AP Government
UNIT 1: Constitutional Underpinnings
The study of modern politics in the United States requires students to examine the kind of
government established by the Constitution, paying particular attention to federalism, the
separation of powers, and checks and balances.
Understanding these developments involves both knowledge of the historical situation at the
time of the Constitutional Convention and an awareness of the ideological and philosophical
traditions on which the framers drew. Such understanding addresses specific concerns of the
framers: for example, why did Madison fear factions? What were the reasons for the swift
adoption of the Bill of Rights? Familiarity with the United States Supreme Court’s interpretation
of key provisions of the Constitution will aid student understanding of theoretical and practical
features of federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances. Students should be
familiar with a variety of theoretical perspectives relating to the Constitution, such as
democratic theory, theories of republican government, pluralism, and elitism.
Day of
Week
Wednesday
Date / Topic
Outline of Activities
Sep. 7, 2011
Homework:
q Read Chapter 1: Introducing Gov’t in America (pp. 1-14)
Sep. 8-9, 2011
Entry Task:
q Purposes of Government – 15 pts
Lecture:
q Course Expectations (handout)
q Benefits of Taking the AP Test (handout)
q How to Take a Standardized Test (handout)
q How to Write a Government Essay (handout)
q
“Current Event” Essays (handout)
Homework:
q Read Chapter 1: Introducing Gov’t in America (pp. 14-25)
Lecture:
q Chapter 1 Government & Politics (pp. 1-10)
q Expectations for Current Event #1 (handout)
Homework:
q Read Chapter 1: Introducing Gov’t in America (14-25)
q Notebook: “Current Event” #1 – 25 pts
Entry Task:
q Share “Current Event” #1 – 10 pts (participation)
Assignment:
q M/C QUIZ: Government & Politics – 25 pts
Lecture:
q Chapter 1 Policymaking System (pp. 10-14)
Activity:
q Policymaking and the Institutions: Part I and II (handout)
Homework:
q Notebook: Clipping #2 – 25 pts
Pre-Read
Thurs/Fri
Unit 1 Lesson 1
Constitutional
Underpinnings
Mon/Tue
Unit 1 Lesson 2
Constitutional
Underpinnings
Wed/Thurs
Unit 1 Lesson 3
Constitutional
Underpinnings
The State
Chapter 1
Sep. 12-13, 2011
Government & Politics
Chapter 1
Sep. 14-15, 2011
Policymaking System
Chapter 1
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AP Government
Unit 1 Schedule
Page 2 of 7
Day of
Week
Fri/Mon
Unit 1 Lesson 4
Date / Topic
Sep. 16-19, 2011
Concepts of Democracy
Chapter 1
Constitutional
Underpinnings
Tue/Wed
Sep. 20-21, 2011
Unit 1 Lesson 5
Assessment
Constitutional
Underpinnings
Chapter 1
Tue/Wed
Unit 1 Lesson 5
Constitutional
Underpinnings
Thurs/Fri
Sep. 20-21, 2011
Philosophers
Influencing the
Founding Fathers
Sep. 22-23, 2011
Time for a Revolution
Constitutional
Underpinnings
Chapter 2
Sep. 26-27, 2011
Unit 1 Lesson 7
Articles of
Confederation
Constitutional
Underpinnings
Chapter 2
Wed/Thurs
Unit 1 Lesson 8
Constitutional
Underpinnings
Entry Task:
q Share Clipping #2 – 10 pts (participation)
Activity:
q Policymaking and the Institutions: Part III and IV (handout)
Assignment:
q M/C QUIZ: Policymaking System – 25 pts
Lecture:
q Chapter 1 Democracy (pp. 14-25)
Activity:
q Review for Chapter 1 (if time permits)
Homework:
q Study for Chapter 1 Quiz!
q Bring textbook to class.
