Last government-based assignments and test

A block (and other classes as well, if you missed this in class):  here's the answer key to the "how well do you know your political terms" worksheet.

Here's the link to what we'll be doing in class on Wednesday (A block) and Thursday (E block).

Due Monday 12/9:  news story that demonstrates the best or worst of American democracy (you can find the assignment here).
Here's the example I mentioned in class (so please do not repeat these articles or this specific point):  these two articles on the timeline of the Affordable Care Act show (on the negative side) how slow the legislative process can be, or (on the positive side) how thoroughly the law has been reviewed by all branches (and levels) of government:  http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20130928/PC16/130929326 and
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2013/11/02/76b6f9b6-43f9-11e3-a751-f032898f2dbc_story.html

Thursday 12/12 is your test on American government for all classes (note the change for A and C).  Format will be multiple choice and an open response written section.  You should be able to answer all of these study questions in detail, and here's an electronic version of the crossword I gave out in class.  

Here's the link to the Constitution summary I mentioned in class, and here's the answer key to the guide to the Constitution.  Finally, you can find the 100 naturalization test questions and their answers here.  You should be very familiar with the first section (#s 1-57) with the exception of #s 35, 36, 40 and 56.  ("selective service" in #57 can be simply translated to mean the military, or military service).  

due Tuesday 11/26

Due Tuesday for all classes and worth up to 10 points for term 2:

Find and print or cut out a recent (from within the past 3 months) political cartoon from a major news source, briefly (in 2-3 sentences) explain the comment it's making, and briefly (in 2-3 sentences) explain whether or not you agree with that comment.  The cartoon's message needs to focus on the role, functioning or effectiveness of government, but please try to steer clear of ones that focus on the role of party politics. Your explanation needs to include at least one well chosen bold term from the "Constitution handbook" and explain how the cartoon demonstrates that term.  To show and understanding of the term, you will likely need to identify the elements (i.e. people, objects and words) in the image in your explanation.  

Please properly cite the cartoon in MLA format.

E block:  please remember that your guide to the Constitution is due Monday.

upcoming assignments

A block:
Guide to the Constitution due Thursday 11/22
bumper sticker due Friday 11/23

C block:
bumper sticker (see below) and guide to the Constitution (see below) both due Friday 11/23

E block:
bumper sticker (see below) due Friday 11/23 and guide to the Constitution due Monday 11/25

The bumper sticker should be 1/2 of an 8 x 11" piece of paper folded and cut "hot dog" style (i.e. lengthwise) and needs to make a comment on the nature of the democratic system.  This can be positive or negative and based off of the "Constitution Handbook" given out in class the other day.  You may include words, images or both, but the images and/or words must be visible, and you need to use color and make good use of the space on the page.  Please also include a short 2-3 sentence explanation of your message on the back and how it offers a comment on American government.  Out of 10 points for quarter 2.

Here's the guide to the Constitution - you may complete this in bullet/note form.  The U.S. Constitution itself is widely available online.

due Wednesday 11/20 for C block only

At least 3 pros and 3 cons of American democracy based on your reading of the "Constitution Handbook"

due Friday 11/15 and Monday 11/18

Please read and take 2 pages of notes on p. 159-168 - you can skip the section on where historians disagree, but I will definitely be looking for 2 full pages of notes for full credit on this assignment.

Due Monday:  part 1/step 1 of the sheet you received in class today (either option 1, 2 or 3) in preparation for the group debate we'll have on the Constitution.

due Wednesday 11/13 for all classes

Here's the current events assignment due next week (on Wednesday 11/13).

If you're looking to get ahead beyond that, you will be reading in the Brinkley book through page 168 sometime in the next week or so.

due Friday 11/8 for all classes

p. 147-155 - 1.5-2 pages of notes