AP Government & Politics-0245/01 Assignments

Complete the questions attached below.  

Complete the questions attached below.  

Complete the questions that we started in class.

Complete the questions that we started in class.

Complete question 3 from the work we started in class.  

Complete question 3 from the work we started in class.  

Complete question 3 from the work we started in class.  

Complete the questions attached below.

Complete the work started in class today

Complete questions 11-25 from the attachment below. 

1) The balance of power between the United States national government and state governments is shaped by the Constitution and Supreme Court rulings.
Describe EACH of the following constitutional provisions.
Supremacy clause
Tenth Amendment
Explain how ONE of the following court rulings changed the balance of power between the national government and state governments.
v. 
v.
Describe TWO advantages of federalism for the creation of public policy in the United States.

2) The federal government must often balance protecting individual liberties and providing for order and security. At times, priority is given to one over the other.

Take a position on whether the federal government should place more emphasis on protecting individual liberties or providing for order and security.
Use at least one piece of evidence from one of the following foundational documents:
Article II of the United States Constitution
The Declaration of Independence
The Fourteenth Amendment

Answer questions 17-30 from the review we started in class.

Answer questions 17-30 from the review we started in class.

1) Explain the concept of judicial review.


2)  How has the federal courts evolved over American history?


3) 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.

1) Explain the concept of judicial review.


2)  How has the federal courts evolved over American history?


3) 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.

The United States Supreme Court has the authority to choose which cases it hears, but its authority is limited in a number of ways.
(a) Describe one factor that increases the likelihood for the Supreme Court to accept an appeal.
(b) Describe one factor that limits the Supreme Court’s authority to hear cases.
(c) Explain how the executive branch can check the authority of the Court.
(d) Explain how the legislative branch can check the authority of the Court.
(e) Explain how the Court checks the authority of the other branches

The United States Supreme Court has the authority to choose which cases it hears, but its authority is limited in a number of ways.
(a) Describe one factor that increases the likelihood for the Supreme Court to accept an appeal.
(b) Describe one factor that limits the Supreme Court’s authority to hear cases.
(c) Explain how the executive branch can check the authority of the Court.
(d) Explain how the legislative branch can check the authority of the Court.
(e) Explain how the Court checks the authority of the other branches

Answer questions 1-3 from page 258 of your textbook.  

Answer questions 1-3 from page 258 of your textbook.  

1) The Supreme Court is commonly thought to be "above politics." However, one can argue that the appointment of Supreme Court justices is political.
(a) Identify three characteristics of Supreme Court nominees and discuss how each characteristic has been politically relevant during the appointment process.
(b) Identify two methods that have been used by interest groups to influence the appointment process. Explain how each of these methods has been used to influence that process.




2) 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.

1) The Supreme Court is commonly thought to be "above politics." However, one can argue that the appointment of Supreme Court justices is political.
(a) Identify three characteristics of Supreme Court nominees and discuss how each characteristic has been politically relevant during the appointment process.
(b) Identify two methods that have been used by interest groups to influence the appointment process. Explain how each of these methods has been used to influence that process.




2) 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.

Complete the questions attached below.  

Complete the questions attached below.  

For each of the following changes to the Bureaucracy, do the following:
a. Identify when the change occurred.
b. Explain what the purpose of the reform was.  
c. Discuss whether or not the reform was effective.  

1) The
Brownlow Commission


2) The
First Hoover Commission


3) The
Ash Council


4) National
Performance Review


5) Government
Performance and Results Act


6) Performance
Assessment Rating Tool

For each of the following changes to the Bureaucracy, do the following:
a. Identify when the change occurred.
b. Explain what the purpose of the reform was.  
c. Discuss whether or not the reform was effective.  

1) The
Brownlow Commission


2) The
First Hoover Commission


3) The
Ash Council


4) National
Performance Review


5) Government
Performance and Results Act


6) Performance
Assessment Rating Tool

Read the Argumentation on page 297  from your textbook. 
Answer questions 1-3 that follow.  

Complete all questions attached in the document below. 

Complete all questions attached in the document below. 

Complete the following questions attached below.  

1) Explain why presidential character and organization matter for policy making.



