Executive/ Judicial Test

1.  List 3 duties of the President

2.  List the formal qualifications for President

3.  Describe the process of becoming a Cabinet member.

4.  Describe the electoral college (how is it possible to lose the popular vote but become president?)

5.  Analyze the usefulness of the college by discussing (2) arguments on each side of the debate we had in class.

6.  Define jurisdiction

7.  Explain what is meant by "supreme" in the supreme court?

8.  Who is the chief justice?

9.  List (2) ways cases reach the supreme court?

10.  Explain the (3) types of opinions that justices can hand down.

Executive / Judicial Branch Quiz

Know the following:

Formal/ informal qualifications for President
Duties of President
     C in C, Appointments, State of the Union, execute laws passed by Congress, etc.
Electoral College
     how it works, pros and cons
Cabinet
     5 cabinets, duties, how secretaries get there
Judicial Branch
     Who are the justices?, 12-1 worksheet, jurisdiction

12-1 worksheet

Go to the following: http://www.supremecourt.gov

Cabinet

Go to the following website:" Cabinet

List the 15 Cabinet positions and briefly (1-2 sentences) explain what each is responsible for.

Give the names of (5) Cabinet members of your choosing

Explain the process of becoming a cabinet member.  Why has becoming a cabinet member recently become easier?

Why is the order of succession arranged as it is?  Should it be changed (Are certain positions more qualified to be president?

What is meant by the "Kitchen Cabinet"?

Presidential Job Applications (filling them out)

You need your presidential job applications for class on Monday.  You will be filling out your application as if you were the presidential candidate himself (the one you choose before break). Go to the following website and select on your president.  LINK to POTUS

Include any interesting facts about yourself

Be prepared to share on Tuesday

Test Friday on Congress

Review your notes from chapters 5-7 including:
vocabulary terms
Purpose of committees
Expressed and Implied powers of Congress
Entitlements and "Uncontrollables"
What are uncontrollables... how can they be controlled?

Friday November 8th

Congress continued...

Discuss as a class the various types of taxes (income, sales, property)

Read chapter 7 section 2 and take notes
define:
Ways and Means Committee
closed rule
appropriations
authorization bill
entitlements

What are the entitlement programs?  Why are they called entitlements?  should they remain the same, change, or be eliminated?

Chapter 3 sec 1 notes (Articles quiz Wednesday)

Read and take notes on cup 3 sec 1.  Be sure to include the following terms/concepts

Preamble
Federalism
Supremacy clause
Articles (1-7)
Amendments (1-10 for friday)
Veto (override)
Judicial review
Marbury v. Madison
Separation of powers
Checks and balances (example for each branch over the other 2)

Interpreting Bias

Read pg 59 and complete questions 1-3

Find an editorial discussing the current government shutdown and/or sequester.  Complete the Application Activity on the bottom of pg 59.

1. write a paragraph identifying the bias
2. write a paragraph discussing your personal thoughts on factions (political parties)
3. write a paragraph outlying your solution to the current "gridlock"
     *Try to include Madison's no. 10

Friday 10/4

Current events for the first 15 minutes then share and discuss as a class

With the remaining time take notes on section 4 of chapter 2. (should be a review of yesterdays video)

No Homework!

Chapter 1 test on Friday 9/27

We will review on Thursday.  You are responsible for all the information in chapter 1(including fiscal, monetary policy on pages 567-570.

Outline section 4 of chapter 1

This will not be a traditional outline
Begin by defining the following terms:
1. Economics
2. capitalism
3. Free-market
4. Adam Smith
5. Laissez-faire
6. Mixed-market economy
7. socialism
8. Karl Marx / communist manifesto
9. Bourgeoisie / Proletariat
10. communism
11. command economy

Next: Create a chart to help organize the 3 main economic systems
In the left column write the following:

What and how much should be produced?

How goods and services should be produced

Who gets the goods and services?

Next: create 3 columns where you normally take notes.  Label these capitalism, socialism, and communism.

Outline Section 3 of Chapter 1

Guiding Questions:

1. Which is the most important characteristic of democracy?

2. Why is democracy not possible without a strong civil society?

Choose a civil society group (red cross, NRA, humane society, church group, etc.)
     (5 pts) Write a paragraph explaining what the group does, how it educates the public, how many
                members, any legislation it has helped to pass.

Guest speaker on Thursday

Our guest speaker will be speaking on Gideon v Wainwright.

Notes

You should have notes for sections 1 & the first part of 2 of chapter 1.  You also need to define fiscal and monetary policy along with the federal reserve on pages 567-570.

Guiding questions for sections 1 and 2.

