Watch "Knock Down the House" and work on your projects above!
Tuesday, May 7th
Rest and Recovery!!
Monday, May 6th
Turn in your Ch 15 Checkpoint with your Unit 5 Test to the sub OR to Mr. Hensley.
Friday, May 3rd
1. Take (home!) Test on Unit 5 Political Participation
2. Review this!!!!! Also, I will be here to show CSPAN's Cram for the Exam this Saturday from 9am-10am...
Thursday, May 2nd
Think and Do: Watch this clip from Thank You for Smoking...because it's funny...and discuss laws the cigarette industry might lobby in favor of.
1.Watch this tutorial about Iron Triangles and write down your own explanation for this term.
2. Then get in 3 groups and following the instructions on this handout about methods special interest groups use to influence government. Share your scenarios when finished.
3. EXIT TICKET: Watch the 60 Minutes segment "The Whistleblower" (start at 15 min to the end) and answer this prompt: Explain the 3 players of the "iron triangles" and their role affecting each of the "sides".
Wednesday, May 1st: STUDY for a teacher today, we will be marching for YOU
Think and Do: Watch this clip of candidate Elizabeth Warren and how she uses the media to send her message. On scratch paper, answer the following: Do you think her explanation and answer to the student was effecting "messaging". Why or why not? Will this help her or hurt her?
1. Watch the movie "11/8/16" (on amazon prime) and take notes for Part A of the viewing guide. Part B is due May 14th.
Monday, April 29th
Think and Do: Using laptops and this website, find one infographic that interests you, and on scratch square answer the following prompts: a) What "story" does this infographic tell? b) Is this good news or bad news for democracy? Explain.
1. Get your Represent and Reform project instructions. Note the due date and note we will have a day next week to work on this. Everything else is on your own time.
Think and Do: Read this article about issues with recycling. Then, on the back, list 5 government reforms you would propose to improve this environmental situations...make a mix of laws that are directed at both industry and the public.
1. Rob Lamme guest speaking about lobbying in America!
Thursday, April 25th
Think and Do: Get laptops and read info on this website. Fill out the questions on this handout about lobbying and legislation and turn in when finished.
1. Using this review link of the 15 cases you need to know, prepare for SCOTUS Bingo!! Then, play BINGO for some fabulous prizes!
2. Peer review your Argumentative FRQ's.
Tuesday, April 23rd
Think and Do: Begin to discuss the FRQ Argumentative Essay. Watch this video tutorial to get an overview of what you will be expected to do.
1. To practice your first sample FRQ of this type, you'll need some background. Small groups will look up and share the following terms first: participatory democracy, pluralist democracy, and elite democracy.
2. Then, each group will find an example from one or more of the following documents to support their democratic theory: Brutus 1, Federalist No. 10, or the US Constitution.
3. Finally, come up with one alternate perspective to your, and then refute, concede, or rebut that perspective with evidence.
OVERNIGHT HOMEWORK: Write your first attempt at this FRQ from samples given in class.
1. Using laptops, watch Hip Hughes break down the history of campaign finance. Class will split into 2 groups and take down 3 facts, 3 terms, and 3 questions. Compete against each other to see if you can answer the other teams terms and questions.
2. Look over Unit 4 Test.
HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY!
Thursday, April 18th
Think and Do: Go to this website about Grassroots Campaigning. Read and explore. On your own paper, A) write down 4 specific actions YOU can perform to help in elections. B) What is the phone number to the Raleigh office?!
Think and Do: Complete both parts of this Q&A on voter turnout in North Carolina.
1. In pairs, read through this handout on what affect voter turnout rates (page 1) and fill out with your partner (page 2)
2. Finally, work in groups of 3 to make a video commercial for next year's "Get Out the Vote" campaign at Southeast...directing your video to one of the demographic groups listed in Step #2 above. (yes, you will live on in video!). Upload your video to the Team Drive folder (GOTV!) For some GOTV inspiration, watch these:
Think and Do: Using this handout about the National Popular Vote Plan, short answer the questions that follow. Then watch this Trevor Noah bit, explaining how stupid the Electoral College is....
2. Practice an FRQ about incumbency in elections, use your textbook if needed (pgs 344-345), and then peer review the answers your gave in small groups.
3. Watch some of "Chisholm 72" to see a NON incumbent defying the odds!
Monday, April 15th
Think and Do: Also, analyze this chart on voter turnout and this chart on eligible voters by race and discuss the implications for both political parties in the future. Do the shifts in race mean good or bad news for the two parties?
