Principle, Case, and Document Review

Learning Targets:  Students will be able to....

• Explain how the U.S. Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances among branches of government and allocates power between federal and state governments. This system is based on the rule of law and the balance majority rule and minority rights. 
• Describe how governmental laws and policies balancing order and liberty are based on the U.S. Constitution and have been interpreted differently over time.
• Understand why popular sovereignty, individualism, and republicanism are important considerations of U.S. laws and policy making and assume citizens will engage and participate. 

Opener: Homework Turn-in/Review

Open your notebook to your latest homework assignment.  
Once you've been "checked off", trade with a partner.

Activity #1: AP FRQ Scoring Mini-Lesson and Guided Practice

"Where are the points?" -  Guided Practice

• Each student will create an "Peer Feedback" sheet that mimics the scoring criteria provided by the College Board (criteria on screen).  

• Your task as the "grader" is to provide comments and feedback according to the instruction on the sheet.  While this will not be the grade entered in Powerschool, it will serve to help both grader and writer determine areas of strength and weakness.  It will also serve as a reminder of the appropriate level of detail required to receive credit without wasting too much time.

• Once you have your notebook returned and have seen the peer feedback, trade again with another partner to review the next assigned question from the homework.

• Rinse and repeat.

Activity #2: - Independent Study Time

Use the tools that have been given to you.  See previous postings for...

• Review tools
• Practice Tests
• Video links

This is neither endorsement or promotion.  It appears to be worth a look and roughly fits our time frame if you don't already have a plan...which you should.

https://www.gopopro.com/review-days

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1p-BoQiRqr1aQhOHJ40L_mBI53OlC3oWwyPqL-Vgkufc/edit?usp=sharing

Close - AAR

1. Identify one area of weakness you identified today.
2. Plan for how to address that weakness during this week.
3. Show me your plan.

 

Principle, Case, and Document Review

Learning Targets:  Students will be able to....

• Explain how the U.S. Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances among branches of government and allocates power between federal and state governments. This system is based on the rule of law and the balance majority rule and minority rights. 
• Describe how governmental laws and policies balancing order and liberty are based on the U.S. Constitution and have been interpreted differently over time.
• Understand why popular sovereignty, individualism, and republicanism are important considerations of U.S. laws and policy making and assume citizens will engage and participate. 

Opener: Document Matching

See ppt on screen.  Match the appropriate foundational document with the phrase on the left.

Activity #1:  Case Matching

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xVKR1n5oxPZGtxBsDfL0XQE99SsS8RSEeYacZQ1HHP0/edit?usp=sharing

Activity #2: - Independent Study

The video embedded below may be a good touchstone for those of you that sometimes lose the forest through the trees.  Remember that even when we talk about very specific terms like discharge petitions, filibusters, concurrent powers, and signing statements, we are still working within this constitutional framework...sort of.  

All functions of government and American politics should be able to be connected to the core principles of US Government.  Representative Democracy, Limited Government, Popular Sovereignty, Majority Rule/Minority Rights, Checks and Balances, and Federalism.

Close - AP Exam Prep Homework.  Due MONDAY!!!

Choose ONE of each type of short answer question to complete.  Argumentative Essays are for review only (you've already written them both).

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_c0AdccYdEQhEBGawnoJgRE6TJ7YPkcch4X_6puz1Ok/edit?usp=sharing

EoC and Document Review

Learning Targets:  Students will be able to....

• Explain how the U.S. Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances among branches of government and allocates power between federal and state governments. This system is based on the rule of law and the balance majority rule and minority rights. 
• Describe how governmental laws and policies balancing order and liberty are based on the U.S. Constitution and have been interpreted differently over time.
• Understand why popular sovereignty, individualism, and republicanism are important considerations of U.S. laws and policy making and assume citizens will engage and participate. 

Opener: EoC

Ditch your cell phone, restart your laptop, plug in, and let's go!!!!

Activity #1:  Take the EoC

When you are finished, close your laptop and find something silent to do....like read a book, write a practice essay, or something else constructive that doesn't require talking or electricity.

Activity #2: - Foundational Documents Matching

On the screen there are a list of 10 statements that coincide with the required foundational documents for the course.  Match them up to the best of your ability.  

Close - AP Exam Prep Homework.  Due MONDAY!!!

Choose ONE of each type of short answer question to complete.  Argumentative Essays are for review only (you've already written them both).

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_c0AdccYdEQhEBGawnoJgRE6TJ7YPkcch4X_6puz1Ok/edit?usp=sharing

N-50 Review and EoC Prep

Learning Targets:  Students will be able to....

