a DEADLINE and MUST be turned in at that time…NO EXCEPTIONS! Students will receive credit on project check in dates for completed work. Students should attend class ready to discuss reading by assigned dates. Students are expected to take class notes during discussions and lectures (lecture guide will be provided). Students are EXPECTED to be focused, on task, actively involved in class activities and WILL NOT be disruptive! Phones/texting is NOT permitted during class unless a part of curriculum for the day! Instructor will be available for assistance during ELT Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, and by appointment Period 5 or 6 and afterschool. General ELT Schedule is as follows: Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday: General assistance; Thursday: Assessment Make Up & SSR (NO TALKING); Special Review Days will be scheduled before exams. Graded papers will be placed in Period basket and will be the STUDENT’s responsibility to retrieve before class or during ELT (NOT during class time)! Class supplies are available on a limited basis so students should come to class PREPARED. Textbooks are NOT required on a daily basis. Remember this is a COLLEGE level course and you will be treated as such. You MUST study! Minimal effort 3 or last minute focus will NOT lead to success!

Course Outline by Units Content Assignments Unit 1: Political Beliefs & Behaviors 3 weeks Reading: Chapter 6, & 11 Beliefs that citizens hold about their government Reading: Supplemental articles Process by which citizens learn about politics ID Quizzes factors and consequences of public opinion In Class Assignments factors that influence public opinion and behavior Discussion Questions Role of Interest Groups in the political process Lecture Guide Unit 1 Exam Unit 2: Parties, Elections, & the Media 6 weeks Reading: Chapter 7, 8, 9 & 10 Historical and ideological beliefs of political parties Reading: Supplemental articles Role party plays as a linkage institution and in elections ID Quizzes Understanding of election process for Congress and the presidency In Class Assignments Campaign strategies Discussion Questions Structure and role of the media Lecture Guide Funding campaigns and reform of fundraising Unit 2 Exam Unit 3: Institutions of Government – Legislative 5 weeks Reading: Chapter 12 Formal and informal powers of House and Senate Reading: Supplemental articles The legislative process (how policy is made) ID Quizzes Elections of congressional members In Class Assignments Relationship between Congress and other institutions Discussion Questions Lecture Guide Unit 3 Exam Unit 4: Foundations of Government in America 3 weeks Reading: Chapter 2 & 3 Theories and philosophies of democratic government and how they Reading: Supplemental articles influenced the U.S. Constitution ID Quizzes The role and purpose of government In Class Assignments Basic principles of Constitution such as separation of powers and Discussion Questions federalism Lecture Guide Unit 4 Exam 4 Unit 5: Institutions of Government – POTUS & Bureaucracy 4 weeks Reading: Chapter 13 & 15 Functions and powers of executive branch Reading: Supplemental articles Relationship to other branches of government under the Constitution ID Quizzes Change and evolution of executive In Class Assignments Role of executive in forming the budget Discussion Questions Organization of the bureaucracy Lecture Guide Operations of bureaucratic agencies Unit 5 Exam Unit 6: Institutions of Government – Judiciary, SCOTUS, Civil Liberties Reading: Chapter 16, 4 & 5 & Civil Rights 5 weeks Reading: Supplemental articles Nature and structure of the federal courts ID Quizzes Process of judicial selection In Class Assignments Courts and policy Discussion Questions Relationship of Supreme Court with other institutions of government Lecture Guide Development of civil liberties and civil rights by judicial interpretation Unit 6 Exam Social and political impact of the 14th Amendment on the civil rights and civil liberties Knowledge of substantive rights and liberties Unit 7: Public Policy 3 weeks Reading: Chapter 17, 8, 19 & 20 Policy making in the federal system and formation of the policy ID Quizzes agenda In Class Assignments Role of institutions to enact policy Discussion Questions Role of the bureaucracy and courts in policy implementation and Lecture Guide interpretation Unit 7 Exam Understand the following public policy areas today: Foreign & Defense, healthcare, economic, environmental, and social