Day 33 - Return of the RED TAPE!!!!

Learning Targets:

• Explain how the bureaucracy carries out the responsibilities of the federal government.
• Explain how the federal bureaucracy uses delegated discretionary authority for rule making and implementation.

Opener:  Bureaucratic Federalist Representative Democracy

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is just one the countless agencies within the executive branch tasked with executing the federal laws and regulations set forth by Congress and the President.  Choose one of the three tasks given to the FEC below and make an argument for why that task should be their top priority in 2020.

• Prevent election tampering/fraud
• Enforce campaign finance/fundraising laws
• Make accommodations for voting in a pandemic

Activity #1:  One Last Time in the Iron Triangle

While Congress continues to pass "stimulus" legislation, and bureaucratic agencies like the CDC, dominate the headlines, it is important to remember that interest groups also play a role in the decision making process.  

Take a look at this brief article regarding an overlooked industry in the current crisis and then consider the questions that follow.

https://www.federaltimes.com/it-networks/cloud/2020/04/16/interest-groups-call-on-congress-for-it-relief-package/

1.  How does the interest group being discussed justify their importance to Congress and the bureaucracy?

2.  What agency would be responsible for overseeing the distribution of funds and enforcement of regulations?

3.  Do you think voters would support such spending in the current crisis or is this just another example of how citizens are sometimes locked out of the iron triangle?

Close:  Mini Essay practice question for AP testers

The Paycheck Protection Program is the federal government’s main tool for keeping small businesses afloat and their workers employed during the coronavirus crisis, but critics allege that it’s failing to aid the most common type of small business — one without employees — and that’s disproportionately harming women and minority entrepreneurs.

After reading the scenario, respond to A, B, and C below:

(A) Describe a power Congress could use to address the comments outlined in the scenario.
(B) In the context of the scenario, explain how the use of congressional power described in
Part A can be affected by its interaction with the bureaucracy.
(C) In the context of the scenario, explain how the interaction between Congress and the

bureaucracy can be affected by linkage institutions (media, political parties, interest groups

Day 32 - The US Court System

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

• Explain the principle of judicial review and how it checks the power of other institutions and state governments.
• Explain how the exercise of judicial review in conjunction with life tenure can lead to debate about the legitimacy of the Supreme Court’s power.
• Explain how other branches in the government can limit the Supreme Court’s power. 

Opener: Unprecedented times indeed!  Watch.

Activity #1:  Document Analysis - ASAP & Questions


ASAP +

Passage from Federalist #78, Written by Alexander Hamilton, 1788

"the judiciary, from the nature of its functions, will always be the least dangerous to the political rights of the Constitution . . . The judiciary, on the contrary, has no influence over either the sword or the purse; no direction either of the strength or of the wealth of the society; [it] may truly be said to have neither FORCE nor WILL, but merely judgment; and must ultimately depend upon the aid of the executive arm even for the efficacy of its judgments." 

"For there is no liberty, if the power of judging be not separated from the executive and legislative powers."

Questions:

1. Why does Hamilton view the court as "least dangerous" of the three branches?
2. Is a president obligated to enforce the court's decision or can the president simply ignore it?  Explain.
3. To what extent can we trust 9 unelected people serving lifetime appointments to make the final decisions (judicial review) that shape our entire society?

Activity #2:  Supreme Court Introduction - Mini-lecture review
Make sure and review the slides from our mini-lectures from earlier in the year.  Pay particular attention to slides 6-10.  You may also want to watch the short videos linked below as well.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1p4pTZVd4ftvV32RHw-Yi0w8PEKT_vUnfk0yaC5XAip0/edit?usp=sharing

 


Close:  3 words only:  

Choose 3 words that you would use to describe the US court system.  Keep in mind the structure of the court system, the differences between criminal and civil courts, and the rights of the accused.

Day 33 - Judicial Review Recap

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

• Explain the principle of judicial review and how it checks the power of other institutions and state governments.
• Explain how the exercise of judicial review in conjunction with life tenure can lead to debate about the legitimacy of the Supreme Court’s power.
• Explain how other branches in the government can limit the Supreme Court’s power. 

Opener: Judicial Review Review

Given that Judicial Review is typically seen as the last "check" in the game of checks and balances, what recourse do we have as citizens if the court issued a decision that the vast majority of the nation disagreed with?  Hint:  Think constitutionally rather than politically.

