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AP Government Scope & Sequence
Grading
Period
Unit Title
or Big Idea
AP Standards Learning Targets Assessment Evidence
Throughout the Semester ● Public Policy, Size and Scope of Government with current Unit topic ● Knowledge of facts, concepts, and theories pertaining to U.S. government and politics ● Understanding of typical patterns of political processes and behavior and their consequences (including the components of political behavior, the principles used to explain or justify various government structures and procedures, and the political effects of these structures and procedures) ● Analysis and interpretation of data and relationships in U.S. government and politics ● Written analysis and interpretation of the subject matter of U.S. government and politics ● Careful attention to the specific free-response question posed and ability to stay on task 1st / 3rd Grading Period Unit 1 Introduction to Government in America Compare how models of representative democracy are visible in major institutions, policies, events, or debates in the U.S. Compare how models of representative democracy are visible in major institutions, policies, events, or debates in the U.S. ● I can explain how divided government has contributed to the decline in trust and confidence in government. ● I can explain how the increased cost of election campaigns has contributed to the decline in trust and confidence in government. ● I can explain two specific consequences of the decline in trust and confidence in government for individual political behavior. ● I can explain how linkage institutions affect the policy agenda. ● Reading & vocab quiz (W) ● Students share the policymaking system with each other (O) ● Exam (multiple choice and FRQ) (W)
● I can explain two ways linkage institutions connect citizens to government. ● I can explain how one current government electoral requirement decreases voter turnout. ● I can explain how, in the policymaking system, the policymaking institutions are accountable to the people. ● I can explain the effect of politics and partisanship on the role and scope of government. Unit 2 Constitutional Foundations Compare and interpret Federalist and Anti-Federalist views on central government and democracy as reflected in U.S. foundational Documents Explain the relationship between key provisions of the Articles of Confederation and the debate over granting the federal government greater power formerly reserved to the states. Describe the impact of political negotiation and compromise at the Constitutional Convention on the development of the constitutional system. ● I can explain the founding fathers views on human nature, political conflict, and the purpose of government. ● I can explain the components of the Madisonian model and the justification for each principle of the Constitution. ● I can explain the designated powers each branch of government has to check the powers of the other branches. ● I can argue both sides of the Federalist/Anti-Federalist debate. ● I can explain federal supremacy and cite Supreme Court cases ● I can explain the significance of the 10 th^ amendment ● I can explain how industrialization has increased the role of the national government.
Unit 3 Legislative Branch Describe the powers and functions of Congress. Compare the Senate and House of Representatives in terms of how constituencies, lawmaking authority, and chamber rules and roles affect the policy- making process Explain how congressional behavior is influenced by election processes, partisanship, and divided government. Explain how Congress uses its oversight power in its relationship with the executive branch. ● I can connect established congressional powers to Articles/sections of the U.S Constitution. ● I can explain how Supreme Court cases have affirmed established congressional powers. ● I can explain how casework and pork barrel provide an advantage for incumbents against their respective challengers. ● I can provide examples of major pieces of legislation. ● I can explain why parties fight so hard to obtain and remain in the majority. ● I can argue for/against term limits for members of Congress. ● I can identify and describe various ways groups attempt to influence members of Congress. ● I can explain how checks and balances are used by the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. Unit 4 Executive Branch & Bureaucracy Explain how presidential powers or functions can promote a policy agenda. Explain how the president’s agenda can create tension and frequent confrontations with Congress. Explain how presidents have interpreted and justified ● I can distinguish between the President's formal and informal powers when it comes to foreign and domestic policy. ● I can argue the President's advantage over Congress in conducting both foreign and domestic policy. ● I can argue how constitutional powers empower the Congress over the President.
their use of formal and informal powers. Explain how communication technology has changed the president’s relationship with the national constituency and the other branches. Explain how the president ensures that executive branch agencies and departments carry out their responsibilities in concert with the goals of the administration. Explain the extent to which governmental branches can hold the bureaucracy accountable given the competing interests of Congress, the president, and the federal courts. ● I can describe the War Powers Resolution and explain the Constitution conflict between the President and Congress when it comes to war. ● I can argue for increases as well as decreases in revenue. ● I can describe several factors that contribute to deficit spending and describe several ways to reduce the debt and deficit. ● I can discuss the controversy over entitlements. ● I can discuss various ways the bureaucracy is effective and/or ineffective. 2nd / 4th Grading Period Unit 5 Judicial Branch Explain the principle of judicial review and how it checks the power of other institutions and state governments. Explain how the exercise of judicial review in conjunction with life tenure can lead to controversy about the legitimacy of the Supreme Court’s power. ● I can describe the job of the judicial branch of government. ● I can identify the 9 members of the U.S Supreme Court. ● I can describe the difference between a civil and criminal case. ● I can describe the parties involved in a civil and criminal case. ● I can identify the Chief Justice of the U.S Supreme Court. ● I can describe how members of the court are selected.
Explain the extent to which states are limited by the due process clause from infringing upon individual rights. Explain the implications of the doctrine of selective incorporation. Explain how constitutional provisions have supported and motivated social movements and policy responses. Explain how the Court has at times allowed the restriction of the civil rights of minority groups and at other times has protected those rights. ● I can explain how lower court judges, the President, Congress, interest groups, and private citizens each play a significant role in the implementation or impact of a US Supreme Court decision. Unit 7 People & Linkage Institutions Describe the relationship between core beliefs of U.S. citizens and attitudes about the role of government. Explain how cultural factors influence political attitudes and socialization. Explain how U.S. political culture (e.g., values, attitudes, and beliefs) influences ● I can argue advantages and disadvantages to taking polls and measuring public opinion. ● I can explain the role and influence of PAC's on the electoral process. ● I can explain the difference between the role of interest groups and the role of PAC's. ● I can explain the important role political parties play in electing a President.
the formation, goals, and implementation of public policy over time. Compare how political ideologies vary on the role of government in regulating the marketplace Compare how political ideologies vary with regard to the government’s role in addressing social issues. Describe the elements of a scientific poll Explain how public opinion polling and polling results impact elections, political behavior, and policy process Evaluate the quality and credibility of claims based on public opinion data. Explain why and how political parties change and adapt Explain how structural barriers impact third-party and independent- candidate success. ● I can describe the components of an Iron Triangle and explain how the components are inter-related. ● I can describe how the influence of the public can transform an Iron Triangle into an Issue Network
Describe factors that influence voter choices. Describe different models of voting behavior. Explain how the different processes work in a U.S. federal election. Explain how campaign organizations and strategies affect the election process Evaluate the extent to which the Electoral College facilitates or impedes democracy. Key Legend O - Oral W - Written