q Complete Chapter 1 Vocab & Study Questions – 100 pts
Entry Task:
q TW TEST: Chapter 1 – 30 pts
q M/C TEST: Chapter 1 Key Concepts & Terms – 30 pts
More Continued Under Chapter 2 (below)
Entry Task:
q PQT – Read Chapter 2 (pp. 26-27)
Lecture:
q Philosophers (Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, Hume, Rousseau)
Homework:
q Read Chapter 2: Origins of the Const/Failed Gov’t (pp. 26-36)
Chapter 2
Unit 1 Lesson 6
Mon/Tue
Outline of Activities
Sep 28-29, 2011
Federalist Papers
And
The Madisonian Model
Chapter 2
Activity:
q
Rebels without a Cause
Lecture:
q Chapter 2 Time for a Revolution (pp. 28-36)
Homework:
q Read Chapter 2: Makings of a Constitution (36-47)
Lecture:
q Chapter 2 Articles of Confederation (pp. 36-39)
Homework:
q Read Assigned Federalist (#10, 51, or 78)
q Answer Questions in Preparation for Jigsaw – 25 pts
Activity:
q
q
Jigsaw: The Federalist 10, 51, and 78
Debrief on the importance of Federalist Papers
Lecture:
q Ch 2 Federalist Papers & Madisonian Model (pp. 44-47)
Homework:
q Be prepared for a QUIZ J
q Read Chapter 2: Ratifying the Constitution (48-63)
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AP Government
Unit 1 Schedule
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Day of
Week
Fri/Mon
Unit 1 Lesson 9
Constitutional
Underpinnings
Tues/Wed
Date / Topic
Sep. 30-Oct 3, 2011 Entry Task:
q
Understanding
the Constitution
Chapter 2
Oct. 4-5, 2011
Making a Constitution
Constitutional
Underpinnings
Chapter 2
Unit 1 Lesson 11
Constitutional
Underpinnings
Tue/Wed
Oct 6-7, 2011
Constitutional Changes
Chapter 2
Oct. 11-12, 2011
Unit 1 Lesson 12
The Constitution
Constitutional
Underpinnings
Chapter 2
Thurs/Fri
Unit 1 Lesson 13
Oct. 13-14, 2011
Defining Federalism
Chapter 3
Constitutional
Underpinnings
Mon/Tue
Unit 1 Lesson 14
Constitutional
Underpinnings
Oct 17-18, 2011
Constitutional Basis
Of Federalism
Chapter 3
M/C QUIZ: The Constitution (pp 1-39) – 25 pts
Lecture:
q
q
Unit 1 Lesson 10
Thurs/Fri
Outline of Activities
Chapter 2 Principles of the Constitution
Constitution Guide (handout)
Activity:
q Consult the Constitution – 100 pts
Homework:
q Complete Consult the Constitution
Lecture:
q Chapter 2 Making a Constitution (pp. 36-44)
Activity:
q Marbury and Judicial Review (handout)
q Marbury v. Madison (handout)
q Distribution of Powers (handout)
Homework:
q Notebook: Clipping #3 – 25 pts
Entry Task:
q Share Clipping #3 – 10 pts (participation)
Lecture:
q Chapter 2 Constitutional Changes (pp. 51-63)
Activity:
q Prioritizing the Bill of Rights – 10 pts
Homework:
q Study for Chapter 2 Quiz!
q Complete Chapter 2 Vocab & Study Questions – 100 pts
Entry Task:
q TW TEST: Chapter 2 – 30 pts
q M/C TEST: Chapter 2 Key Concepts & Terms – 30 pts
Assignment:
q Citizen Test (handout)
Entry Task:
q US v. Lopez
Lecture:
q Chapter 3 Federalism pp. 64-69
Homework:
q Notebook: Clipping #4 - 25 pts
q Read Chapter 3: Federalism (pp. 64-76)
Entry Task:
q Share Clipping #4 - 10 pts (participation)
Assignment:
q M/C QUIZ: Federalism – 25 pts
Lecture:
q Chapter 3 National Supremacy pp. 69-76
Homework:
q Read Chapter 3: Federalism (pp. 76-93)
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AP Government
Unit 1 Schedule
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Day of
Week
Date / Topic
Wed/Thurs
Oct. 19-20, 2011
Unit 1 Lesson 15
Constitutional
Underpinnings
Friday
Mon/Tues
Intergovernmental
Relations Today
Chapter 3
Outline of Activities
Entry Task:
q M/C QUIZ: Powers & State Obligations – 25 pts
Lecture:
q Chapter 3 Modern Federalism pp. 76-93
o
o
Analyzing Charts: Education Spending
Analyzing Graphs: Fiscal Federalism
Homework:
q Study for UNIT 1 (Chapters 1-3) TEST!