2) a. Define presidential Cabinet 
b. Define White House Office   
c.  Explain the difference in the relationship between the Cabinet and White House Office with the president.

1) Explain why presidential character and organization matter for policy making.



2) a. Define presidential Cabinet 
b. Define White House Office   
c.  Explain the difference in the relationship between the Cabinet and White House Office with the president.

The power of the executive branch in relation to the legislative branch has varied over time. Develop an argument that takes a position on the appropriate balance of power between the president and Congress.
Use at least one piece of evidence from one of the following foundational documents:
Declaration of Independence
The Federalist 51
The Federalist 70
In your response you should do the following:
Respond to the prompt with a defensible claim or thesis that establishes a line of reasoning.
Support your claim with at least TWO pieces of specific and relevant evidence.
One piece of evidence must come from one of the foundational documents listed above.
A second piece of evidence can come from any other foundational document not used as your first piece of evidence or it may be from your knowledge of course concepts.
Use reasoning to explain why your evidence supports your claim or thesis. Respond to an opposing or alternate perspective using refutation, concession, or rebuttal.

The power of the executive branch in relation to the legislative branch has varied over time. Develop an argument that takes a position on the appropriate balance of power between the president and Congress.
Use at least one piece of evidence from one of the following foundational documents:
Declaration of Independence
The Federalist 51
The Federalist 70
In your response you should do the following:
Respond to the prompt with a defensible claim or thesis that establishes a line of reasoning.
Support your claim with at least TWO pieces of specific and relevant evidence.
One piece of evidence must come from one of the foundational documents listed above.
A second piece of evidence can come from any other foundational document not used as your first piece of evidence or it may be from your knowledge of course concepts.
Use reasoning to explain why your evidence supports your claim or thesis. Respond to an opposing or alternate perspective using refutation, concession, or rebuttal.

The power of the executive branch in relation to the legislative branch has varied over time. Develop an argument that takes a position on the appropriate balance of power between the president and Congress.
Use at least one piece of evidence from one of the following foundational documents:
Declaration of Independence
The Federalist 51
The Federalist 70
In your response you should do the following:
Respond to the prompt with a defensible claim or thesis that establishes a line of reasoning.
Support your claim with at least TWO pieces of specific and relevant evidence.
One piece of evidence must come from one of the foundational documents listed above.
A second piece of evidence can come from any other foundational document not used as your first piece of evidence or it may be from your knowledge of course concepts.
Use reasoning to explain why your evidence supports your claim or thesis.Respond to an opposing or alternate perspective using refutation, concession, or rebuttal.

Answer the following questions on a separate Google Doc.  

1) The Constitution of the United States creates a government of separate institutions that share power rather than a government that delegates power exclusively to a single branch. Frequently, this means that presidents and Congress struggle with each other.For each of the presidential powers below, explain one way that congressional decision making is affected by that power.
Veto power
Power to issue executive orders
Power as commander in chief
2) Each policy-making institution in the United States federal government is subject to restrictions on its power. 
a) Explain how each of the following can restrict presidential power.
“Power of the purse”
The appointment confirmation process
b) Explain how each of the following can restrict congressional power.
Presidential power as commander-in-chief
Executive privilege

Work on practice AP questions.  Test will be tomorrow.

1) Summarize the Process of making a law?

2) Why are committees so important?

3) Why is the Ways and Means committee a coveted position?

1)  List 3 different ways to possibly reform Congress.2) Explain in detail how each of those different ways can possibly reform Congress.

Complete these questions off of the lesson provided.  All work will be counted as a HW grade.  
1) Identify and explain 2 ways party leaders (Speaker of the House, president pro tempore of the Senate, majority leaders, minority leaders, and whips) influence members of their party in Congress.

2) What is one factor that makes it difficult for party leaders to influence members of their party in Congress.

1) How are the influence of interest groups limited by the government?

2) Why did early regulations of interest groups fail?

3) What are some reasons interest groups should follow government regulations?

1) Why would interest groups gain more support in government if they are able to be a part of a social movement?


2) Why are low membership interest groups and social movement more extreme?