• Explain how the U.S. Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances among branches of government and allocates power between federal and state governments. This system is based on the rule of law and the balance majority rule and minority rights. 
• Describe how governmental laws and policies balancing order and liberty are based on the U.S. Constitution and have been interpreted differently over time.
• Understand why popular sovereignty, individualism, and republicanism are important considerations of U.S. laws and policy making and assume citizens will engage and participate. 

Opener: Foundations Matching

With a partner...

Match each of the statements below to the corresponding foundational documents, cases or key concepts.  Be sure to put your name on your answer sheets.

1. Outlines the goals of our nation, to include "establish justice and insure domestic tranquility".

 
2. Following peaceful protests and other forms of civil disobedience, this was passed by congress to end segregation and discrimination in public places of business.

3. Technically the first governing document in America authored by the Pilgris, this outlined the broad principles reflected later in the US government.

4. Establishes that federal law overrules state and local law.

5. The first document to establish limited government and citizen rights in England.

6. Allows Congress to stretch the limits of their power when needed in order to address problems that the founders could not have forseen.

7.  After the American Revolution, we deliberately established a system that kept the national government weak and the states strong.  No executive, no ability to tax, no national courts. 

8. Anti-federalists refused to ratify the Constitution unless it would include a list of protections for citizens. 

9. It took 100 days in the summer of 1787 for 55 delegates to create the Great (Connecticut) Compromise by combining the New Jersey and Virginia Plans.

10. In landmark cases like Marbury v Madison, Schenck v US, and Mapp v Ohio have demonstrated the court's ability to find the limits of our rights and government authority.

A. Magna Charta

B. Mayflower Compact

C. Articles of Confederation

D. Constitutional Convention

E. Preamble

F. Necessary and Proper Clause

G. Supremacy Clause

H. Bill of Rights

I. Civil Rights Act

J.  Judicial Review

Activity #1:  Diagnostic Part III

The last 15 questions!!!!

Activity #2: - EoC Prep

• Letter Home
• App Download
• Schedule and Preparation

Close - Exit Ticket - Show me the app!

Before you leave today, I must see that you have downloaded the app for the EoC.

US Government, Politics, and American Citizenship

Learning Targets:  Students will be able to....

• Explain how the U.S. Constitution arose out of important historical and philosophical ideas and preferences regarding popular sovereignty and limited government. Compromises were made during the Constitutional Convention and ratification debates, and these compromises have frequently been the source of conflict in U.S. politics over the proper balance between individual freedom, social order, and equality of opportunity. 

Opener: Diagnostic Quiz Part I Item Analysis:  Feedback and Remediation

Skill Patterns:

• Remember that the 2nd question following a graph, chart, quote, etc. will be an application/analysis type question.  This is the "C" in TIP-C, the "P" in ASAP, and the "M" in OSAM.
• Students were twice as likely to get the first question correct
• Brush up on constitutional principles and N-50 terms.  Pay attention to examples and related terms.
• Some documents will require more than just ASAP.  
• If they are long, look to use ACT strategies.  
• Read the first and last sentence in each paragraph.
• Know what "they" are looking to test.  55 questions for all things government and political science.  
• When in doubt, the option that tests the big ideas and concepts is more likely

Content Patterns:

• Review the political spectrum. 
• More gov't benefit, expanded government programs, federal supremacy = Liberal/Dem
• More state and local control, less regulation of business, privatization = Conservative/Rep
• 
  

Activity #1:  Diagnostic Quiz Part II of III

This assessment is meant to give students and teacher a look into which content areas have been mastered and those that need review or remediation prior to End of Course Exams and/or AP Government Exams.

This exam focuses on the dominant historical narrative of how US government was established and how it has evolved while anchored to the core principles of limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, civil liberties, and economic opportunity.

Activity #2: Monetary Policy - N-50

1. With your partner, add "Monetary Policy" to your N-50 list.  
2. Ensure that you have all 5 components before you are done.
• LD, SD, Examples, Non-examples, Related Terms

https://www.federalreserveeducation.org/about-the-fed/structure-and-functions/monetary-policy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monetary_policy

Close:  Current Event Matching

1. Match your assigned recent political events to the corresponding constitutional principles.
2. Explain how that event demonstrates that principle
3. Provide your own additional example/scenario that demonstrates that principle.  

A. The President Declares a National Emergency at the US/Mexico border. 

2. Members of the US Senate proposed an amendment to abolish the Electoral College and replace it with a nationwide popular vote.

3. 2019 begins with the longest ever government shutdown as the President and the House of Representatives battle over the budget.

4. Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination draws out for days as he is grilled by the Senate Judiciary Committee

5. California’s legalization of marijuana means that they have joined 9 other states in refusing to prosecute possession under federal law.