Activity #1:  Test Prep Mini-Essay

The judicial branch is often assumed to be insulated from politics. However, politics affects many aspects of the judiciary.

(a) Describe two political factors that affect presidents’ decisions to appoint members of the federal judiciary. 

(b) Identify two political factors that affect the confirmation process of a president’s nominees and explain how each factor complicates a confirmation. 

(c) Explain how one legislative power serves as a check on court decisions. 

(d) Explain how one executive power serves as a check on court decisions.

Close:  Check-in

Just let me know how you are doing and if you have any questions or concerns moving forward.  Enjoy the weekend.

Day 31 - An Elected King?

Learning Targets:

• Explain how presidents have interpreted and justified their use of formal and informal powers.
• Explain how the president can implement a policy agenda. 

Opener:  Do we WANT a king?

An argument, going all the way back to the constitutional convention, says that in the end, most people want a single leader (king, dictator, emperor, etc.) even if they are not willing to admit it, or even aware of this inclination.  Since the convention in 1787, there is no doubt that the power and scope of the president has grown.  Watch the video (embedded above), and then answer this question:

To what extent have presidents used past and/or current crises, to expand executive authority?  How so?  

Activity #1: What did the founder originally intend?

Below are excerpts from Article II of the US Constitution that describe the office of the president as the framers saw it in 1787, as well as a couple of amendments that we have since added that affect the executive branch.

For each line, identify what you believe to be the intended purpose of this clause and how it has shaped the office of the president (its effect).

• The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term
• Purpose:  To allow presidents time to implement policies, but still hold them accountable by requiring election/reelection every 4 years.
• Effect:  Presidents have used executive orders and executive agreements when they feel that there is no other way to "leave their mark" and change policy in such a short period of time.

• No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.
• Purpose:

• Effect:

• Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:—"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
• Purpose:

• Effect:

• The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he shall have Power to Grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.
• Purpose:

• Effect:

• He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States
• Purpose:

• Effect:

• He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information on the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States.
• Purpose:

• Effect:

• No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice (22nd Amendment)
• Purpose:

• Effect:

• Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President (25th Amendment)
• Purpose:

• Effect:

Activity #2 - Beyond ASAP
Alexander Hamilton...a royalist, a patriot, or both? Please, no reference to the play in any part of your response. I'm sure it was wonderful.

Federalist No. 70 (1788)

Energy in the Executive is a leading character in the definition of good government. It is essential to the protection of the community against foreign attacks; it is not less essential to the steady administration of the laws; to the protection of property against those irregular and high-handed combinations which sometimes interrupt the ordinary course of justice; to the security of liberty against the enterprises and assaults of ambition, of faction, and of anarchy. Every man the least conversant in Roman story, knows how often that republic was obliged to take refuge in the absolute power of a single man, under the formidable title of Dictator, as well against the intrigues of ambitious individuals who aspired to the tyranny, and the seditions of whole classes of the community whose conduct threatened the existence of all government, as against the invasions of external enemies who menaced the conquest and destruction of Rome.

There can be no need, however, to multiply arguments or examples on this head. A feeble Executive implies a feeble execution of the government. A feeble execution is but another phrase for a bad execution; and a government ill executed, whatever it may be in theory, must be, in practice, a bad government.

Despite his resentment of "common" people involved in politics, his despise for state and local governments, and his proposal for a lifetime term for presidents, Hamilton was still viewed as a quintessential American patriot.  

1.  Looking at the above passage from Federalist Paper #70, make a case for how a modern president of your choosing justified Hamilton's argument above.  

• Be sure to include examples, illustrations, and quotes to support your claim.

Close:  5 Words


Make a list of 5 words that you feel best describe the "ideal" president.  This should be adjectives and adverbs that describe traits or behaviors.  i.e. "Decisive".

Day 30

Learning Targets:

Students will be able to:

• Describe the different structures, powers, and functions of each house of Congress.
• Explain how the structure, powers, and functions of both houses of Congress affect the policy-making process.
• Explain how congressional behavior is influenced by election processes, partisanship, and divided government.
• Explain how the president can implement a policy agenda.