3) Based on the charts on the open secrets links attached in the material section, what are some tendencies you notice when it comes to donations and spending from interest groups?

1) What is an interest group?

2) What is the role of lobbyists?

3) Identify and explain the main factors for the rise of interest groups.

1)Answer questions A, B, C on page 748


2)Answer questions 1,2,3 on page 750

Based on the lesson: Congress v. Parliament answer the following questions.  
1) Why did the Founders believe the Congress to be so important?

2) How is Congress different than English Parliament? Where does the power lie?

3) How has the Congress become a more difficult place to pass laws?

Answer the following questions attached below.  

1) Summarize the history of campaign finance reform efforts.  

2) Explain the current state of campaign finance regulation.

3) Answer questions A, B, C on page 669 of your textbook.

Complete the questions attached below. 

Read pages 649-655 in your textbook.  Read the Argumentation on page 652-652 and answer questions 1-3 on page 652

Read the Argumentation on page 642-643 of your textbook.
Answer questions 1-3 on page 642

1) What role does the media play in Primaries?
2) What is the significance of momentum?
3)How does front-loading primaries effect elections in states?

In the early days of the country, presidential campaigns were conducted within a significantly shorter period of time. Today, it is common for potential presidential candidates to start campaigning shortly after the congressional midterms end, making the presidential campaign season a regular fixture in American political life.
Develop an argument that explores whether longer presidential campaign seasons are helpful or harmful to American democracy.
Use at least one piece of evidence from one of the following foundational documents:
• The Federalist 70
• Brutus 1
• Article II of the United States Constitution
In your essay, you must:
✓ Respond to the prompt with a defensible claim or thesis that establishes a line of reasoning.
✓ Support your claim with at least TWO pieces of specific and relevant evidence.
o One piece of evidence must come from one of the foundational documents listed above.
o A second piece of evidence can come from any other foundational document not used as your first piece of evidence, or it may be from your knowledge of course concepts.
✓ Use reasoning to explain why your evidence supports your claim/thesis.
✓ Respond to an opposing or alternative perspective using refutation, concession, or rebuttal.

1) How do campaign advertisements help candidates in elections?

2) What are the two types of campaign advertisements? Which is more common?

3) Why are debates still important in today's election process?

1)Define: partisan identification
2) Explain how partisan identification shapes the political behavior of ordinary Americans

Answer the following question in paragraph form.    


What are the two major explanations scholars employ when they attempt to explain the presence
of the two-party system in America?

1) How are parties organized in America?

2) What is the main goal for the Party?

3) How has the presidential election changed how they were elected over time?

1) Describe the roles of American political parties

2) How does the American political parties differ from other democracies?

Complete all questions in complete sentences and give as much detail as possible.  

Answer the following questions attached below.  

1) Which age group is least likely to vote in a presidential election? 
2) Which group is least likely to vote according to their schooling, or level of education? 
3) Describe voter turnout among blacks and Hispanics.

4) Citizens often choose to participate in the political process in ways other than voting.
(a) Identify two forms of participation in the political process other than voting.
(b) Explain two advantages of each form of participation you identified in

Answer following questions in paragraph form.

1)How does American voter turnout compare to other advanced industrialized countries?
2)What affects voter turnout?
3)Why is American voter turnout so different?

Public opinion polls are a way to link the public with elected officials. Members of Congress often use polls to understand the views of their constituents, but they must also pay attention to other political considerations.


1) Identify two characteristics of a valid, scientific, public opinion poll.

2) Explain why each of the following enhances the influence of public opinion on the voting decisions of members of Congress.
Strong public opinion as expressed in polling results
Competitive re-elections

Answer the questions attached below on a separate Google doc. 

1) Summarize the arguments for and against the claim that low levels of political knowledge among ordinary voters impact American democracy.

2) Describe the relationship between public opinion and public policy

Complete the questions attached below on a separate Google Doc. 

How has the Supreme Court and public opinion on gay rights changed in the 21st century. Use at least 3 examples.

1) List the major factors that determine public opinion 
2) Explain how each factor contributes to a person's public opinion.

Please complete the test on Civil Rights attached below.  The test is locked so prepare for the test like you would any other.  