What are the purposes of government?
     *What policies make our lives better / worse

Why are federal systems better for countries with diverse populations?

What conditions are necessary for democracy to exist?

Political parties

Where do you fit in?

Take the quiz

Quiz #1
Quiz #2

Campaign Finance

Watch the following frontline video: "Big Sky, Big Money"

Take notes for an in class discussion

How has campaign finance changed?
How have the changes affected Montana"s elections?

Chapter 11-12 TEST (Tuesday)

We will review for the test on Friday.  You will need to define all the terms on the study guide as well as review the Brown v. Board case.

Mock Trial

Here is a link to the story on-line. Make the necessary adaptations since the stories don't match perfectly...we'll sync them in class. Reading of Pigs Version

Wolf's version

Build a case for both sides

Create a witness list for both sides

Decide what evidence you will need to gather

What are the charges?

What is the Defense?

Will there be a plea?

Supreme Court at Work 12-1 Worksheet (in class)

Wednesday you received a worksheet in class on the supreme court.  Complete for Thursday.

Due process (14th Amendment)

Go to the following website BROWN CASE
Answer the following questions:

How does the Brown case demonstrate the power of the 14th amendment?
What was Chief Justice Warren's basis for his decision?

Judiciary (TEST on TUESDAY 5/28)

We're going to spend a few days discussing the judiciary.

Why are the courts important?
How do the courts work?
What are some important cases in US history?

Why are federal courts necessary?
Why are precedents important?
How does Due Process extend the power of the national government (constitution)?
How do the Plessy and Brown cases demonstrate the courts changing nature?

You will be responsible for the answering the questions above as well specific vocabulary. The following is the list of vocab you will be responsible for ... I may continue to add to the list so keep checking.

11 -1

John Marshall
jurisdiction
     concurrent
     original
     appellate
     Precedent
     litigants
     Marbury v madison
     Judicial Review
     Gibbons v Ogden
     Due Process
     Brown v. Board of ed.

11-2

Grand Jury

Indictment

District (94) vs Circuit courts (12)

Senatorial Courtesy

12-1

You are responsible for anything on the 12-1 worksheet handed back in class

Supreme Court schedule
How most cases reach the court? (on appeals)
Number of cases that reach the court (appealed and heard)
Writ of Certiorari
Appeal
Solicitor general
How a case is selected
Brief
Amicus Curiae
Oral Arguments
conference
Opinions (know the types; concurring, majority, dissenting)

You also need to know the steps in the trial process (from our class mock trial)

Quiz: American Government

Matching (1 point):

a. constituents, b. caucus, c. filibuster, d. majority leader, e. census

1.) The leader of the party in congress with the most congressional seats.
2.) A group of Congressman and Senators from a specific political party.
3.) The voters within a public servant's district.
4.) A tally of the total number of persons living in the United states that is done every ten years.
5.) A legislative tool used to stall debate and kill legislation. Traditionally it involved talking and standing until you no longer could.

a. gerrymandering, b. censure, c. incumbent, d. President Pro-tempore, e. bicameral legislature

6.) A politician who has previously won an election and is running for re-election.
7.) A governing body that makes laws and is divided into two separate, yet powerful, parts.
8.) Redistricting or redrawing congressional district borders for political gain.
9.) The majority leader of the Senate.
10.) When Congress decides to discipline one of its members for ethical or legal reasons.

Short Answer:

11.) What is the fiscal cliff? Why was it created? How does the fiscal cliff represent congressional gridlock? (6 points)
12.) How effective is congress? Give an argument for and against its effectiveness. (4 points)

American Government: Study guide for quiz on Thursday

Be able to identify each term, apply each term appropriately, and answer each question for the quiz tomorrow.

1.) Constituents, caucus, Whips, majority leader, bill, Speaker of the House, President Pro-tempore, filibuster, committee, Congressman, Senator, bicameral legislature, census, redistricting, gerrymandering, censure, incumbent.

2.) How often do members of Congress get re-elected to their seats? Why?

3.) What is the fiscal cliff? Why was it created? How does the fiscal cliff represent congressional gridlock?

4.) What is a budget? How does the United States produce a budget?

5.) Is funding a bill and passing a bill done at the same time? Why or why not?

6.) What paradox exists in Congressional (as a whole) approval ratings and individual congressman's approval ratings?

7.) What are the qualifications for Congressman and Senators to hold office?

8.) How effective is Congress? Give examples of an argument for and against the effectiveness of Congress.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4aoR8zXZab7RFhZN2Fqd3N2THc/edit?usp=sharing

American Government: Congress and budgets

Today you will be balancing the local budget for Bend much the same way that you did for the federal budget yesterday. You may work with a partner to complete you budget. Each person/group of two (Yes, two is the cutoff) should e-mail me a copy of their budget proposal that they can copy and paste into a word document. I would also like you to answer the following questions in a few short paragraphs:

What cuts did you make? Why?

