Weeks of 12/1/08, 12/8/08, and 12/15/08
As we return from the Thanksgiving holidays, we enter the last three weeks of GOVERNMENT. Counting the last two days (12/18 -12/19) for FINAL EXAMS, we have just 15 days left!
Below you will find a detailed description of our expectations for the remainder of the semester, including discussion topics, page references from your textbook, nightly assigned readings, a small research project (to be described in class), one announced quiz, and two announced tests before the Final. Also, you would do well to expect at least three unannounced "pop" quizzes during this time period.
Please adhere closely to these guidelines and assignments.
MON. DEC. 1
Discussion Topic: The Constitution (conclusion)
Assigned Reading: Chp.3, Pgs. 63 - 65, 76 - 81, 84 - 90
Enduring Question: How can a governmental system work effectively when it disperses power among levels and branches of government??
(SSCG 3, 4, and 5)
TUES. DEC 2
Discussion Topic: Federalism
Assigned Reading: Chp.4, Pgs, 95 - 101, 103 - 105
Enduring Question: Same as above
(SSCG 17 and 18)
WED. DEC. 3
Discussion Topic: Federalism
Assigned Reading: Chp.4, Pgs. 106 - 116
Study for tomorrow's QUIZ on Chps. 3 and 4
Enduring Question: Same as above
(SSCG 17 and 18)
THURS. DEC. 4
QUIZ on Chps. 3 and 4
Discussion Topic: Organization of Congress
Assigned Reading: Chp.5, Pgs. 123 - 130, 132 - 135, 138 - 140, 141 - 145
Enduring Question: How is each house of Congress different from the other?
(SSCG 9, 10, and 11)
FRI. DEC.5 - SUN. DEC.7
Project Assigned: Assigned Supreme Court case brief (described in class)
Fri. Discussion Topic: Powers of Congress
Assigned Reading: Chp.6, Pgs. 157 - 165
Enduring Question: Same as above
(SSCG 9, 10, and 11)
MON. DEC. 8
Discussion Topic: The Legislative Process
Assigned Reading: Chp. 7, Pgs. 181 - 188
Study Chps.5, 6, and 7 for TEST tomorrow
Enduring question: Same as above
(SSCG 9, 10, and 11)
TUES. DEC. 9
TEST on Congress (Chps. 5, 6, and 7)
Discussion Topic: The Presidency
Assigned Reading: Chp. 8, Pgs. 213 - 219
Enduring Question: How is the role of the executive branch different from the legislative and judicial branches? (SSCG 12, 13, 14, and 20)
WED. DEC. 10
Discussion Topics: Powers and Roles of the Presidency, Styles of Leadership
Assigned Reading: Chp. 9
Enduring Question: How is the power of the executive checked by the Constitution and tradition?
(SSCG 12, 13, 14, and 20)
THURS. DEC. 11
Discussion Topic: The Federal Court System
Assigned Reading: Chp. 11, Pgs. 305 - 320
Enduring Question: How are the powers of the judicial branch unique among the three branches of government? (SSCG 16)
FRI. DEC. 12 - SUN. DEC. 14
Project Due: Assigned Supreme Court case brief
Discussion Topic: The Supreme Court at Work
Assigned Reading: Chp. 11, Pgs. 320 - 326; Chp. 12, Pgs. 331 - 341
Enduring Question: How have court decisions defined the Constitution and the civil liberties of American citizens?
Study Chps. 8, 9, 11, and 12 for TEST Mon. on the Presidency and the Courts
(SSCG 16)
MON. DEC. 15
TEST on the Presidency and the Courts (Chps. 8, 9, 11, and 12)
Discussion Topic: Civil Liberties
Assigned Reading: Chp. 13, Pgs. 355 - 370
Enduring Question: Same as above
(SSCG 16 and 22)
TUES. DEC. 16
Discussion Topics: Civil Rights
Assigned Reading: Chp. 14, Pgs. 398 - 418
Enduring Question: Same as above
(SSCG 16 and 22)
\WED. DEC. 17
REVIEW for Final Exam
THURS. - FRI. 12/18 - 12/19
FINAL EXAMS