AP Government (Period 2)
Assignment Calendar
Course Description
Abraham Lincoln Senior High School
Course: Advance Placement Government
Periods: 2 Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (323) 441-4600 Appts:7a.m./Scheduled
“Action is the foundational key to all success.”
-Pablo Picasso
“Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure.”
-George Edward Woodberry
1. Course Description
This course analyzes political theory, structures of the government, and applications of political theory and governmental entities. The purpose is to prepare students to take the AP© Examination for Government and Politics. This course is taught at the collegiate level, which requires in depth analysis of various forms of readings. The objectives of this course are to help students better understand the relationships between the government, current events, and their life. During the course of study, students will investigate the underpinnings of the United States Government, Political Beliefs and Behaviors, Political Parties, Interest Groups and Mass Media, Institutions of the National Government: Congress, Executive, and Legislative Branches, Public Policy, and Civil Rights and Liberties.
2. Professional Statements
A. Student Conduct
Students are to conduct themselves in a mature and respectful manner. They will adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), Abraham Lincoln High School, and peers. Any student not adhering to the rules and regulations are subject to disciplinary actions.
B. Technology
Students are required to have access to a computer with internet. All assignments must be typed with the following specifications:
Font 12, Double Spaced, 1 inch margins, Times New Roman, Contain A Cover Page and Bibliography, and Printed on White Paper.
If there is no access to a computer at home, then a student may utilize the Los Angeles Public Library, School Library, School Computer Lab, or any other source. Papers NOT TYPED will NOT be accepted.
C. Copying/Cheating
Students who are caught cheating or copying will receive a zero on that assignment and will face disciplinary action. Cheating or copying is not allowed!
D. Attendance
Students are required to attend class on a daily basis and remain in the class until the end of the period. At times there are reasons for students to be absent (family emergencies, illness, etc.), but students are required to obtain all materials distributed during class that day. All make up work is required to be turned in the next business day, with no exceptions. When a student misses more than 10 days of school, their participation will affect their grade greatly, therefore it is imperative that students be present to every class session. The work missed in an unexcused absence will not be counted.
E. Tardiness
Students are required to get to class on time on a daily basis. If a student cannot make it to class on time, their quiz grade will be deducted for that day, given the fact they may be truant. Every 3 tardies will count for one absence and will greatly affect their participation grade. The work missed in an unexcused tardy will not be counted.
3. Student Outcomes
A. Expectations
All students are required to be prepared for class and must do all work. Students are here to get an education for self-betterment and advancement of their career.
B. Outline
I. Constitutional Underpinnings of United States Government
II. Political Beliefs and Behaviors
III. Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Mass Media
IV. Institutions of National Government: The Congress, the Presidency, the Bureaucracy, and the Federal Courts
V. Public Policy
VI. Civil Rights and Liberties
C. California State Content Standards
12.1 Students explain the fundamental principles and moral values of American democracy as expressed in the U.S. Constitution and other essential documents of American democracy.
12.2 Students evaluate and take and defend positions on the scope and limits of rights and obligations as democratic citizens, the relationships among them, and how they are secured.
12.3 Students evaluate and take and defend positions on what the fundamental values and principles of civil society are (i.e., the autonomous sphere of voluntary personal, social, and economic relations that are not part of government), their interdependence, and the meaning and importance of those values and principles for a free society.
12.4 Students analyze the unique roles and responsibilities of the three branches of government as established by the U.S. Constitution.
12.5 Students summarize landmark U.S. Supreme Court interpretations of the Constitution and its amendments.
12.6 Students evaluate issues regarding campaigns for national, state, and local elective offices.
12.7 Students analyze and compare the powers and procedures of the national, state, tribal, and local governments.
12.8 Students evaluate and take and defend positions on the influence of the media on American political life.
12.9 Students analyze the origins, characteristics, and development of different political systems across time, with emphasis on the quest for political democracy, its advances, and its obstacles.
12.10 Students formulate questions about and defend their analyses of tensions within our constitutional democracy and the importance of maintaining a balance between the following concepts: majority rule and individual rights; liberty and equality; state and national authority in a federal system; civil disobedience and the rule of law; freedom of the press and the right to a fair trial; the relationship of religion and government.
4. Required Readings
Edwards, George, et al. Government in America: People Politics, and Policy. 12th ed. New York: Person Longman, 2006.
5. Supplemental Readings
Barbour, Christine and Matthew Streb, ed. Clued in to Politics: A Critical Thinking Reader in Government. 2nd ed. Washington, D.C.: CQPress, 2007.
Patterson, Thomas. We The People: A Concise Introduction to American Politics. 6th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2006.
6. Current Events
Students are responsible for reading current events, such as newspapers, journals, and periodicals in class everyday. Students will be required to either, subscribe to the newspaper, pick up a newspaper daily, or obtain one from the teacher. All students will be required to watch or listen to CNN, NPR, or so on. News information will also be made available to them on a daily basis.
7. Assignments
Assignments Points Possible
Chapter Outlines 100 x 20
Quizzes 10 x 180
Exams 50 x 20
Analytical Papers 50 x 20
Participation 2 x 180
Reading Analysis 20 x 40
Newspaper Analysis 10 x 2 per week
Practice Exams 100 x 4
Final Project 300 x 2
8. Materials
Students will need the following materials daily:
One Binder
Dividers
Pens and Pencils
5x8 Index Cards with holder (market ties work well too )
9. Grading Scale
A 90
B 80
C 70
D 60
F 59
Course: Advance Placement Government
Periods: 2 Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (323) 441-4600 Appts:7a.m./Scheduled
“Action is the foundational key to all success.”