6. President Trump uses Twitter to win support and communicate directly with his base.

7. The US Supreme Court strikes down state laws that do not recognize same sex marriage.

8. The Democratic party takes control of the HoR after the 2018 Mid-term elections. 

9. The 2019 budget will amount to to a record annual deficit and raise the the national debt beyond 21 trillion dollars.

10. The US Secretary of Commerce wants to add a question regarding legal residence and/or citizenship to the 2020 Census.

A.Judicial Review

B.Limited Government

C.Majority Rule/Minority Rights

D.Civil Rights/Civil Liberties

E.Separation of Powers

F.Representative Democracy

G.Checks and Balances

H.Federalism

I.Fiscal Policy

Day 28

US Government, Politics, and American Citizenship

Learning Targets:  Students will be able to....

• Explain how the U.S. Constitution arose out of important historical and philosophical ideas and preferences regarding popular sovereignty and limited government. Compromises were made during the Constitutional Convention and ratification debates, and these compromises have frequently been the source of conflict in U.S. politics over the proper balance between individual freedom, social order, and equality of opportunity. 

Opener: Diagnostic Quiz Part I of III

This assessment is meant to give students and teacher a look into which content areas have been mastered and those that need review or remediation prior to End of Course Exams and/or AP Government Exams.

This exam focuses on the dominant historical narrative of how US government was established and how it has evolved while anchored to the core principles of limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, civil liberties, and economic opportunity.

Activity #1: Diagnostic Quiz Item Analysis

Once you have finished the quiz and the results calculated, the correct answers will be posted and the most frequently missed items will be analyzed.

Students will receive 5 points for completing the exam with the opportunity to earn up to an additional 5 "pure" points for qualifying as "Advanced" or "Proficient".

Advanced - 82%+
Proficient - 60%-81%

Activity #2: -  The last piece of the puzzle - Review Materials and Practice Tests Introduction

Videos
https://www.youtube.com/user/crashcourse/search?query=government
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy5QLvhetQhqEtPGw9bIRv5omVkmbzDeH


Written 1-pagers
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HPwL8--ZsCe8vmQu4UsPi3VTXg7hFN-OEyMQGrNXTSI/edit?usp=sharing

Practice Tests
https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ap-us-government-and-politics-practice-exam-effective-fall-2018.pdf
https://www.highschooltestprep.com/ap/us-government/practice-test-1/
https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ap-us-government-and-politics-course-and-exam-description-effective-fall-2018.pdf

Missing Pieces, Landmark Cases, N-50, and Foundational Documents

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eVMk3ZqvGL4hMWlMfgvnO1Iu7cJfu3wz1ZsdGVOodyY/edit?usp=sharing

Close - Exit Ticket - Study Plan

Before you leave today, provide a calendared plan for how you intend to prepare for the Exam May 6th.  Be realistic, stick to it, and know what you need to do to achieve the goal that you have for yourself.

Considerations:  

• How many nights per week, or minutes per day, can you spare?
• Are you interested in studying with a partner or with a group?
• What type of review suits me best?

Best practices:

• Diagnostic test corrections
• Free Response/Essay outlines
• Videos with notetaking
• Website 
• Learning Target Review
• N-50 flashcards
• Include all 5 components

Day 27

Political Participation: Interest Groups and the Iron Triangle

Learning Targets:  Students will be able to....

• Explain how interest groups may represent very specific or more general interests, and can educate voters and office holders, draft legislation, and mobilize membership to apply pressure on and work with legislators and government agencies.

• Describe how in addition to working within party coalitions, interest groups exert influence through long-standing relationships with bureaucratic agencies, congressional committees, and other interest groups; such relationships are described as “iron triangles” and issue networks and they help interest groups exert influence across political party coalitions.

Opener: Claim and Reason - 4 minutes

Before you we begin today, provide a 1-3 sentence response to the following prompt.  Your response should be a specific claim AND provide a line of reasoning.

If you are not familiar with primaries or caucuses, don’t worry, just make any argument and line of reasoning.

Prompt:  Which of the following institutions has the greatest effect in determining the creation and execution of government policies?

• The bureaucracy
• US Congress
• Interest Groups and Corporations

Activity #1: Interest Groups - N-50

LD - an organization of people who share a common interest and work together to protect and promote that interest by influencing the government.

• Iron Triangle

SD -

Examples - NRA, AARP, MADD, https://www.opensecrets.org/industries/mems.php

Non-Examples - Bureaucracy (CDC, FDA, FEC, etc), Political Parties, PACs

Related Terms - Pluralism, Hyperpluralism, Voting Behavior, Incumbents

Activity #2: -  Stats that may "interest" you

While reading the articles linked below, be on the lookout for evidence that you could use to support, modify, or revise your claim regarding the electoral college.