*Note:  All responses should be typed in your new interactive notebook (Google doc).

Both assignments (posted Tuesday and Thursday) will be "collected" no later than Friday of each week, and graded by Monday.  This gives you some flexibility and Friday to complete both.  

Opener: Building a Budget: Who Deserves the Credit...or blame?

Arguably, no other process requires so much coordination, compromise, and debate between the executive and legislative branches as building the annual federal budget.  From government shutdowns to stimulus packages, the budget process is complex and typically very partisan.  Ultimately, both sides will either take credit or place the blame.

Make an argument for who deserves credit or blame for setting the annual federal budget.  The president or congress?  Make sure to explain your reasoning.

Activity One: Making a pie

Watch the videos and/or conduct a quick internet search to define these terms below and answer the follow-on question:

 

CBO:

OMB:

Fiscal Policy:

Deficit Spending:
National Debt:
Mandatory Spending:
Entitlements:
Discretionary Spending:
Appropriations:

How does the budget process illustrate the ideas of checks and balances, federalism, and the legislative process?  Provide a brief, but descriptive, explanation.

Activity #2: Putting it all together

Now using your claim from the opener and the information that you gathered in the previous activity, craft a mini-essay that responds to the following:

To what extent do presidents influence the overall economic health of the United States?

• Be sure to use the terms, examples, and concepts as evidence to support your claim.

Close: 

There is a practice question called "War Making Powers Quiz" in AP Classroom.  Please take your time and complete this FRQ.

Day 29

Learning Targets:

Students will be able to:

• Describe the different structures, powers, and functions of each house of Congress.
• Explain how the structure, powers, and functions of both houses of Congress affect the policy-making process.
• Explain how congressional behavior is influenced by election processes, partisanship, and divided government.
• Explain how the president can implement a policy agenda.

*Note:  All responses should be typed in your new interactive notebook (Google doc).

Both assignments (posted Tuesday and Thursday) will be "collected" no later than Friday of each week, and graded by Monday.  This gives you some flexibility and Friday to complete both.  

Opener: Budget and Appropriations

Given that most of you selected the Budget and/or Appropriations committees as the most desirable for members of Congress to set themselves up for a little logrolling, and all revenue bills MUST begin in the House (although it must of course pass through the Senate as well), then which members of the HoR would you argue are truly the most influential?  What pattern or similarity do you notice about the membership of each committee?

https://budget.house.gov/

https://appropriations.house.gov/

Activity One: Bicamerialism

Review the following video and complete the questions below:

*Make sure that you also look at this:  https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R45583.pdf

1.  What are the differences in requirements to hold the office of Representative vs. Senator?

2.  What powers are specifically given to the House?  What about the Senate?  Identify at least 2 for each.

3.  When it comes to the realities of Congress, rather than just the requirements, identify at least 2 trends in the House and 2 trends in the Senate.

Activity #2: Ya, ok.  Back by popular demand

https://www.adea.org/policy/state-advocacy-toolkit/how-a-bill-becomes-law.aspx

Order the following events in the process of how a bill becomes a law...

• The bill is signed or vetoed by the President
• The bill is referred to a committee
• The bill is debated by the committee
• The bill is written by anyone
• The bill is debated on the floor of the house or senate
• The bill is sent to a conference committee to eliminate differences
• The bill is sent to the President
• The bill is passed by the committee (or it fails)
• The bill is sent to the other house to repeat the process
• The whole House or Senate votes on the bill
• The bill is introduced to the House or Senate by a member of Congress

Close: 

Click for the Review Sheet. There is nothing you need to complete on this, however, for those of you planning taking the AP exam, you may want to print this out and use it later in May....

Day 28

Learning Targets:

Students will be able to:

• Describe the different structures, powers, and functions of each house of Congress.
• Explain how the structure, powers, and functions of both houses of Congress affect the policy-making process.
• Explain how congressional behavior is influenced by election processes, partisanship, and divided government.
• Explain how the president can implement a policy agenda.

*Note:  All responses should be typed in your new interactive notebook (Google doc).

Both assignments (posted Tuesday and Thursday) will be "collected" no later than Friday of each week, and graded by Monday.  This gives you some flexibility and Friday to complete both.  

