Constitutional Underpinnings (5-15%)
Overview & Study Guide
Unit 1 Overview -- Unit Calendar for Constitutional Underpinnings
Unit 1 Study Guide -- You will receive a copy in class. Due on 9/7 when you take the exam.
HippoCampus Videos
Watching HC videos is an excellent way to prepare for the exam.
Constitutional Underpinnings -- Short video segments over key concepts
Class Assignments & Readings
Student Information Sheet -- Completed on the first day
Taking the Hill: Inside Congress -- Carefully watch & take notes by 8/25 (45-50 minutes)
The Island & Policymaking System -- Group Assignments completed in class on 8/26
Case Summary Example -- Guideline for writing a summary of a court case
Laswell Model-- Definition of politics (fyi)
Summaries of Federalist #10 & 51 -- Quick, but thorough, summaries (Read by 8/29)
Graphic of Federalist #10 -- Great graphic depiction of Fed #10 (Review by 8/29)
Federalist #51 (Original text) -- Important to always see the original text (optional)
A History of Federalism in the U.S. -- YouTube Video, just over six minutes (MUST WATCH)
Federalism & the Lost Briefcase-- Interactive Lesson, less than 5 minutes (highly recommended)
The Federalism Debate Rages Across the U.S.
Optional Readings & Videos
To better understand the huge debate about federalism that is currently raging throughout the United States, take a look at these resources. What is the proper role of the U.S. government? It depends on whom you ask! The 10th Amendment Center and The Constitutional Accountability Center have totally different perspectives! Of course, these are just two of a host of organizations involved in the debate.
Fred Thompson on Federalism -- Video (1:51) (optional)
The Mount Vernon Statement -- Video, Text (optional)
The Tea Party & The Constitutional Powers of the Federal Government -- Anti-Tea Party Article from the Constitutional Accountability Center (optional)
Separation of Power: Principles, Problem, Solution -- Pro-Tea Party Article from the 10th Amendment Center (optional)
