Federalism and Failing Test Scores

We've spent most of the week discussing the concept of Federalism and its effects on American government, expecially when it comes to "hot" topics like education, illegal immigration, and gay marriage.

HOMEWORK: Read We The People lessons 18 & 22, Woll reader pp 72-79; RETURN your WTP book for bonus points and REWRITE your essay to recover points lost on Exam 1

Exam One

Your first exam will be Friday--we will use class time tomorrow to continue our review of the testing format, strategies, and content.

WEEKEND HOMEWORK: Read Chapter 3 in your textbook (American Government: Continuity and Change). Take notes--quiz on Monday!

Federalist and Anti-Federalists Debate

Your homework tonight is significant, because without it we cannot have a fair fight in class.
Federalists--read Woll 54-58, WTP 87-91; take notes and prepare to argue
Anti-Federalists--read Woll 58-61, WTP 84-87; take notes

The Constitutional Convention

Our debates today in class mirror the debates held by the founding fathers as they developed a better plan for the government of the United States. I was really impressed by your abilities to listen, argue, and make connections. The analogy of government to the school was AWESOME! We will extend that analogy more in class as we compare/contrast these forms of government.

HOMEWORK: Read textbook pp 43-65, WTP 60-67
**HINT** there will be a quiz, and you can always use your notes on quizzes...

The Articles of Confederation

Before the call for a new government, the independent States of America worked together under a confederal system, guided by the Articles of Confederation. In your textbook, read pp 41-43, and pages 54-59 in WTP. Create a chart that lists the strengths and weaknessed of American government under the Articles of Confederation.

Revolutionary Beginnings

It amazes me that no one has posted yet on this blog...oh well, at least you can check your homework. We've spent the week learning about the reasons why the American colonies began to resist and rebel against the British government. We should get through the first national governments, and the need to call a Constitutional Convention.

You get to spend the next 5 days reading about the Constitution.
Homework: 1. Read the Consitution (CC 68-94) and create a one page visual aide/graphic organizer/mini-poster/Constitution for Dummies cheat sheet--if you give me an outline, you get 1/2 credit--this assignment should reflect some thought, creativity, and invention.
2. Read pp 10-40 in the Woll reader (small book)--for each article, identify the thesis and 5 supporting ideas/evidence for the claim (thesis).

Have fun! We will discuss the readings in class on Tuesday...you cannot participate in the discussion (i.e. get a grade for class) without having completed the homework

Any questions??? POST!!!

AP Government--Week 2

This week we've read from John Locke's Second Treatise on Civil Government and Thomas Jefferson's landmark document The Declaration of Independence. We've begun to identifywhat government is and how it's arranged. We've explored the Social Contract theory, and how beliefs on natural law and the state of nature have affected American government.

Up next...US government under the Articles of Confederation and the call for a stronger Constitution.

HOMEWORK: I thought I would assign some light reading for your weekend. Please read and take notes; there WILL be a quiz!!!
We the People: pp 1-34--don't worry, there are quite a few pictures and activities you can ignore :)

Welcome to AP Government and Politics!

You heard my pep talk in class today and now it's time for YOU to take the reigns. I will post daily topics and homework updates, you take the time to blog when you want to. I will regularly check postings and update our blog, but it's your job to respond and get things going on this site. I expect you to blog at least four times a month...so get to work!

HOMEWORK: Syllabus sign-off, round up your class supplies, and kiss your free time goodbye :)

TOPIC: Of all the rights and freedoms you enjoy in this country, which do you feel is the most important and why?