What positive and negative affect do you think those cuts will have? Why?

What revenues did you increase? Why?

What positive and negative affect do you think those revenues will have? Why

Take a look at the "Needs" section and read the justifications and stipulations for each category. Are there any other needs that you can come up with that for the city of Bend, or additions you would like to see?

Budgets "Power of the Purse"

You will be attempting to balance the national and local budgets.

Use the following websites during this project:

Federal Budget Link

Local Budget Link

American Government: Test review

TEST ON TUESDAY!!!

What is the main purpose of the executive branch?

What is the difference between formal and informal presidential powers? Give several examples of each.

Who decides who gets to be president if the electoral college ties?

What is impeachment? Who conducts the impeachment? Which branches of government does this affect? How?

What is the executive office of the president? Is the cabinet part of the executive office of the president?

Who succeeds the president and vice president should they both die or be incapacitated?

What are all of the roles of the president? What do those roles mean?

What are the duties of the vice president?

How does the electoral college system work? How do we determine how many electoral votes a state gets? What are some major issues with the electoral college?

What is the "fourth branch" of government? Why is it called that?

Be able to identify and describe the Press Secretary, Department of Defense, State Department, Attorney General, and Chief of Staff in the executive branch.

What is the Federal Reserve? What is its function?

What are the arguments in support of broad presidential power? Arguments against?

How has presidential power expanded since the beginning of the country? List several examples.

What checks and balances does the executive branch have on other branches of government?

What checks and balances do the other branches have on the executive?

American Government: Inside Job

What are the areas where regulation breaks down?

Why does regulation break down?

Who are the main power players?

What were the banks doing?

What was the Fed doing?

How does implementation of law and creation of law differ in terms of goals and effectiveness?

American Government: Executive Branch

Executive Branch Assignment 1:

This will be due tomorrow at the beginning of class, so get it done in class, and you won't have homework.

All answers will be found in chapters 9 and 10.

Take out your books and......

1.) Define formal and informal powers of the President

2.) Make a list of five formal and informal powers examples


Then find what the Cabinet is and make a list of the ten major departments and what they do.

What is the federal reserve?

What department does the federal reserve fall under?

What does the federal reserve do?

What are some increased responsibilities of the president? List five.

What can the president do that serves as an example of expanding presidential power? Give at least two examples.

What is presidential isolation? Why does it happen?

What are the dangers of presidential isolation?

What are regulatory commissions? What are their purposes? What are some problems with regulatory commissions?

What is the "revolving door?"

Why is the "revolving door" a problem?

American Government: Quiz on the presidency

I have deleted the quiz from the blog. When you are ready to take it (in case you weren't here Friday) you may ask me for it.

American Government: Post Spring Break Day 1

Here is the link to the powerpoint for studying purposes. Remember, for the quiz tomorrow, you will only be responsible for what we have covered so far. Here is the link:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4aoR8zXZab7RFlzS2R3QkExQnM/edit?usp=sharing

And if it doesn't work please let me know via e-mail: davidzahn1987@gmail.com

American Government: Day 29

Here is the review for the quiz on Thursday. Remember that your Bill of Rights projects are due on tomorrow as well. You should use both the Powerpoint and the textbook to answer these questions. There is a summary section on the end of the Powerpoint as well, FYI.

Review:

Define: Federalism, Unitary government, Confederation, Supremacy Clause, 10th Amendment, Implied powers, Enumerated powers, Inherited powers, Devolution

Questions:

1.) How did the Civil war help establish the federal or national government's supremacy?

2.) Why was Brown v Board of education so important? What did it represent?

3.) What are states' obligations to each other? Be able to apply what you learned to specific situations/simulations. We should go over some in class.

4.) What are the different types of federalism? How do they work?

5.) Which is larger, the federal or state government? Explain.

American Government: Day 28

Opener:

Get out a sheet of paper or notes and define federalism. What are two benefits of a federal system?



Here is the powerpoint to study for your quiz on Thursday:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4aoR8zXZab7VVR0VXQ2VVJvRHM/edit?usp=sharing

Directions for gaining access to google docs and presentations:

The link should be open to all of the public. I apologize if you weren't able to access it immediately after class. The link was set to private, and it no longer is.