While watching this video answer the following questions.



1) Explain 3 points made by students who were in favor of affirmative action.  


2) Explain 3 points made by students who were against affirmative action.  


3) What did you find to be the most interesting part of the debate?


4) What does the moderator provide for conclusions of the debate?

Write a paragraph response answering the following questions.

Explain how the national government has attempted to advance women's rights in the United States.

Read the following document and answer the following questions.  
1) Explain why there were groups of women who did not want to gain suffrage rights. 
2) How would that change society? 
3) Would it benefit or harm women? 
4) What should the role of women be in the US? Why?

The Fourteenth Amendment protects civil rights and civil liberties.
1)Describe the difference between civil rights and civil liberties.
2) Identify the primary clause of the Fourteenth Amendment that is used to extend civil rights.
3) Describe a specific legislative action that extended civil rights to each of the following.

Women
Persons with disabilities

Answer questions A, B, C on page 393 of your textbook.  

1) Read the NY Times article below and summarize the main points.  
2)How has the Patriot Act changed search and seizure laws?  
3)Do you agree with what the author states?  Why or why not?

Read the case file and answer questions 1-6 on page 3

Answer the following questions attached below.

Read the Mapp v. Ohio case and answer the questions for documents A-J.

1)Explain which forms of expression are not protected by the Constitution. Why are they not protected?

2) Find 3 Supreme Court Cases about the 1st Amendment and the Freedom of Expression.  Write a summary of what each case is about and the decision that is made.  

1) Read pages 337-341 in your textbook 2) Answer questions 1-3 on page 339 of your textbook. 
3) Answer questions A-C on page 341 of your textbook 

1) Summarize the points of each speaker in the video.  
2) Who had the more persuasive argument?  

Explain with specific examples.
3) Which speaker do you agree with more? Why? 

Please take test during class period.

Complete the following questions on political culture attached below.   

1) Explain how the United States differs from other countries in its political culture.

2) What is a nation’s political culture, and why is it important?
3) What are the characteristics of American political culture?
4) What are the values and beliefs that are most ingrained in American citizens?

Equality of opportunity is a central value in the American political system. Choose either Congress or the Supreme Court, and present an argument for why your choice is most responsible for advancing the principle of equality of opportunity in the United States.
        Use one piece of evidence from one of the following foundational documents:
Fourteenth Amendment
Article I of the United States Constitution
The Federalist 78

1)Read an excerpt from "The Big Sort" by Bill Bishop attached below.  
2)Answer the following questions.


a.   What are some of the common ways that the “Big Sort” perpetuates itself?

b.   Does this ring true for the circles that you and your family/friends inhabit?

c.    If Bill Bishop is correct, what are the political implications of the “Big Sort”?

Complete the questions attached below.  

Read the paragraph below and answer the questions that follow.  Please your notes and textbook pages 126-130 to help with your work.  


On October 26, 1987, Republican President Ronald Reagan issued an order expressing his desire “to restore the division of governmental responsibilities between the national government and the States that was intended by the Framers of the Constitution.” This order was issued to “guide the Executive departments and agencies in the formulation and implementation of policies. . . that [had] substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.”
The action by the president contained several directives to federal agencies. These directives included telling the agencies not to establish uniform national standards unless it was absolutely necessary and even then, to be sure and consult with the appropriate state officials in developing those standards. The president also told executive departments not to ask Congress for legislation that would regulate the states or override existing state laws if at all possible.

After reading the scenario, respond to A, B, and C below.
A)  Referencing the scenario, describe the informal power being used by President Reagan and explain how the president’s action reflects the principle of federalism.


B)In the context of the scenario, explain how the bureaucracy could impact the implementation of President Reagan’s order.



C)  Describe an action the legislative branch could take to respond to President Reagan’s order. Explain why Democratic control in Congress might make this action more likely against President Reagan’s order.

The framers of the Constitution devised a federal system of government that affected the relationship between the national and state governments.

1) Compare state sovereignty under the Articles of Confederation and under the Constitution.