-Pablo Picasso
“Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure.”
-George Edward Woodberry
1. Course Description
This course analyzes political theory, structures of the government, and applications of political theory and governmental entities. The purpose is to prepare students to take the AP© Examination for Government and Politics. This course is taught at the collegiate level, which requires in depth analysis of various forms of readings. The objectives of this course are to help students better understand the relationships between the government, current events, and their life. During the course of study, students will investigate the underpinnings of the United States Government, Political Beliefs and Behaviors, Political Parties, Interest Groups and Mass Media, Institutions of the National Government: Congress, Executive, and Legislative Branches, Public Policy, and Civil Rights and Liberties.
2. Professional Statements
A. Student Conduct
Students are to conduct themselves in a mature and respectful manner. They will adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), Abraham Lincoln High School, and peers. Any student not adhering to the rules and regulations are subject to disciplinary actions.
B. Technology
Students are required to have access to a computer with internet. All assignments must be typed with the following specifications:
Font 12, Double Spaced, 1 inch margins, Times New Roman, Contain A Cover Page and Bibliography, and Printed on White Paper.
If there is no access to a computer at home, then a student may utilize the Los Angeles Public Library, School Library, School Computer Lab, or any other source. Papers NOT TYPED will NOT be accepted.
C. Copying/Cheating
Students who are caught cheating or copying will receive a zero on that assignment and will face disciplinary action. Cheating or copying is not allowed!
D. Attendance
Students are required to attend class on a daily basis and remain in the class until the end of the period. At times there are reasons for students to be absent (family emergencies, illness, etc.), but students are required to obtain all materials distributed during class that day. All make up work is required to be turned in the next business day, with no exceptions. When a student misses more than 10 days of school, their participation will affect their grade greatly, therefore it is imperative that students be present to every class session. The work missed in an unexcused absence will not be counted.
E. Tardiness
Students are required to get to class on time on a daily basis. If a student cannot make it to class on time, their quiz grade will be deducted for that day, given the fact they may be truant. Every 3 tardies will count for one absence and will greatly affect their participation grade. The work missed in an unexcused tardy will not be counted.
3. Student Outcomes
A. Expectations
All students are required to be prepared for class and must do all work. Students are here to get an education for self-betterment and advancement of their career.
B. Outline
I. Constitutional Underpinnings of United States Government
II. Political Beliefs and Behaviors
III. Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Mass Media
IV. Institutions of National Government: The Congress, the Presidency, the Bureaucracy, and the Federal Courts
V. Public Policy
VI. Civil Rights and Liberties
C. California State Content Standards
12.1 Students explain the fundamental principles and moral values of American democracy as expressed in the U.S. Constitution and other essential documents of American democracy.
12.2 Students evaluate and take and defend positions on the scope and limits of rights and obligations as democratic citizens, the relationships among them, and how they are secured.
12.3 Students evaluate and take and defend positions on what the fundamental values and principles of civil society are (i.e., the autonomous sphere of voluntary personal, social, and economic relations that are not part of government), their interdependence, and the meaning and importance of those values and principles for a free society.
12.4 Students analyze the unique roles and responsibilities of the three branches of government as established by the U.S. Constitution.
12.5 Students summarize landmark U.S. Supreme Court interpretations of the Constitution and its amendments.
12.6 Students evaluate issues regarding campaigns for national, state, and local elective offices.
12.7 Students analyze and compare the powers and procedures of the national, state, tribal, and local governments.
12.8 Students evaluate and take and defend positions on the influence of the media on American political life.
12.9 Students analyze the origins, characteristics, and development of different political systems across time, with emphasis on the quest for political democracy, its advances, and its obstacles.
12.10 Students formulate questions about and defend their analyses of tensions within our constitutional democracy and the importance of maintaining a balance between the following concepts: majority rule and individual rights; liberty and equality; state and national authority in a federal system; civil disobedience and the rule of law; freedom of the press and the right to a fair trial; the relationship of religion and government.
4. Required Readings
Edwards, George, et al. Government in America: People Politics, and Policy. 12th ed. New York: Person Longman, 2006.
5. Supplemental Readings
Barbour, Christine and Matthew Streb, ed. Clued in to Politics: A Critical Thinking Reader in Government. 2nd ed. Washington, D.C.: CQPress, 2007.
Patterson, Thomas. We The People: A Concise Introduction to American Politics. 6th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2006.
6. Current Events
Students are responsible for reading current events, such as newspapers, journals, and periodicals in class everyday. Students will be required to either, subscribe to the newspaper, pick up a newspaper daily, or obtain one from the teacher. All students will be required to watch or listen to CNN, NPR, or so on. News information will also be made available to them on a daily basis.
7. Assignments
Assignments Points Possible
Chapter Outlines 100 x 20
Quizzes 10 x 180
Exams 50 x 20
Analytical Papers 50 x 20
Participation 2 x 180
Reading Analysis 20 x 40
Newspaper Analysis 10 x 2 per week
Practice Exams 100 x 4
Final Project 300 x 2
8. Materials
Students will need the following materials daily:
One Binder
Dividers
Pens and Pencils
5x8 Index Cards with holder (market ties work well too )
9. Grading Scale
A 90
B 80
C 70
D 60
F 59
Upcoming Assignments See all
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