Unit 0 Political Socialization

Final Syllabus

Nikki Rowe High School 2014-15 Course Syllabus Current Events: Students are required to read and respond to current news articles from The New York Times, The Washington Post, etc., on a weekly basis. Mr. Enriquez Room 628 Course Overview The purpose of this course is to explore the theory and practice of government in America. In addition, the course is designed to prepare students to take the A.P. U.S. Government and Politics examination. This is a college level course and will require substantial amounts of reading and preparation before each class. Students should develop a critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the American political system, understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens, and hone their critical thinking skills. Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs) After reviewing the mission, current profile, and academic standards of the school, Rowe staff and students affirm the following vision of student achievement. They define what all students should know, understand and be able to do by graduation. Productive Citizen: Students will learn the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and be instilled with the values to be an active citizen in our democracy. Resourceful Producer: Students will produce numerous assignments and develop their critical reasoning skills. Independent Lifelong Learner: Students will see how the government and economy directly affect their life which will lead to a lifelong desire to understand the world around them. Decision Maker: Students will decide which economic and political beliefs they subscribe to, based on a thorough analysis of these beliefs. Effective Communicator: Students will improve their oral and written communication skills through essays and debates. Expectations 1. Be Active - Students should constructively participate in class discussions. Students will receive points for their participation. Needless to say, it is impossible to participate in class if you are absent. 2. Be Respectful - Students should be respectful of anyone who is speaking. For example, when I am talking, you should be listening. When you are talking, I should be listening. If one of your classmates is talking, we should both be listening. 3. Be Ready - Students should be in their seats with their materials ready when the bell rings. 4. Be Organized – Keep all of your assignments and notes in a binder and always bring them to class. Classroom Rules/Procedures 1. Students are not to be tardy to class. If a student comes into class after the bell and does not have a valid pass from a school official then they are considered tardy. If a student is tardy, he/she will be given a detention. 2. Any distracting behavior while class is in session will not be tolerated. Such behavior is defined as but not limited to the following: a. talking out of turn b. writing or passing personal notes c. doing another class's homework in class. d. disrespectful gestures or comments to the teacher or other classmates. A. The following is a list of consequences for such infractions: 1st warning: verbal warning 2nd warning: parent contact. 3rd warning: detention. Grading Policies Grades are calculated on a cumulative course basis and in keeping with the school’s grading policy. Your grade will consist of participation, homework assignments, quizzes, projects and tests. Unit tests will include responses to analytical free-response questions. These free response questions will be assigned frequently to prepare you for the A.P. exam. Students will be tested on their understanding of quantitative and visually presented information (maps and graphs) at regular intervals in the quiz and test assignments. Homework: unless a specific date is given for an assignment, it is due at the beginning of class on the next day of school. Late work: late work will receive a maximum of 80% credit (the later it is the less credit you will receive) and may be turned in no later than one week after the due date. If you are absent it is your responsibility to obtain your assignments either from a classmate or me. Cheating/Plagiarism: any work that is not yours is absolutely unacceptable and will be treated in accordance with the Academic Integrity Policy in the Student Handbook Course Content Section 1 - Foundations of American Government and the Constitution What is the purpose of government? Students will understand the historical background to the framing of the Constitution. What did the framers of the Constitution view as the purpose of government? In what ways does the Constitution form the basis of U.S. government? Students will understand democratic theory, republicanism, pluralism and elitism. Sections of the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, The Federalist Papers, as well as modern essays on the constitution. Section 2 - Federalism Understand the powers of the central government and those of state and local governments. How has the relationship between the central government and the states changed in the era of “new federalism” and devolution? Should the central government wield more powers over the states in a variety of policy issues (marriage, education, environment, abortion, medical marijuana, law enforcement, etc.)? Why or why not? Section 3 – Civil Rights and Civil Liberties How have the rights and liberties contained in the Bill of Rights changed over time? How does the Bill of Rights apply to state governments? Large focus will be given to interpretations of the extent of our rights and liberties as found in Supreme Court cases. Section 4 – Political Socialization Where do Americans get their political beliefs? Where does public opinion come from? How is it collected, used and/or manipulated? How is political culture formed? Understand the political pectrum, including the differences between the mainstream spectrum in the United States as compared to other advanced democracies. What is civil society and what is the citizen’s role in it? Describe voting patterns and understand theories for low voter turnout rates in the United States. In what way do the mass media influence elections and political debates more generally? Section 5 – The World of Politics Understand the platforms and policy positions of the leading political parties. Describe the role of political parties. How do interest groups shape public policy? Do they wield undue influence? How do elections work? Is our electoral system effective at selecting leaders? Why or why not? What is the role of parties, interest groups, and money in campaigns? Understand campaign finance law. Should major changes be made to the campaign finance system? Should the Electoral College be kept? Section 6 – The Institutions of Government: Congress How does Congress work? What influences public policy development in Congress? Understand the structure of Congress. Is our legislative process an effective way to make sound policy? Why or why not? What are the key differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate. Has Congress lost power to the executive branch? Section 7 – The Institutions of Government: The Executive & The Bureaucracy What is the president’s role in the formation of public policy? Describe the structure and function of the federal bureaucracy. Describe the formal and informal powers of the president. Do we have an imperial presidency? Who controls the bureaucracy? Section 8 – The Institutions of Government: The Judiciary In what ways do the federal courts interpret public policy? Has the federal judiciary become more activist over time? What role should the courts play in the public policy process? Section 9 – Public Policy Who sets the public policy agenda? Describe the role of the executive, legislative and judicial branches, as well as political parties, interest groups and the mass media in determining public policy. Economic policy, foreign policy, and a variety of social policies will be covered. What impact does our federal system have on public policy formation?

Blog Response 1: Stability in the Middle East

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/26/opinion/roger-cohen-the-making-of-a-disaster.html?ref=opinion&_r=0 

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/26/opinion/afghanistans-moment-of-reckoning.html?ref=opinion

Given the historical miscalculations of the US gov. and its military apparatus concerning providing Iraq/Afghanistan with  fully responsive democratic governments, how must the nation proceed in ensuring stability for these middle eastern countries?

Provide 3 policy solutions for each specific case

(Utilize the opinion articles provided and any outside research you would like to include)

Student Survey (AP 1)