Opener:  Re-ASAPing Federalist #51 

As we will see today, even the genius of the US Constitution has its limits.  However, many of the shortfalls of the federal government today are, arguably, because elected leaders do not always follow through with their duties.  Conduct an ASAP analysis over Federalist #51 that describes "the genius" of the Constitution

“It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices [checks and balances] should be necessary to control the abuses of government. But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself. A dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government; but experience has taught mankind the necessity of auxiliary precautions.”

• James Madison, 1788, Federalist Papers #51

Activity #1  - Who's watching whom?
 If you'll recall from earlier in the year (and in our N-50), Congress has the additional responsibility of "oversight".  However, this is a lesser known duty of Congress and one that is not always carried out in the detail that it was intended.
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/04/08/trump-coronavirus-aid-oversight-176160

1.  How does congress "oversee" the executive branch?
2.  What is the bureaucracy's (agencies') role in all of this?
2.  What role does the judicial branch play in all of this?s

Activity #2 - Is it time for Congress to "make amends"?

The last duty of Congress that we'll look at today is their ability to propose amendments to the US Constitution with a 2/3 vote (remembering that 3/4 of the states must also approve these changes to the Constitution).  Relatively few amendments have been passed in the last two centuries (recalling that the first 10 were a "package deal"), and the last one (27th in 1992) had to do with Congress and how it could raise its own salaries.

"No law varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened."

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/03/29/fact-check-congressional-pay-raise-coronavirus-relief-package/2936724001/

There is a long list of amendments that have been proposed again and again (ban on flag burning, the Equal Rights Amendment, abolition of income taxes, and the ending of the Electoral College system).

Propose at least 3 amendments that you'd like to ad to the US Constitution and briefly explain why you believe this change needs to be made.  

Close: AP Exam Update

2020 Exam:  May 11th, on your laptop, 2 modified FRQ's (argumentative and scenario), Units 1-3 only.

PLEASE complete the FRQ's that have already been assigned to you and LOOK at the feedback that you have been given on each.  These are your best preparation for the exam!

Day 27

Learning Targets:

Students will be able to:

• Describe the different structures, powers, and functions of each house of Congress.
• Explain how the structure, powers, and functions of both houses of Congress affect the policy-making process.
• Explain how congressional behavior is influenced by election processes, partisanship, and divided government.
• Explain how the president can implement a policy agenda.

*Note:  All responses should be typed in your new interactive notebook (Google doc).

Both assignments (posted Tuesday and Thursday) will be "collected" no later than Friday of each week, and graded by Monday.  This gives you some flexibility and Friday to complete both.  

Opener:  Is the Elastic Stretched Too Thin?

If you will recall, the "Necessary and Proper Clause" that ends the list of powers granted to Congress in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution, is often called "The Elastic Clause" as it allows Congress to stretch it's other enumerated powers as necessary.  Below is that list of enumerated powers.  Given the pressure on Congress to help alleviate the current pandemic, https://thehill.com/homenews/house/491467-pressure-mounts-on-congress-for-quick-action-with-next-coronavirus-bill  which of these powers could Congress "stretch"?

Choose at least 3 from the list and briefly explain how exercising and stretching this power might be "necessary and proper" given recent events.

The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes

To borrow money on the credit of the United States;

To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes;

To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States;

To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights and measures;

To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and current coin of the United States;

To establish post offices and post roads;

To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries (patents and copyrights)

To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court;

To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high seas, and offenses against the law of nations;

To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water;

To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that use shall be for a longer term than two years;

To provide and maintain a navy;

To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces;

To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrections and repel invasions;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the militia

To establish Washington D.C. as the capitol

To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof.

Activity #1 - Committee Hearings?  But It's an Election Year!

As you recall, the real work in Congress is done by committees.  These small groups of congressmen are designed to allow its members to become experts on legislation (bills) on each of these topics.  

1. Which committees do you think are the most sought after by members of Congress as a means of gaining power and influence in Congress?  Remember, logrolling (trading favors) is an unfortunate reality in Congress.  Choose the 4 that you believe are the most sought after.  
2. Would being on any certain committee(s) improve a member's likelihood of being reelected?  Which one(s)?

