Class Description
Concepts like freedom, representation, and federalism have defined American government. But how did these values emerge as the guiding forces in our national life? How has political life and government evolved since the founding? SpringLight Education Institute’s AP United States Government and Politics will not only prepare students to score well on the AP exam, but will also teach students to analyze and interpret the Constitution, important political documents, and data to better understand American government and political culture. Students will learn the guiding structures and principles of American national government but will also develop the skills to analyze the factors that have shaped American politics over the last two centuries.
About the Instructor
Ms. Katherine Simpson graduated from Gordon College with a double degree in political science and English Literature. Her writing has been published by NPR stations across the United States. Ms. Simpson’s research and writing includes reporting on city government and a thesis on Toni Morrison. In her free time, she enjoys swimming and playing the harp.
Class Syllabus (subject to change/be added to)
| TOPIC | READI
NG |
|
| Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy | ||
| January 16 | Ideals and Types of Democracy, Government Power and Individual Rights | Barron, Chapter 1 |
| January 23 | Foundations of American Government: Articles of Confederation and Ratification of the Constitution, and Principles of American Government | Barron, Chapters 2 & 3 |
| January 30 | Federalism: Intergovernmental Relations, Constitutional Interpretation, and Federalism in Action | Barron, Chapter 4 |
| Unit 2: Interactions Among Branches of Government | ||
| February 6 | Congress | Barron, Chapter 8 |
| February 13 | The President | Barron, Chapter 7 |
| February 20 | The Judicial Branch | Barron, Chapter 9 |
| February 27 | The Bureaucracy | Barron, Chapter 10 |
| Unit 3: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights | ||
| March 6 | The Bill of Rights | Barron, Chapter 5 |
| March 13 | Constitutional Amendments | Barron, Chapter 6 |
| March 20 | Social Movements | TBD |
| Unit 4: American Political Ideologies and Beliefs | ||
| March 27 | Citizens and Public Opinion | Barron, Chapter 12 |
| March 30 | Parties and Ideology | Barron, Chapter 11 |
| Unit 5: Political Participation | ||
| April 3 | Voting | TBD |
| April 10 | Stakeholders: Parties and Interest Groups | Barron, Chapter 14 |
| April 17 | Campaigns and Media | Barron, Chapter 13 |
| April 24 | Public Policy Issues | Barron, Chapters 15 & 16 |
| Exam Review | ||
| May 1 | EXAM REVIEW |