Focus of Unit: This unit focuses on the historical situation of the framers at the time of the Constitutional Convention. Emphasis will be placed on the features of federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances, that were incorporated into the Constitution to carry out limited government.
Essential Questions: How have federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances been shaped and debated throughout our history? What are contemporary issues surrounding these principles?
Timeframe: 21 Days, starting August 25th , 2014, and ending on September 26th, 2014.
Curricular Objectives:
Examine the concept and theories of power. Consider Legitimacy and Authority, the Social Contract and the Natural …show more content…
What are the counter arguments?
Wilson Chapter 3: Federalism
Part I: pages 50- 63
Define federalism and explain how such a system differs from a unitary or a confederal system.
Make a chart listing the positive and negative aspects of federalism.
What has been the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision in McCulloch v Maryland?
Explain the issue of nullification.
What is dual federalism? How has the Supreme Court supported the theory of dual federalism in recent years?
Who are the two parties in the case Printz v United States? What are they fighting about? What part of the Constitution was involved in this case? Who won and on what basis?
Define and explain the significance of initiative, referendum, and recall.
Part II: pages 63-75
Define and explain the significance of grants-in-aid, categorical grants, revenue sharing and block grants.
Since the 1960’s, how has the national government used grants-in-aid to assert its political dominance?
How do states attempt to gain a greater proportion of the budgetary pie?
Why do states prefer block grants rather than categorical …show more content…
September 17- Federalism
- Work on federalism project.
- HW- finish projects - presentations are Sept 20, 23, 24.
September 18- Federalism
- Computers available for groups to put final preparation together for presentations
September 19- Federalism: Real World Examples
- Students will present and discuss findings related to federalism (project)
- (medical marijuana, SCHIP, abortion, gun control, and welfare reform will present)
September 22- Federalism: Real World Examples
- Students will present and discuss findings related to federalism (project)
- (immigration, education NCLB, same-sex marriage, Obamacare, and environment will present)
- We will discuss expectations for Free Response Questions
- HW- Study for exam on unit I- See below for test specifications
September 23- Free Response Question- 25 minutes to respond to essay question.September 24 - AP Style Multiple Choice Test, 40 questions, 5 distractors for each question, including data analysis items
Vocabulary
Wilson Chapter 1 Vocabulary
Power
Authority
Legitimacy
Democracy
Direct democracy
Representative democracy