Agriculture

Appropriations

Armed Services

Budget

Education and Labor

Energy and Commerce

Ethics

Financial Services

Foreign Affairs

Homeland Security

House Administration

Judiciary

Natural Resources

Oversight and Reform

Rules

Science, Space, and Technology

Small Business

Transportation and Infrastructure

Veterans' Affairs

Ways and Means

Activity #2 - Politics and Crisis

Use ASAP to analyze the quote below and then answer the final two questions for the day.

1.  How might members of the Congress and/or the President exploit the current crisis during this election year?

2.  To what extent does the desire for a politician to get reelected help hold politicians more accountable?

Close: Mini Essay (notice I said "mini" some of you)

In AP Classroom I have assigned a "Congressional Committee FRQ".  Take no more than 20 minutes to answer this question.

On a side note, I have been blown away by the quality of some of your responses to both "classroom" question and those posted in AP Classroom. While I have no doubt that this is the result of your own hard work, please remember that we are trying to write these responses on our own and without the use of outside resources.

AP Exam Review - Session 3

So here is the latest guidance on the AP US Government Exam (as of last night):

• There will be 2 modified essay questions...that's it.
• A 25 minute argumentative essay and a 15 minute scenario based essay.
• More detailed guidance forthcoming
• Test Date will be May 11th
• Administered via lockdown browser

While this a change, it could be a HUGE break for us.  Between now and then, all we have to do is review the core concepts, cases, and documents while practicing two brief essay formats.  Realizing that each of you is dealing with a different reality right now, I still firmly believe that we have the time and opportunity to take advantage.

Most of you have received scores and feedback from our first practice questions and I have now started looking at the second set.  This third set should be scored with feedback within the week.  Please make sure that you are looking at the feedback that I have provided.  

Exercise #3 - Free Response Questions

Each of you have been assigned a NEW practice FRQs in AP Classroom.  Once you can get logged in, look for "FRQ:  Equality and Federalism".  There are 2 short answer questions

• Follow the directions and be as detailed and specific as possible.

Day 26

Learning Targets:

Students will be able to:

• Explain the debate over granting the federal government greater power formerly reserved to the states.

*Note:  All responses should be typed in your new interactive notebook (Google doc).

Both assignments (posted Monday and Wednesday) will be "collected" no later than Friday of each week, and graded by Sunday.  This gives you some flexibility and Friday to complete both.  

Opener: Constitutional Convention Recap

If you recall, the major dispute during the convention was about how to determine representation.  Should it be by state (New Jersey Plan), or according to population (Virginia Plan)?  This also directly related to electoral votes for president.  

Here we are.  200+ years and 50 states later in the midst of a national crisis during a period of heightened political division that can be seen as densely urban blue states and less populated rural red states.  

In such a case as this, did Patterson's New Jersey Plan or Madison's Virginia Plan provide a better solution?  Explain.

Activity #1 - Federalism in crisis, or is this the idea?


In the last couple of weeks, states have proposed a variety of solutions to the current crisis.  Some have reached out for federal aid, while others have taken matters into their own hands.  Some states have locked down businesses and citizens' movements, while others have waited to take such strong actions. 

Check out at least two of the articles below and then respond to the following questions.  Be sure to include specific examples where possible.

1.  What advantages do larger states (by population) have during crises, particularly when it comes to funding?  

2.  To what extent can a state's governor exercise "wartime powers"?  Are these reserved only to the federal government?

3.  How might party politics play into how states choose to cooperate during crisis?

https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2020/03/31/what-you-should-know-about-florida-s-new-checkpoints

https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/02/health/us-coronavirus-thursday/index.html

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/04/01/coronavirus-state-governors-best-worst-covid-19-159945

Activity #2 - Is this really time for Checks and Balances?

In Federalist #51, Madison defends the system of checks and balances as the means by which government would remain limited in its power and that the people would remain the real source of power and authority.  As Congress and the President attempt to workout how to deal with the current crisis and where funding should go several political debates between the Democratic controlled House of Representative and the Republicans in the Senate and Whitehouse.  

• Is there ever a time where we DON'T need such an elaborate system for the passage of bills?  Explain.

Close: How ya holdin' up?

Use this last few minutes and "drop me a line" to let me know how you are doing and if there is anything that I can help you with.  I realize that we are all limited in our capacity to really help one another in some ways, but let me know and I'll see what we can do.