ADVANCED PLACEMENT GOVERNMENT

2007 – Mr. Whitwam

      twhitwam@aptoshs.net

 

Course Description

This course, for high achieving college-bound students, analyzes the development and operation of American political institutions, focusing on the constitutional powers of the Congress, President, and Supreme Court; California state and local governments; and the dynamics of the American system of political parties. Topics include the changing balance of power between the executive and legislative branches, the expansion of the national government in the twentieth century, the changing character of the party system, and insights into current issues of American Politics. Students will prepare for the AP Exam and could receive college credit.

 

Textbooks

                Wilson, James Q. American Government: Institutions and Policies. 8th ed. (Lexington, Mass: D.C. Heath and Co., 1992).

                Woll, Peter, ed. American Government: Readings and Cases. 10th ed. (Glenview, IL: Scott Foresman/Harper Collins, 1990).

 

Course Requirements

1.        Homework

a.        Written homework will be assigned with every reading assignment and will be turned in as a packet with your test

b.       Homework stamp.  The homework stamp indicates that you have your homework completed and that you are in class, ready to learn on the day homework is due. The stamp usually counts for 30% of your homework grade.

 

      2.     MAKE-UP:  If you miss class or miss getting an assignment done on time for any reason, you can     

       make-up homework any time before the day you take the test. This liberal policy is both good and bad    

       for you – you can make-up all homework for credit; you also have no excuse for not getting it done.   

       Make-up work normally is not stamped.  If you want an “A” for homework, be in class and get the

       stamp.

 

      3.     AP ESSAYS: Written critical thinking essay will be assigned frequently.  Some will be timed to        

help you prepare for the AP exam.

 

4.         TESTS: Like the AP exam, my chapter tests are a combination of multiple choice and essay.  If     you miss a test I will offer a make-up by individual appointment.  Retakes are not offered for make up tests.  Re-Looks, or grab-backs will be offered to earn back ½ a point for each question missed.  However, you will need to do this on your own time within one week of the exam or no points will be awarded.  Also, there will be NO curves on tests.  I am available most days after school for individual help.

 

GRADING:

1.        I use percentages (not a point system) so you will always know exactly how you are doing in the course. Grades are NOT rounded up, so a 79.9% is a really good “C+”. If you want the higher grade, do some extra credit rather than begging or blaming the teacher for the grade you earn.  Your semester grade will be calculated as follows:

40%        Chapter Tests

10%        Quizzes

10%        Homework packets and class work

10%        Political essays

10%        Projects

20%        Final Exam

2.        GRADING SCALE:

93-100% = A           83-86% = B            73-76 = C                63-66% = D

90-92 = A-               80-82% = B-           70-72% = C-           60-63% = D-

87-89% = B+           77-79% = C+          67-69% = D+         00-59% = F

 

3.        EXTRA CREDIT:  Don’t ask for any.

 

         CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT

1.        RULES: I have only two rules: (1) sit in your assigned seat; (2) be courteous (this means no talking)

2.        TESTING: As a courtesy to others taking a test, no talking is allowed until I announce that the test is officially over.  Students who violate the courtesy rule during a test will lose all extra credit points earned for the chapter. Subsequent infractions result in a loss of half a letter grade on your test.

 

COURSE OUTLINE AND READING ASSIGNMENTS

 

Topic                                                                                                                                      Reading Assignment

 

I.                     THE AMERICAN SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT

A.      The Study of American Government                             Wilson Ch1

B.       American Political Culture                                               Wilson Ch 4

C.       The Constitution Framework                                           Wilson Ch 2, Woll 4,5

D.      Federalism                                                                          Wilson Ch 3, Woll 10

 

II.                   THE POLITICAL PROCESS

A.      Public Opinion                                                                   Wilson Ch 5

B.       Political Participation                                                        Wilson Ch 6

C.       Interest Groups                                                                  Wilson Ch 9, Woll 33,34

D.      Political Parties                                                                  Wilson Ch 7, Woll 23,24

E.       Elections and Campaigns                                                 Wilson Ch 8, Woll 26,28

F.       The Media                                                                          Wilson Ch 10, Woll 36,37,44

III.                 INSTITUTIONS OF GOVERNMENT

A.      The Congress                                                                    Wilson Ch 11, Woll 51,54,56,57

B.       The Presidency                                                                  Wilson Ch 12, Woll 45,29,30

C.       The Bureaucracy                                                               Wilson Ch13, Woll 45,29,30

D.      The Judiciary                                                                     Wilson Ch 14, Woll 64,65,66

IV.                CIVIAL LIBERTIES AND CIVIL RIGHTS

A.       Civil Liberties                                                                     Wilson Ch 18, Woll 12,17,18,19

B.       Civil Rights                                                                         Wilson Ch 19, Woll 20,21

 

AP EXAM:

The exam is set for May 7th  in the morning.