Think and Do: Student this infographic from a trusted Pew poll. On scratch paper, write out what "story" this data tells you. Discuss.
1. As a class, look at this Huffington Post article about Trump and Border agents. What parts of it seem biased? How do you know? Does bias mean news is inaccurate?
2. To practice media "spin", (watch this from Bullsh*t Mountain!), each student will get a "role" to play when announcing a controversial new school problem. Give a 1 minutes speech "spinning" the topic according to your role.
Friday, April 5th: Email me link to your teacher survey!
1. Finish SCOTUS Presentations and then talk about your comparison cases.
2. In small groups, complete a practice SCOTUS FRQ. If you are absent, see me for the FRQ prompt so you can receive a grade for today.
HOMEWORK DUE NEXT WEDNESDAY: Journal review over current fiscal OR monetary policy for the either Republicans or Democrats. With this, you will need to turn in vocabulary only for Ch 17, pgs 490- 499. Your article summary should specify if you story is about fiscal or monetary policy as well.
2. Follow this powerpoint for the steps to answer a practice question in collaborative form. If you are absent, see me for the FRQ prompt so you can answer it and get feedback.
3. When finished, work on your polling questions for the teachers about healthcare. Submit your final poll to me by email by Friday at the end of the day.
Tuesday, April 2nd: Turn in the editorial on Trump and party realignment
Think and Do: In small groups, look at the "Guess Who?" strips of party platform stances. See if you can figure out what political party these match to!
1. Watch this video "American Party Animals: about the history of Political Parties in our country. Be able to explain the difference between plurality and majority voting and what Duverger's Law is and why this leads to a two party system.
3. Watch discussion about the release of the Mueller report. EXIT TICKET: write out a hypothetical argument a Republican might make support Barr's memo of the Mueller report and an argument for what a Democrat might say about it.
Monday, April Fool's Day: Turn in Ch 11 Checkpoint and get Ch 14, due next Monday
Think and Do:Spend 10 minutes filling out info from your brain on the SCOTUS cases in this chart, Marbury, McCullouch and Brown ONLY!
1. Present yo SCOTUS project! Here's your checklist! Be ready! As your classmates teach you the details, fill out this study chart. Expect a quiz...eventually!
2. OVERNIGHT or in class homework, depending on how much time we have...read and answer the prompt on this editorial about the realignment of the Republican Party!
Friday, March 29th
Think and Do: Review a copy of this hospital bill and answer the question that follow. Also, use this link and write down on the handout the cost in 2018 without ACA subsidies for a single person per month, and for a family.
1. Read this article from the New York Times about what might result if the Affordable Healthcare Act was struck down by the courts as requested by the Trump Administration. Fill out this graphic organizer to detail the results. You will use this info in a poll you and your team will create in the next step.
2. Work in groups of 3 or 4 to come up with a survey of teachers at Southeast related to the issues of health care in America. You will be creating a survey for them to answer anonymously. Webquest instructions to set this up are found here. If absent, read and complete this assignment instead -->. Read and answer.
Thursday, March 28th
Think and Do: Get a laptop and visit this website. Read about social capital, take the quiz, and then finish completing this handout
1. As a class, watch this video "The Poll Dance", and discuss: Why do we poll the public so much and so often? Using your laptop and browse poll results from the Pew Research site . Write down 2 polls you found interesting or surprising and discuss why you chose these two.
2. Polling Problem Charades! You and/or a partner will be given a random card describing one of the problems with polling. Act this out to the class with your partner without using any of the words on your card. Get the class to say the words on your card based on your "skit".
1. Learn about how demographic characteristics contribute to political socialization through a deep dive analysis of the controversial Brett Kavanaugh hearings for the SCOTUS seat. Use this handout and the links below to answer. This information will be used on a polling project over the next week.
2. Watch this focus group with pollster Frank Lundtz your observations of the people...do you see the connection to the "moral roots" lessons?
HAPPY SPRING BREAK!
Friday, March 8th: no 3rd period
Thursday, March 7th
Mid Term Day!
Wednesday, March 6th: ***Important*** see me if you are absent today!
1. Spend 10 minutes discussing the new multiple choice test question format for the AP Exam. Practice 8 questions in the time frame you will have on mid term day and on the College Board exam day.
2. Go over this Powerpoint that describe all 4 styles of the FRQs. Practice the CA FRQ in slide #4. This is the style you will have on the midterm!
1. Discuss findings during your current SCOTUS research. Extra credit QUIZ: half a point for each justice you can name and half a point if you can list their ideology as "left" or "right". 9 pts max
4. Using laptops, race to the finish coming up with correct answers on this Scavenger Hunt of the Federal Courts! Use only this website to find answers.