• https://www.opensecrets.org/industries/mems.php
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/eriksherman/2015/04/22/top-10-lobbyists-spend-64m-on-congress-and-agencies-in-3-months/#1aea6f51352c

Close - Exit Ticket - Claim Revision - 10 minutes

Before you leave today, provide a 1-3 sentence response to the following prompt.  Your response should be a specific claim AND provide a line of reasoning.*

Prompt:  Which of the following institutions has the greatest effect in determining the creation and execution of government policies?

• The bureaucracy
• US Congress
• Interest Groups and Corporations

• You must cite at least 2 pieces of evidence from the statistics provided to support your claim.  
• You must explain HOW that evidence supports your claim

*To exit the classroom, a classmate must "sign off" that you have clearly explained "how" your evidence supports your claim.

AP EXAM PREP - Missing Pieces, Landmark Cases, and Foundational Documents

This document should act as a checklist in your preparation for the AP Exam May 6th.  THIS IS BY NO MEANS EXHAUSTIVE!  Instead, it is simply a checklist of items.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eVMk3ZqvGL4hMWlMfgvnO1Iu7cJfu3wz1ZsdGVOodyY/edit?usp=sharing

https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ap-us-government-and-politics-course-and-exam-description-effective-fall-2018.pdf

Day 26

Political Participation: Primaries and Caucuses

Learning Targets:  Students will be able to....

• Explain how the winner-take-all allocation of votes per state (except Maine and Nebraska) under the setup of the Electoral College compared with the national popular vote for president raises questions about whether the Electoral College facilitates or impedes democracy. 

• Describe how the process and outcomes in U.S. presidential elections are impacted by:
• Incumbency advantage phenomenon 
• Congressional and State elections 
• The Electoral College 
• Open and closed primaries
• Caucuses
• Party conventions

Opener: Claim and Reason - 4 minutes

Before you we begin today, provide a 1-3 sentence response to the following prompt.  Your response should be a specific claim AND provide a line of reasoning.

If you are not familiar with primaries or caucuses, don’t worry, just make any argument and line of reasoning.

Prompt:  To what extent has the electoral college system achieved the goals set by the framers in the creation of a republic under the US Constitution?

Activity #1: Electoral College - N-50

LD - the process through which the President of the United States is elected to office. Formed as a compromise between allowing either the United States Congress or popular vote to determine the outcome of presidential elections. Each state receives a number of votes equal to the total number of their delegation to the United States Congress.

• There are a total of 538 electors (including three votes for D.C.). 
• A candidate must win at least 270.
• Most states operate in a "Winner-take-all" manner
• Faithless Electors?
• Swing States

SD -

Examples - Missouri has 8, Florida 29, California 55, Wyoming 3

Non-Examples - Congressional (mid-term) elections, Primary Elections

Related Terms - Representative Democracy, Federalist Papers (#10?), Reapportionment, Gerrymandering

Activity #2: -  Articles you should elect to read

While reading the articles linked below, be on the lookout for evidence that you could use to support, modify, or revise your claim regarding the electoral college.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2019/04/02/electoral-college-undemocratic-thats-why-works-column/3333826002/

https://www.stltoday.com/news/national/govt-and-politics/you-ll-hear-these-arguments-in-defense-of-the-electoral/article_079065f6-e0db-5607-acd5-8a1beaca6f9e.html

Close - Exit Ticket - Claim Revision - 10 minutes

Before you leave today, provide a 1-3 sentence response to the following prompt.  Your response should be a specific claim AND provide a line of reasoning.*

Prompt:  To what extent has the electoral college system achieved the goals set by the framers in the creation of a republic under the US Constitution?

• You must cite at least 2 pieces of evidence from the articles provided to support your claim.  
• You must explain HOW that evidence supports your claim

*To exit the classroom, a classmate must "sign off" on your claim/line of reasoning and supporting evidence before the it is brought to the teacher for final approval.  IF it does not directly address the prompt, is vague, or lacks a clear line of reasoning, it will be sent back to the approving student for final revision prior to exit.

AP EXAM PREP - Missing Pieces, Landmark Cases, and Foundational Documents

This document should act as a checklist in your preparation for the AP Exam May 6th.  THIS IS BY NO MEANS EXHAUSTIVE!  Instead, it is simply a checklist of items.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eVMk3ZqvGL4hMWlMfgvnO1Iu7cJfu3wz1ZsdGVOodyY/edit?usp=sharing

https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ap-us-government-and-politics-course-and-exam-description-effective-fall-2018.pdf