q Complete Chapter 3 Vocab & Study Questions – 120 pts
October 21, 2011
Oct. 24-25, 2011
Unit 1 Lesson 16
UNIT 1
Constitutional
Underpinnings
ASSESSMENT
Reading Day – Review / Work Day
UNIT TEST (Chapters 1-3, plus supplemental readings):
q 50 Multiple Choice Questions - 60 pts
q 2 Essay Questions (50 minutes) - 60 pts
(TEST is timed! 38 minutes multiple choice / 50 minutes essay)
Homework:
q Read Chapter (pp. 172-179)
Chapter 1 Learning Objectives:
q
q
q
q
q
q
q
Define the fundamental concepts of government, politics, and public policy and explain how each is
interrelated.
Identify and explain the functions of government as outlined in the preamble to the Constitution.
Identify the six basic concepts of the policymaking system and explain how each impacts the
process.
Identify the four policymaking institutions in America.
Identify, define and explain the three contemporary theories of American democracy.
Identify and explain the five criteria essential for an ideal democracy.
Be able to identify, define, and explain the key terms and concepts identified below.
Chapter 1 Key Terms & Concepts (50 points)
Conservative
Democracy
Direct Democracy
Elite and Class Theory
Federalism
Government
Hyperpluralism Theory
Indirect Democracy
Liberal
Linkage Institution
Pluralist Theory
Policy Agenda
Policy Gridlock
Policy Impact
Policymaking Institutions
Political Ideology
Political Issue
Political Participation
Politics
Public Policy
Representative Democracy
Single-Issue Groups
Social Contract Theory
Sovereignty
10th Amendment
Chapter One (pp. 1-25) “Introducing Governments in America” (106 points)
1.
Identify, define, and explain the key terms and concepts identified above. (50 points)
2.
Explain the concept of a “State” and the characteristics thereof. (6 points)
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AP Government
Unit 1 Schedule
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3.
What are the policymaking institutions and their functions at the national level? (8 points)
4.
Identify and explain the six purposes of government. (12 points)
5.
Identify the six key features that are found in a policymaking system and explain the process in
which they interact/connect. (12 points)
6.
What would change a government’s policy agenda? (2 points)
7.
Identify and define the five basic ideals of the democratic process. Refer to the notes given in class.
Do NOT use the descriptions in your textbook.(10 points)
8.
Identify the three contemporary theories of American Democracy and explain who holds the
power and how policy is made. (6 points)
Chapter 2 Learning Objectives:
q
q
q
q
q
q
q
q
Identify the philosophers that influenced the Founding Fathers and explain their ideals.
Explain the events that led to our present day Constitution beginning with the British colonies,
and including the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation.
Evaluate Federalist Papers 10, 51, and 78 and explain their impact on present day government.
Evaluate how issues of equality and economic needs were addressed by the Founding Fathers.
Describe the “Madisonian model” and explain how it is incorporated within the Constitution.
Describe the major issues between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists in the debates over
ratification of the Constitution.
Explain how constitutional changes – both formal and informal – continue to shape and alter the
Madisonian system.
Evaluate how the Constitution affects the scope of government in America.
Chapter 2 Key Terms & Concepts
Annapolis Convention
Anti-Federalists
Articles of Confederation
Baker v. Carr
Bicameral Legislature
Bill of Rights
Bills of Attainder
Checks and Balances
Confederate Government
Connecticut Compromise
Consent of the Governed
Constitution
Declaration of Independence
Electoral College
Ex Post Facto Laws
Factions
Federal Government
Federalist Papers
Federalists
Formal Amendments
Full Faith and Credit
Great Compromise
Informal Amendment
Judicial Review
Limited Government
Locke, John
Madison, James
Marbury v. Madison
Natural Rights
New Jersey Plan
Republic
Separation of Powers
Shays’ Rebellion
Suffrage
Texas v. Johnson
Three-Fifths Compromise
Unalienable Rights
Unitary Government
U.S. v. Eichman
Virginia Plan
Writ of Habeas Corpus
Chapter 2 “The Constitution” (pp. 28-63) (144 points)
1.