In case you want to create a google account:

If you do not have a google account, create one. Google is an incredible resource and you need to have an account to access certain Powerpoints and class google docs that we will all share through the blog. Once you create an account, log into the account and then make sure that your name or e-mail shows up in the top righthand corner of the google web page. This account log-in works for all google functions, including Blogger and Google Drive. Once you are logged in, click on the link and it should work. If there are issues, e-mail me and I will try to e-mail the presentation to you.

Again, the Bill of Rights projects are due Thursday as well. If you have any questions you may e-mail me at davidzahn1987@gmail.com. You may also e-mail me your papers if you would like.

Good Luck!

American Government: Day 25

We are going to start on the Constitution project that will serve as your assessment for Chapter 3. This assignment will be due a week from today (March 21st) and will be graded as follows:

-Length:

At least 4 pages

-Structure:

Typed, double spaced 12 point font with 1 inch margins (I will check)

-Punctuation and spelling:

It needs to be proofread and have no grammatical errors. Punctuation and spelling count so take some time to do a rough draft and revise your work.

-Things to include:

1.) Preamble (At least half a page), 2.) your Bill of Rights (At least a page to a page and a half), and 3.) a conclusion where you justify each right that is included, and which rights your chose to leave out from the original Bill of Rights (at least a page to two pages). Your justification should be well thought out and should support why you chose to include it in your Bill of rights and how you think it will affect/change things today.

For today:

What I would like you to do first is to go through section 4 of Chapter 3 and make a list of the rights you like the most. Then make a list of rights that aren't included (such as the right to privacy or the right to an education)

Then I would like you to make a list of the goals and values you want your bill of rights to have. They need to be general enough to encompass your whole Bill of Rights. Think about how the founders phrased their preamble. Such as "provide for the General Welfare"

Then, once you have done those steps, start on the first draft of your Preamble.

American Government: Day 22

Read sections 3 and 4 of Chapter 3 and answer the review questions at the end of each section. This will be checked for a grade on Wednesday. Also, be prepared to start your project on creating your own Bill of Rights by Tuesday. You may want to start thinking about:

- How the framers structured their ideas

-Which freedoms and liberties you would put first and why

- A justification for each change made. It doesn't have to be more than a paragraph

-Which freedoms to include

- A list of grievances (issues with the current government) and goals for your preamble

American Government: Day 21

First we will discuss federalism and some issues that have arisen over the years. Then we will get into the Branches of government and their specific roles and powers.

Opener:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrYl76Yx6BY&edufilter=6ZTXQkm2XQimUMKt1E0_Hg

Was Chaplin only talking about Nazi Germany?

Does this speech still apply to today? How so?

Agenda:

Congress:

What are the enumerated powers of Congress?

Where are these found?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powers_of_congress

What does it mean to regulate commerce?

Executive:

Who declares war, Congress or the President?

What are the specified powers of the Executive branch?

How has the presidency changed over time?

http://www.cliffsnotes.com/study_guide/The-Powers-of-the-President.topicArticleId-65383,articleId-65453.html

Judicial:

What is judicial review?

What is Jurisdiction?

What is the jurisdiction of the federal courts?

How did the Supreme Court establish its authority?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_the_United_States

American Government: Day 20

Today we will open with continuing our conversation about money in politics and explore opensecrets.org a bit more. Then you will read sections 1 and 2 of chapter 3 and complete questions 1-5 on pg. 67 and 1-7 on pg. 75. This will be your second text assignment and is due on Wednesday. You have the rest of the period to work on this.

http://www.opensecrets.org/

http://www.pollingreport.com/

American Government: Day 19

Get out a separate sheet of paper. You may not use your notes. You have 10 minutes to study before the quiz.







Quiz: Chapter 2

Matching:

A.) English Bill of Rights, B.) Magna Carta, C.) Representative Government, D.) Separation of powers, E.) Stamp Act

1.) _____ First document to limit the powers of government, specifically the powers of the king.

2.) _____ Set clear limits on what a ruler could and could not do. Applied to both England and the American colonies.

3.) _____ The principle of sharing government authority to provide a system of checks and balances.

4.) _____ A tax on legal documents, pamphlets, newspapers and other goods.

5.) _____ Government in which people elect delegates to make laws and conduct government.

Matching Continued:

A.) Intolerable Acts, B.) Embargo, C.) Lexington and Concord, D.) Anarchy, E.) Extralegal

6.) _____ An agreement prohibiting trade.

7.) _____ The absence of any form of government.

8.) _____ Retaliatory measures taken by Great Britain after the embargo was instituted by the colonies.

9.) _____ Not sanctioned by law.

10.) _____ First battle of the Revolutionary War ("Shot heard round the world.")