Wednesday, Feb 27th: Turn in your SCOTUS research from yesterday.
2. Spend 20 minutes reading this Lanahan reading "From Bureaucracy" about Trump and his work on Central Park. Then, with a partner, fill out the info on this handout. Discuss what you learned!
3. Top 2 winning pairs of this Scavenger Hunt on Presidential Trivia get to use notes on tomorrow's test!
Friday, Feb 22nd: Turn in Presidential Paradoxes OPTIONAL.
Think and Do: What is the job of the Office of Management and Budget? Can YOU solve the budget crisis? Get a laptop and see who can solve the federal budget problems with the LEAST amount of cuts to programs?! On scratch square, what is one thing you learned about the federal budget playing this "game"?
1. Begin learning about the Federal Bureaucracy. Get a laptop and in your groups, open and follow these instructions on this learning activity. You will need whiteboards and markers. After time is up for watchin' and learnin...you'll move to a member of the other group and see what you know.
Thursday, Feb 21st: Turn in Ch 7 Checkpoint. Get Chapter 8. Due Tuesday with Test.
1. Present what you learned in your West Wing Team to the class! As teams present, fill out this chart.
2. Read about Signing statements in pairs. Then using the signing statement you are given, read and answer the questions that follow. Then you will switch partners and share what you learned.
3. Instead of a Journal Review, spend 15 minutes reading through the Indyweek's issue from the day after the 2016 Election. After choosing any article to read, write down your thoughts about the topic and share with a Round Robin in the class.
1.. Using laptops and a partner, spend 30 minutes researching and coming up with a 5 minute visual presentation about the following roles and relationships of the Presidential Establishment. Find interesting real world examples or videos....keep it under 10 minutes! Groups will be "The VP", "The First Lady", The "EOP" and the "White House Staff".
Tuesday, Feb 19th
Think and Do: Using this interactive chart on presidential approval ratings, (scroll down) answer the questions on the bell ringer while playing around with the chart.
1. Using the Civics Today textbooks, fill out the graphic organizer on page 1 of this document, summarizing in your own words each of the 7 roles. Then, work with a desk buddy to fill in the remaining pages according to the directions.
2. Find a video clip or still photo of any President in history that demonstrates one of the 7 roles and post yours to this Padlet. See if the class can guess the role!
3. Watch this interview with Andrew McCabe from "60 Minutes". As you watch, on your own paper, write down a) 3 things that you learned and b) 2 questions you still have
OPTIONAL: Due Friday, do as much or as little as your brain wants to do. 1 pt per correct box. Read the Lanahan "Presidential Paradoxes" and fill in the graphic organizer.
3. Begin looking at some of the Required Documents for the AP Exam. Work in small groups to Jigsaw 4 of the Documents. Make sure you know the "Big Ideas" of the following! Matching quizzing in your future!
2. As you watch this segment on gerrymandering from John Oliver, answer the questions 1) What is the purpose of gerrymandering 2) what is packing? 3) what is cracking?
EXIT TICKET: Watch this video interview with Congressman Steve Israel (last 14 minutes of this clip) and answer...what are the two biggest methods Congressmen have to raise campaign funds and why is this process bothersome to our democratic ideals?
1. Watch this short video about linkage institutions. In your notes, jot down some examples of linkage institutions and write a definition in your own words.
2. Watch the segment "Trans in Texas" and write down specific examples of linkage institutions you see interacting with the city's legislature and the community about this issue.
3. Discuss the Concept Application FRQ. Watch and take notes on this tutorial video first, before looking at an example in class. If you are absent, see me for the example. In small groups, brainstorm on part of the sample question and share with the class what examples you would use.
Thursday, Feb 7th
Think and Do: On scratch paper, after watching this episode of "Adam Ruins Everything", write down 3 ways Congressional legislation changed society for whites or blacks.
3. Watch for examples of wasteful spending on the part of Congress as you watch this video about pork and earmarks. Then read and fill out this handout with a few more obstacles to legislation.
Wednesday, Feb 6th
Think and Do: Get a laptop and go to this 2014 interactive infographic about the makeup of Congress. Play around with it to see how well YOU or members of your family were reflected in Congress. Then, compare that with the 2019 Congress. Answer the questions on the bell ringer.
1. Do you know how to contact your congress people? No, great. Well, click here to find out with your home zip code. (use the drop down "House" or "Senate" to find all representatives. On scratch paper for both your Senators and your Representative write down the following
What is their name, party and district or state?