2)  Explain how each of the following has been used to expand the power of the federal government over the states.
       a) Commerce clause
       b) Mandates


3)  Explain how each of the following has played a role in the devolution of power from the national government to the states.
       a)Block grants
       b)Supreme Court decisions

The United States Constitution establishes a federal system of government. Under federalism, policy making is shared between national and state governments. Over time, the powers of the national government have increased relative to those of the state governments.


Take a position about whether the expanded powers of the national government benefits or hinders policy making.
Use at least one piece of evidence from one of the following foundational documents:

The United States Constitution's ratification resulted from a political process that required compromise between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists. Many of the debates in government today continue to reflect the concerns of each perspective.
(a) Compare the positions of Federalists and Anti-Federalists regarding the power of the national government.
(b) Describe two features of the original Constitution that have led to a growth in the power of the national government.
(c) Explain how each of the following additions to the Constitution addressed Anti-Federalist concerns.
First Amendment
Tenth Amendment
(d) Explain how one of the following clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment has altered the balance of power between the state and national governments.
Due process clause
Equal protection clause

Explain the historical origins of federalism and how it has evolved over time.  2 paragraphs.

Complete all questions attached below on a Google Doc.  

The Constitution limited the power of the national government and restricted popular control: however citizen participation has changed over time.

Explain how each of the following constitutional features protects against the concentration of power in the national government.
-- Checks and balances
-- Federalism

Attached is an Anti-Federalist essay written during the discussion of the Constitution.  This is the most popular criticism of the new Constitution and establishment of a stronger, larger central government.  This essay is commonly seen on AP exams from essays.  Read Brutus I and complete the following questions.  

1)   Which form of government (a large national republic or a confederation of small republics) is more likely to preserve and protect personal liberties and why?


2)   Can a larger republic, based on the principle of consent of the governed, sufficiently protect the rights and liberties of the individual states and people, or is a confederation the only method of securing such liberty?


3)    Should the federal legislature be able to repeal state laws in order to impose federal laws for the purpose of promoting the general welfare or common defense of the nation? If so, why? If not, why?


4)Brutus argues that in a republic, “the manners, sentiments, and interests of the people should be similar…if not, there will be a constant clashing of opinions and the representatives of one part will be constantly striving against the other.”  Should a republic be made up of a small group of like-minded people? Or, is diversity of opinion beneficial to the success of a federal government?

Discuss the main proposals and compromises over representation in the Constitutional Convention.  For each one explain what the idea was, who supported it, who was against it.


a. Destroying the Articles of Confederation 
b. Virginia Plan
c. New Jersey Plan
d. Pennsylvania Plan
e. Three-Fifths Compromise

Please remember we are looking for detailed answers.  Complete the following questions. 
1) What were the early goals of the Founding Fathers?


2) Explain the relationship between the government and the people?


3) What were issues that the Articles of Confederation faced?

Based on our lesson please find 3 examples of each of the different views of politics.
Majoritarian, Client, Entrepreneurial, Interest Groups.
Please tell me what/who they are and what it is they are about. (Who benefits/What is the cost)

1) Identify and explain four schools of thought about the distribution of power in society. Along the
way, note which view suggests the widest distribution of power, which view is popular with
political scientists and which view has the most positive ramifications for America.

1) Explain why "who governs" and "to what ends" are fundamental questions in American Politics.


2)  What is the significance of political agenda in the Federal government?

Based on the notes and our discussions in class answer the following questions.  Answer should be a full paragraph using at least 3-5 sentences. 


1) Explain how American politics drives democracy.


2)  How has America become more democratic over time?

Using your notes to help you, answer the following questions.

1) Explain the difference between power, authority, and legitimacy.  Explain how Americans think of the last concept in particular. 


2)  Explain two senses of the word "Democracy" and note historical examples of each.

Please turn in all parts of the summer assignment here.  If any sections were handwritten please include a photo of the completed work.  

Reread the excerpts from John Locke.  Answer all questions on page 13.  

1)Read the excerpts from the Declaration of Independence attached below.  
2) Answer all 6 questions in the After You Read section on page 8 of the file.  
3) Read the Second Treatise of Civil Government by John Locke.  We will discuss it in class.  

Please make sure to turn in the signed student contract tomorrow during class.