Multiple Choice:

11.) Shays rebellion

a.) Was the first successful battle against the British, b.) Helped stabilize America during the Articles of Confederation, c.) Was not very well known, d.) Solidified the need for a strong centralized government

12.) The 3/5ths Compromise

a.) Established African Americans as persons with full legal rights, b.) Established African Americans as counting for 3/5ths of a person, c.) Made 3/5ths of the states more powerful than the others, d.) Meant 3/5ths of the states ratified the constitution

13.) What are 3 weaknesses and achievements of the Articles of Confederation?

14.) What is one of the three parts of the Declaration of Independence?

American Government: Day 18

Today will be a review day and a day to get missing work checked and turned in. Progress reports are due on Tuesday and many of you have not taken the test or are missing journals or other assignments. First we will take a better look at the compromises that led to the Constitution in its current albeit amended form. I will not be collecting the reviews this time, however, if I see that people are not doing their work, I reserve the right to change my mind.

Agenda:

1.) Discuss the final compromises of the Constitutional Convention

2.) Assign study guide

3.) Deal with late or missing work

Review:

Define these terms and answer the questions to the best of your ability:

Magna Carta

Limited Government

English Bill of Rights

Representative Government

Separation of Powers

Stamp Act

Intolerable Acts

Embargo

What did the delegates agree to during the First Continental Congress?

Lexington and Concord

What was the purpose of the Second Continental Congress?

What are the three parts of the Declaration of Independence?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Why was Shay's rebellion important?

Connecticut Compromise

Three-Fifths Compromise

Federalists Vs Anti-federalists

Extralegal

Anarchy

American Government: Day 16

Wait to turn in your Journals. I will have you do the fourth journal at the end of the period.

Agenda:

Current event and discussion

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/26/us/in-gun-trusts-a-legal-loophole-for-restricted-firearms.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Founders video clip

Read about the different plans and the federalist and anti federalist fight

How many plans were there for the government?

Did the people or the legislature elect the president?

Why did the 3/5ths compromise exist? Who wanted it to happen?

Journal # 4:

What were the goals or arguments of the federalists? What were the goals or arguments of the Anti-federalists?

American Government: Day 15

Journal assignment three:

Do you think America would be better or worse off without a strong centralized government? Why or why not?

Just for those who missed class or needed the other journal entries:

Journal Assignment One:

The idea of limited government, first established by the Magna Carta, is an important principle of American Government. Why must government be limited? Can you think of ways our government violates its limitations? Explain...

Journal assignment two: Why were Jefferson's ideas from the Declaration supportive of separation from England?

American Government: Day 14

Agenda:

Read section 2 of Chapter 1 (15 minutes)

Get into groups of 4 or 5

Roles
1's: Facilitator
2's: Note Taker
3's: Presenters
4's: Timekeeper

(You may swap roles if you like)

Imagine you are a committee of loyalists, or person loyal to the British royal family during the revolution, and make a list of recommendations to King George III in order to placate the colonists.

First make a timeline of the major events as they unfolded that led up to independence.

Questions to think about:

Why are the colonists angry? What were the actions of the British Monarchy during this period? What did the colonists do in return? How might King George keep America in the British empire?

Presenter will present the list of recommendations to the class

Turn in your notes with all the groups' names and roles on them

Journal question: Why were Jefferson's ideas from the Declaration supportive of separation from England?

American Government: Day 13

The beginning of our democracy is important because it is inextricably connected to how America is today, the freedoms and protections we all enjoy, and the structure of our government. Today we will talk about the origins of our democracy in order to get a better feel for the setting of the Constitutional conventions.

Take out some sheets of paper and your books.

Questions for notes:

1.) What is the Magna Carta? Why was it important?

2.) What ideas from the Petition of Right did the US adopt in the Constitution?

3.) Why was the English Bill of Rights important?

4.) What is representative government?

5.) What new ideas did Locke, Voltaire, and Rousseau write about?

6.) Who could vote in the original 13 colonies before the revolution?

7.) What was the Mayflower Compact? Why were the Great Fundamentals important?

8.) What did the Fundamental Orders of connecticut do for the people of that colony?

9.) What is separation of powers and how were powers separated during the colonial period?

-Explain the Journals

Journal Assignment One:

The idea of limited government, first established by the Magna Carta, is an important principle of American Government. Why must government be limited? Can you think of ways our government violates its limitations? Explain...

American Government: Day 12

Current event:

1.) Pick an article that pertains to United States Government.

2.) Summarize the article in a paragraph

3.) Analyze the article by explaining how it might affect you. How might it affect the United states and US government? Why is this article significant?

4.) Due Friday.

Announcement: Test Tuesday

Covering: Sections 1-4 of Chapter 1

Have study guide done for me too check from blog post on Day 10.