Identify, define, and explain the key terms and concepts identified above. (82 points)
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AP Government
Unit 1 Schedule
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2.
Explain the three components of the Declaration of Independence. (6 points)
3.
How did Locke’s philosophy impact Jefferson’s writings? (2 points)
4.
What system of government did the framers devise after winning the revolution? (2 points)
5.
Explain four powers under the Articles of Confederation. (8 points)
6.
Explain four major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. (8 points)
7.
What three “compromises” resolved the equality issue in the Constitution? (6 points)
8.
Who would determine if one could vote? (2 points)
9.
Why did the framers spend little time dealing with protecting individual rights? (2 points)
10.
Provide three examples of Checks and Balances. (6 points)
11.
How was ratification of the Constitution different from ratification of the Articles? (2 points)
12.
Who ratified the constitution? (2 points)
13.
What is the two-part process to amending the Constitution? How many amendments have been
added to the Constitution? (6 points)
14.
Explain the five ways to “informally” amend the constitution (as identified in the lecture)? (10
points)
Chapter 3 Learning Objectives:
q
q
q
q
q
q
q
q
q
q
Describe the three basic forms of governmental structures: federalism, unitary, and confederacy.
Explain why the relationship of local governments to the states is considered to be a unitary.
Identify the ways in which the Constitution determines the powers of state and national
governments.
Evaluate how contrasting interpretations of the supremacy clause and the Tenth Amendment lead
to divergent views of the scope of state and national powers.
Describe how the Supreme Court set forth the principle of implied powers in the McCulloch v.
Maryland case.
Identify and analyze the clauses in the Constitution that define the obligations that each state has
to every other state.
Describe fiscal federalism and assess the role that federal money plays in state policies.
Summarize the characteristics of categorical grants and blocks grants, and examine the effects
they have on decision-making at the state and local levels.
Discuss how underfunded and unfunded mandates burden state governments.
Analyze the ways in which American federalism has a positive and negative effect on
democracy.
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AP Government
Unit 1 Schedule
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Chapter 3 Key Terms & Concepts
Americans w/Disabilities Act
Block Grants
Brown v. Board of Education
Categorical Grants
Clean Air Act of 1970
Commerce Clause
Concurrent Power
Confederate Government
Cooperative Federalism
Decentralized Politics
Devolution
Dred Scott v. Sanford
Dual Federalism
Elastic Clause
Enumerated Powers
Extradition
Federalism
Fiscal Federalism
Formula Grants
Full Faith and Credit
Gibbons v. Ogden
Gonzales v. Oregon
Grants-In-Aid
Implied Powers
Inherent Powers
Intergovernmental Relations
Layer Cake Federalism
Mandates
Marble Cake Federalism
McCulloch v. Maryland
Necessary and Proper Clause
New Federalism
Privileges and Immunities
Project Grants
Reserved Powers
Revenue Sharing
South Dakota v. Dole
Supremacy Clause
Tenth Amendment
Universalism
Unitary Government
U.S. v. Lopez
Chapter 3 “Federalism” (pp. 64-93) (120 points)
1.
Identify, define, and explain the key terms and concepts identified above. (84 points)
2.
How is a federal system different from a unitary system and a confederate system when it comes
to defining location of power: (6 points)
Unitary
Confederate
Federal
Central Gov’t
State Gov’t
3.
In what ways does federalism decentralize politics and policies? (2 points)
4.
What major court case established implied powers? (2 points)
5.
States are not entities of themselves. Explain three obligations that they have to each other? (6
points)
6.
Cite four powers that are “reserved” for the states. (8 points)
7.
What powers are shared or “concurrent” powers between the state and national government? (2
points)
8.
Explain three policy areas where cooperative federalism has occurred? (6 points)
9.
Why has the federal government attempted to return domestic policy back to the states? (2 points)
10.
Why don’t state governments approve of unfunded mandates? (2 points)
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