Does this congressperson sit on any committees? Which ones?
How many years ago were they first elected?
2. Next, contact your Representative using a) the email option and b) one of your Senators using the phone option (you'll probably have to leave a voice mail). You need to google their homepage first to find out something about them or their voting record before you make contact. Before you send or call, decide what it is you really want to say...what are your concerns? What do you really want to say?
Think and Do: Look over this immigration flowchart and then answer the following prompts on this handout. Also, discuss what asylum means, and ways this also allows for additional immigration.
1. Take SCOTUS quiz!
2. Go over FRQ SCOTUS Review Prep. Watch and take notes on this video tutorial laying out what you'll need to do (first one on tomorrow's test!)
3. Discuss your artifacts from Tuesday's homework...present!
Wednesday, Jan 30th: Quiz on cases in the Team Drive tomorrow!
Think and Do: Watch this mini segment of Vice about a law attempting to discriminate against the LGBT community by protecting freedoms of the evangelical community. "Defiance in Mississippi". Which groups liberties are we trying to protect?
1. Watch the following Quick Lessons on the right to privacy and right to due process. Answer the questions on this notes guide and then find a partner to discuss the scenarios with. Share your rulings with the class.
2. Exit Ticket: Watch and then write your answer on scratch paper to turn in. Do you agree that affirmative action laws should limit Asian and white Americans entrance into universities in order to achieve diversity?
3. Go over Most Missed Question on Unit 1 Test.
Tuesday, Jan 29th
Think and Do: Using the paper copy of the handout "Does Race Matter?" and these various inforgraphics, answer questions on your handout and be prepared to discuss. Click each: #1, #2, #3, and #4.
1. Using this document on American Inequality in our Team Drive, research your assigned topic and add the information. Be prepared to share your artifact tomorrow (see directions in red at the bottom of the handout).
2. Use journal reviews from civil rights/liberties topics and work in a Round Robin to discuss and share what you learned.
Monday, Jan 28th
Think and Do: Read these dissenting opinions from SCOTUS on the ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges and complete re-writes according to the directions. After, take a look at the timeline of the fight for gay marriage protection.
1. Read the facts of each of the SCOTUS Student Speech cases and make predictions on their rulings.
2. Watch this Atlantic segment on Trump's Family Separation Policy. Make an evidence list of ways this policy was implemented in order to support an argument that this was a violation of civil rights. For each example you write down, make sure to include what right (expressed or implied) you believe was violated.1.
WEEKEND HOMEWORK: Research your assigned cases (Civil Rights/Liberties) on oyez.com and add detail to the templates in the Team Drive in the SCOTUS folder. When you return Monday, be prepared to share your favorite with the class. Start learning these cases as a test is forthcoming!
Thursday, Jan 24th
Think and Do: Read this story about the case of New Jersey v. TLO and fill in your argument in the space at the end. Discuss the actual ruling and see if you agreed.
1. Discuss ways to memorize the Bill of Rights! Each student will get one of the amendments and think of a clever way to help the class remember all the parts. Expect a pop quiz on these in the form of similar examples found on page 2..this week!
2. Peer grade short answers from the Unit 1 test.
Wednesday, Jan 23rd
Think and Do: Look at various rights around the world by country using this interactive chart. What rights do YOU believe are most important?
3. MLK Weekend homework! Start Unit 6 with the Chapter 4 Checkpoint (due next Fri, Feb 25th) AND this primary source analysis of the Bill of Rights due Tuesday.
Thursday, Jan 17th
Think and Do: Study the infographic and answer these questions on today's bell ringer. Discuss and turn in when finished.
2. Get journal reviews from your summer work and work in Round Robin to discuss and share what you learned.
Wednesday, Jan 16th
Think and Do: Pull up this infographic on the ideological leanings of current and past SCOTUS's. On your scratch square, answer A) List the top 3 most conservative justices B) top 3 in liberal range C) How might you explain the drastic change for Earl Warren? D) Where does our Chief Justice today rank?
1. Using the SCOTUS Quick Reference templates in our Team Drive, research and complete a Unit 1 SCOTUS case (assigned) with a partner. Use oyez.org to research, but if you need to refer to the textbook, watch a youtube video or find other sites to further you're knowledge, you can. Keep it simple and accurate!
3. Watch this video prep to help you understand the SCOTUS FRQ. Take notes on do's and don'ts. In class, we will practice a prompt related to today's SCOTUS cases (McCullough v. Maryland and Arizona v. United States).