If you need to get a hold of me for whatever reason (questions, extensions, emergencies, etc.) my e-mail is davidzahn1987@gmail.com

American Government: Day 10

Today we will review for the test. Below is a list of terms and ideas that you will need to know and understand by Tuesday for the test on the first chapter. You may not use notes on the test. I will be having you turn in your notes on the day of the test for a grade, so get it done.

For your notes you should attempt to define and describe each term/idea. You may also want to provide examples of each. That will help you on the test.

Section 1:

State

Nation

Nation-state

Consensus

Sovereignty

Government

Social Contract

What are the 4 main purposes of government

Section 2:

Unitary system

Federal system

Confederacy

Constitution

Constitutional Government (Limits power of federal government)

Preamble

Constitutional law

Politics

Industrialized nations

Developing nations

What is the meaning of economic interdependence and how does it work?

Section 3:

Autocracy with example

Oligarchy with example

Democracy with example

Republic with example

Main political parties

What does it mean to live in a civil society?

Section 4:

What is the role of economics? (3 parts)

Define Capitalism (5 parts)

Free market

Mixed market economy

Laissez-faire

Socialism (3 parts)

Communism

What is the difference between socialism and communism?

What is the difference between pure capitalism (libertarianism) and mixed market capitalism?

American Government: Day 9

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3u4EFTwprM&edufilter=6ZTXQkm2XQimUMKt1E0_Hg

Read from the book. Discuss these questions:

What is an economic system and what do they do?

What is a capitalist system?

What is a "free market"?

What is a mixed market economy?

What is Socialism?

What does Karl Marx say about the way goods should be organized in society?

What is the difference between Communism and Socialism?

American Government: Day 8

State of the Union:
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50140940n

While watching:

1.) List key words

2.) Tally how often he uses key words

3.) What are the themes of the speech?

4.) List 5 or 6 different new proposals

5.) Turn it in before you leave.

American Government: Day 7

Today we will discuss our duty in a civil democracy and why citizens have certain duties to their country. We will then delve into different economic theories and attempt to break them down into meaningful and understandable parts.

1. Civil Society:

What constitutes a civil society? What specific groups and organizations are involved in this?

Do we have free elections?

What is the media's role in our society?

How do the concepts of majority rule and individual rights create friction in our system?

Do we have a "social consensus," or general agreement on main societal principles in this country? If not, have we ever had it?

2. Economic Theories:

What is economics?

-The branch of knowledge concerned with the production, consumption, and transfer of wealth.

Why are economics important, especially today?

Do all economists agree, even within the same economic school?

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/business/jan-june11/insidejob_05-04.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlIoeTObmEk&edufilter=6ZTXQkm2XQimUMKt1E0_Hg

What is laissez-faire economics?

-I will put you into 5 groups

-Each group will be assigned an economic theory:

1= Pure Capitalist (Libertarianism)
2= Mixed Market
3= Command and Control (Fascist)
4= Socialist (or democratic socialist)
5= Communist

Task: (cell phones aloud for research purposes)

1.) Get large piece of butcher paper
2.) Define the economic theory
3.) Explain it's basic function
4.) Explain how it's different from others like it (ex: difference between socialism and democratic socialism or pure capitalism vs mixed market economy)
5.) Give several examples in history of each
6.) Give examples of issues within each system (think critically)
7.) Take notes on the findings of others
8.) Present your findings to the class

American Government: Day 6

Quiz:

Matching:

Vocab: A. Government, B. Nation-state, C. State, D. Consensus, E. Sovereignty, F. Nation

1.) A political community that occupies a definite territory with the power to make and enforce laws without the approval of any higher authority. _________

2.) A group of people united by the common bonds of race, language, custom, tradition, and/ or religion. ________

3.) Country in which the territory of the nation and the state coincide. ________

4.) The institution through which the state maintains social order, provides public services and enforces decisions made that apply to all citizens within the state. ________

5.) The surrender of individual rights or autonomy for some essential security. _______

6.) Supreme and absolute authority within one's territorial boundaries. ________

7.) General agreement about basic beliefs that most if not all agree upon. ________

Pick the best answer available:

8.) A system in which all key powers are give to the national or central government is a/an _____________.
a.) Unitary System   b.) Federal System  c.) Confederacy  d.) Democratic Republic

9.) A system of government where power is divided between national and regional or state governments is a _____________.
a.) Unitary System  b.) Federal System  c.) Communist Government d.) Fascist Dictatorship

10.) A confederacy is a......
a.) state with a strong central government  b.) state with no government at all
c.) loose union of independent states          d.) state with one very powerful ruler

11.) A ______________ is a plan that provides major rules for government.
a.) Declaration of Independence  b.) Constitution  c.) Playbook  d.) Treaty

12.) A constitutional government is a government whose constitution
a.) limits the power of government b.) expands the power of government
c.) both defines and limits the powers of government  c.) none of the above

13.) What is a preamble?

