Class Materials

On this page you will find links to primary source readings, PowerPoints,  review sheets and other materials used in class. This page is meant to supplement your textbook, NOT TO REPLACE IT! Feel free to download these materials and use them to help you prepare for tests, quizzes, and the AP exam.

In order to use these materials more easily it is suggested that you download them to your computer and open them using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.

Remember that you must bring printed copies of all readings to class!

Syllabus
Textbook Online Access Code and Directions
Current Events Assignment (UPDATED)
FRQ PPT
FRQ Writing Guide
Midterm Review: The Big List of Topics
FRQ Practice Assignment

Unit I: Constitutional Underpinnings
Chapter 1 Terms
Constitutional Underpinnings PPT
What is the Purpose of Government: Hobbes v. Locke
Locke v. The Declaration of Independence: An Analysis
What Makes a Democracy Ciritical Thinking
Chapter 2 Reading Guide
Creation of the Constitution PPT
Richard Hofstader - The American Political Tradition
Chapter 3 Terms
Roots of Federalism PPT
Federalism Case Studies
Federalism Web Assignment
Paul Peterson - The Price of Federalism
Federalism Blog Post Assignment
The Politics of Federal Grants
Federalism Panel Discussions
Unit I Study Guide

Unit II: Political Beliefs and Behaviors
Unit II Terms and Tenets
Political Culture and Ideology PPT
David Brooks - One Nation, Slightly Divisible
Conflictual v Consensual Political Culture PPT
Thomas Frank What's the Matter with Kansas?
Born Political Identity Interview
Political Socialization PPT
Unique Caucus of Voters
Chapter 11 Reading Guide
Public Opinion and Political Polling PPT
George Gallup Polling the Public
Analyzing Public Opinion Polls
20 Questions Journalists Should Ask About Polling Results
The State of Balanda
Political Participation and Political Efficacy PPT
Chapter 13 Reading Guide
Voter Turnout Fishbowl Discussion
Unit II Study Guide

UNIT III: Linkage Institutions
Political Parties
Chapter 12 Reading Guide
What are Political Parties?
Political Parties PPT
Political Parties Mobilizing Agents
Critical Election Theory PPT
2008 Critical Election Packet
2008 Critical Election Essay Rubric
Position Paper Writing Guide
Critical Election Analysis Chart
Critical Election Analysis Reading
American 3rd Parties Poster
David Broder "The Party's Over"
Political Parties Study Guide

Campaigns and Elections
Chapter 13 & 14 Reading Guide
Elections and Campaigns PPT
Road to the White House: The Campaign Process
Karl Rove "The Endless Campaign"
Electoral College Reading and Questions
Campaign Finance Reform PPT
Campaign Finance Cases Studies
Campaign Process and Campaign Finance Overview
Campaign Finance Reform Mind Map Assignment
Campaign Finance Reform Mind Map Sample
Brief History of Campaign Finance Reform
Campaign Finance Reform Blog Assignment
Campaign Ad Analysis
Congressional v. Presidential Elections PPT
Elections and Campaigns Study Guide

Interest Groups
Chapter 16 Reading Guide
C. Wright Mills The Power Elite
Interest Groups PPT 
Interest Group Theories Notesheet
Open Secrets Scavenger Hunt
Interest Groups Organizing to Influence Video Guide
Interest Group Prezi Project
Interest Group Review Quiz
Interest Group Review Quiz Answer Key
Interest Group FRQ
Interest Groups Study Guide

Mass Media
Chapter 15 Reading Guide
Mass Media PPT
Media Comparison Assignment
Marcus Prior News vs. Entertainment
Trends in the Media Chart
Diana Mutz How the Mass Media Divides Us
Mass Media Study Guide

UNIT III: Linkage Institutions
Congress
Chapter 7 Reading Guide
Congress PPT (Part I) UPDATED
Perspectives on Congress
Decision-Making in Congress: “Blue Dogs” and the Healthcare Debate
Redistricting Game Log

Apportionment and Redistricting PPT
Committees in Congress PPT
Committees in Congress Reading
Committees in Congress Research Chart
Evolution of the Speaker Reading and Questions
Speaker of the House Comparison Paper
Powers of Congress PPT
Legislative Process PPT
Legislative Process Infographic
Legislative Lingo Short Story Assignment

Congress Study Guide

UNIT IV: Institutions of Government
The President
Chapter 8 Reading Guide
Constitutional Powers PPT
Informal Qualifications Interview
Powers of the President Notesheet
Evolutionary Powers PPT
Evolutionary Powers Reading
Impeachment Case Studies
Neustadt Reading
Neustadt Analysis Assignment
Modern Presidency: Tools of Power
Barber PPT
James David Barber's The Presidential Character
Inside the Obama White House Analysis
White House Administration PPT
White House Administration Terms
Presidential Management Models
The Presidency Study Guide

The Bureaucracy
Chapter 9 Reading Guide
Bureaucracy PPT
Bureaucratic Agencies Research
Bureaucracy Blog Debate Assignment
James Q. Wilson What Government Agencies Do and Why They Do It
Bureaucracy Study Guide

The Judiciary
Chapter 10 Reading Guide
Article III Analysis
Federalist 78 & Anti-Federalist 78 Reading
Judicial Branch PPT
Marbury v. Madison Case Study
Supreme Court Justice Research
David O'Brien The Court and American Life
Judiciary Study Guide

UNIT V: Civil Rights & Liberties
Civil Liberties Intro PPT
Civil Rights & Liberties Amendment Review
Civil Liberties Research Assignment
Civil Rights PPT
African American Civil Rights Reading Guide
Civil Rights Act Reading
Testing the Voting Rights Act: Shelby County, AL v. Holder
Voting Rights Act Reading & Questions
Civil Liberties Study Guide
Civil Rights Study Guide

AP Exam Review
Exam Overview & Hints
The Big List of Topics (View at Your Own Peril)
SCOTUS Cases to Know
Amendments to the U.S. Constitution

House of Cards Permission Slip