Tuesday, Jan 15th
Think and Do: Using a laptop, click and spend 7 minutes browsing this link to this website of the Top Ten Most Progressive Cities in the USA. Jot down on scratch squares, and then discuss as a class which were your favorites and why (click on the city to see detail of why the city was chosen).
1. Spend today with a laptop working on the Cool City Challenge! Due at the end of class, so don't dawdle. You can listen to music to keep you creative and focused!
Monday, Jan 14th
Think and Do: Watch the segment "The Big Fix" (SN 6 EP 12) on Vice News. On scratch paper, make 2 columns. In "federal", write reasons arguing for the federal government as the main player in fixing our infrastructure. Then "state" in the other arguing for states to be responsible.
1. Using this doc on constitutional concepts of Federalism (from our Team Drive). You will be assigned a number, and you will need to fill out the information for the term that corresponds. Ms. Thrower will print when completed and reviewed for accuracy and give you as a study guide.
2. EXIT QUIZ! Review the Articles Powerpoint and then take a "no notes" quiz! Tip:Let's eat jelly fritters and sugar rolls!
Friday, Jan 11th
Think and Do: On scratch paper, analyze this map and answer A) What are two possible reasons many states are still in gray? B) Do you think it would be a good idea to have a federal law making marijuana legal in all 50 states or should this still be a state by state decision? Explain.
HOMEWORK: Get Journal Review instructions set. Next review will be due on Tuesday, January 15th, and the topic is...Chapter 3: FEDERALISM!
Thursday, Jan 10th: Turn in OPTIONAL Dinner with Democracy
Think and Do: On scratch paper, analyze this pie chart and answer A) What are two conclusions you can draw from this data? B) Do you believe it is truly important the "average" American be able to name all 3? Why or why not?
1. Get with a partner and using large paper. Using the laminated US Constitution Scavenger Hunt question card, work for 15 minutes to find as many answers as possible using reference pg 233-239 in the We The People books. Fab prizes for top 3 winning pairs!
2. Take Graphic Organizer notes on the Overview and Foundations of our Constitution according to the directions on the handout.
3. Using the text of the Constitution from the We the People books, in pairs, compete to see who can get the most correct answers in 10 minutes to these real world scenarios related to our Constitution's Articles.
Think and Do: Using the following Infographic: How does the trend in population over time affect citizens' representation in Congress? Discuss.
1. Watch the first 25 minutes "The New Deciders" episode of the PBS series, "America by the Numbers". Short answer the questions in this viewing guide.
2. Review the Preamble to the Constitution (SchoolHouse Rock!) and in trios, come up with a modern day re-write according to the instructions on this handout. Create a poster in postermywall with the group code given and share with the class!
Monday, Jan 7th
Think and Do: Using your Ch 1 notes, complete a quiz on Political Ideology! (10 minutes)
2. Using this handout "Enlightenment Philosophers on Government", read and discuss Part A as a class. Then, break into trios and using one of the assigned philosopher, complete Part B. Write your answers on big paper. If you are absent, read all bios for the 4 philosophers and chose any two and follow Part B instructions...the philosophers are found on pages 2-5 of the document.
OVERNIGHT HOMEWORK: Complete this extension to your textbook knowledge on Different Forms of Government.
OPTIONAL: Due on Thursday, this 18 point OPTIONAL reading "Dinner with Democracy" will help you understand democracy better! The questions and instructions are found here.
Think and Do: Get a laptop, a desk buddy, and go to the Freedom House website and study the graphic. By clicking on various countries, browse around and with your partner, fill out the following Think and Do. (10 minutes)
1. Next, get your own laptop. Pull up "A Day in Your Life" website and read through all 3 pages. Write out answers to the following prompts. Share your answers with a desk buddy then with the class.
List 3 government services/laws that surprised you most. (any you didn't know about?)
Which examples might you consider "too much" government interference/regulation?
List 3 examples you are most thankful our government provides.
List one example for each level of our government (local, state, federal)
2. Review and take home Job Training Packet for this class. Don't forget your Classroom Donation!
Thursday, January 3rd
Think and Do: Introduce yourself. Discuss what current issues in government and politics a) concern you, b) confuse you, and c) make you hopeful.
1. Receive and review course syllabus and discuss any questions or concerns you have for this course.
2. Check out your Roots and Reform textbook, and go over the requirements for Chapter Checkpoint note-taking. By Monday, January 7th, have Chapter 1 notes ready to turn in. Directions for how Chapter Checkpoints will be graded are found here.