14.) The effort to control or influence the conduct and policies of government is called ______________

15.) What is the difference between industrialized and developing nations? Explain and give an example of each.

American Government: Day 5

http://www.ted.com/talks/kid_president_i_think_we_all_need_a_pep_talk.html

Today we will be talking about different forms of government, political parties, and what living in a "civil" society entails.

Democracy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOh4QDF_djw&edufilter=6ZTXQkm2XQimUMKt1E0_Hg

What do you think about the state of our democracy? Do you feel like we satisfy some or most of the things he talks about?

Autocracy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccsNr9UJeVY&edufilter=6ZTXQkm2XQimUMKt1E0_Hg

How is this different from when one of our leaders dies unexpectedly? Why might they have this reaction?

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-february-4-2013/the-great-gall-of-china---last-in-space

What are the characteristics of autocracy? What is the difference between an autocracy and a democracy?

Oligarchy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4Dt1y0eMo8&edufilter=6ZTXQkm2XQimUMKt1E0_Hg

1.) What do you think? Is America operating like an extremely well functioning oligarchy?

Political Parties:

http://0.tqn.com/d/politicalhumor/1/0/P/C/3/Congressional-Gridlock.jpg

What is a political cartoon?

What are the two main political parties? Are there alternatives?

Why do two parties dominate our system?

American Government: Day 4

Thank you for being so attentive. There will be a quiz on key terms from Ch. 1, Sections 1 and 2 on Monday. If you didn't get your assignment done because of absence or otherwise, finish it and turn it in tomorrow.

Here is the powerpoint from todays lecture:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1hCsOg6dRW6e-f7ItXX_eC4kVmNYuodTRrju2z2KwX48/edit?usp=sharing

Here are some interesting facts from opensecrets.org on special interests and money in politics:

http://www.opensecrets.org/pres12/index.php

American Government: Day 3

Thank you for the lively discussion yesterday. Today you will be reading Chapter 1, Section 1 and completing Assignment 1 which is posted again below. Hopefully you got a head start on it as class is short today and the assignment is due first thing tomorrow. Whatever isn't completed is homework.

Parameters:

-Read Ch. 1, Section 1 and complete assignment 1.

-You may work with 1 partner (emphasis on the 1), however everyone must turn in the assignment. That means you and your partner must each do the assignment and each turn in a piece of paper.

-No internet answers please. I would like your answers to come from the text.

-Answers should be in complete sentences.

-Try to finish by the end of class. That way, you don't have any homework.

-This is your first grade for the class, so put some effort into these answers. I know you are all very capable.

CHAPTER 1, SECTION 1

Key Terms:

-state, nation, nation-state, consensus, sovereignty, government, social contract

Essential Ideas and People:

-evolutionary theory (of government), force theory, divine rights theory, Aristotle, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke

Assignment 1 (Based on Ch. 1, Sect. 1):

1.) Define all of the key terms and give an example of each

2.) What are the essential components of a state and why is each component necessary?

3.) Compare and contrast John Locke and Thomas Hobbes's view of the social contract and government.

4.) List at least four purposes of government and give an example of each.

5.) One function of government is to issue a national currency. Before and immediately after the Mint Act of 1792, foreign currency was circulating in the original thirteen colonies. Write a paragraph explaining what problems this lack of a uniform currency might have caused. Are these problems still problems today? Justify your answer.

Those who finish early should begin reading Ch. 1, Section 2. We will discuss this on Thursday, likely through powerpoint.

American Government: Day 2

Discuss with a partner:

Is torture aloud in the United States?

Is torture effective?

Who should be held accountable for authorizing torture and rendition programs?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/05/cia-rendition-countries-covert-support

For a little more evidence and food for thought:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/29/politics/main3554687.shtml?source=RSSattr=Politics_3554687

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/11/AR2009051103412.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruel_and_unusual_punishment

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Convention_Against_Torture

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/05/us/politics/us-memo-details-views-on-killing-citizens-in-al-qaeda.html?hp&_r=0

John Adams: Liberty Will Reign 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2FAAVPX-jg&edufilter=6ZTXQkm2XQimUMKt1E0_Hg

Read Chapter 1, Section 1 on the fundamentals of government.

Chapter 1, Section 1

Key Terms:

-state, nation, nation-state, consensus, sovereignty, government, social contract

Essential Ideas and People:

-evolutionary theory (of government), force theory, divine rights theory, Aristotle, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke

Assignment 1 (Based on Ch. 1, Sect. 1):

1.) Define all of the key terms and give an example of each

2.) What are the essential components of a state and why is each component necessary?

3.) Compare and contrast John Locke and Thomas Hobbes's view of the social contract and government.

4.) List at least four purposes of government and give an example of each.

5.) One function of government is to issue a national currency. Before and immediately after the Mint Act of 1792, foreign currency was circulating in the original thirteen colonies. Write a paragraph explaining what problems this lack of a uniform currency might have caused. Are these problems still problems today? Justify your answer.

Here is the link to the Google Document:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZgoNEm2ZzSUIWwlMtfY2ZVho3zAdoXT0fnkxTBuvDBs/edit

If you would like you may e-mail your assignment to me at davidzahn1987@gmail.com; or print or hand write them and turn them into me personally.

American Government: Day 1

Welcome to American Government: 

This year we witnessed yet another election that showed the inner workings of our democracy for better or worse. This class is intended to help you make sense of American government and teach you how the government works, what your role as a citizen is, and why government does some of the things that it does. We will start with the fundamentals and history of American government, then get into the Constitution and the rights of Americans, then we will get into the branches of government, policies, and procedures that United States government and its citizens must follow.

Syllabus:

UNIT 1 (Foundations of Am Gov) 
          Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4 and chapters 6 and 7 (Congressional powers), 9 (Pres Powers), 11(Courts)

UNIT 6 (Participating in Gov)
           Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19 and chapters 5 (Congress), 8 (Executive), and 23 (State and Local)

UNIT 7 (Policies and Services) Thru the end of the semester
           Chapters 20, 21, 22, and chapter 10 (Bureaucracy)


Rules of the Classroom:

1.) Treat others as you would like to be treated. 

2.) Respect each other and each other's opinions.

3.) Do not talk while others are talking.

4.) Create an open and safe environment for ideas and opinions.

5.) No hate speech, ever. Do not put people down for their views.

6.) No cell phones unless authorized. If I see them, I will take them.

7.) No free riding. Everyone does everything.

8.) "I don't know" is not an acceptable answer. If you don't know, take a guess.

Getting to know you:

Answer all of the following you are comfortable with: (put your name on it)

1.) Spiritual Beliefs....

2.) Planning on College?

3.) Race/ Ethnic background...

4.) Age:

5.) Social Class (Low, Middle, Upper etc.):

6.) Political Beliefs:

7.) Live at home or on your own?



Assignment:

Instructions:

1.) Get into groups of 4 (there may be one group of 5)

2.) Get large sheet of white butcher paper.

3.) On the sheet, brainstorm (with key words, phrases, or whole sentences) everything that you know or think you know about government, how it works, and what you think of it.

Final Review Terms/concepts

Here are the terms/concepts that will be covered on the final. By chapter in the order we went through them.

16

Section1

Political Parties (Dem vs Rep)

Theocracy

Ideologies (what are the major party platforms)

Coalition governments

Third party

Single-member district

Proportional representation

Section2

Independent

Patronage

Spoils system

Campaign (financing)

Section 3

Caucus

nominating convention

direct primary

open vs closed primary

plurality

ticket

platform

planks

17

Section 1

Electoral Votes (number needed to win)

Campaign manager

Political Action Committee

Soft Money

Super PAC

Section 2

Suffrage

Grandfather Clause

Poll Tax

Voting Rights Act 1965

15th & 26th Amendments

Section 3

Cross-pressured voter

Straight Party Ticket

Propaganda (techniques)

Profiles of voters (regular vs nonvoters)

18

Interest group

Lobbying

Opinion Polls

Bias

1

Nation

State

Sovereignty

Government

Social Contract

Purposes of government

      Power point link on Nov 26 blog

Unitary vs federal system

Constitution (constitutional government)

Types of gov (monarchy, oligarchy, democracy)

Economic systems

      (Capitalism, socialism, communism)

2

Origins of US Gov

Articles of Confederation (weaknesses pg 49)

Constitutional convention (Virginia, New Jersey, Connecticut Plans)

3

Checks and Balances (pg 66)

Branches of Gov

Separation of Powers

Legislative (Congress)

6

Congress

Enumerated Powers (list pg 159)

Implied Powers

Necessary and Proper clause

8

Powers of the President

      Executes(implements) the laws Congress Passes

      Commander and Chief

      Appoints heads of Departments

Electoral College

11

Courts

Federal vs State jurisdiction

Supreme Court

Role / duties of justices

Quizlet link