You can find the Government textbook by clicking here
Magruder's American Government
Government syllabus:
Gov Syll.pdf
United States Government
All students should have the course syllabus below viewed by and signed by a parent or guardian.
Classroom Policies and Procedures.doc
You can find the Government textbook by clicking here Government Textbook
In order to view the files below, remember to log in to your school email account (studentname@wbsdweb.com). You will not be able to gain access to most of the links below without being logged in.
Unit 1: Foundations of American Government
Essential Questions
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What are the basic purposes and functions of government?
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How were the influences on the American revolutionaries responsible for the government that was formed in the USA?
-
How do the different aspects of the US Constitution represent core American values?
-
How does the overall power of the national government compare to that of the states?
Unit 1 Vocabulary
Unit 1 Study Guide
Introduction to American Government Notes
Who Rules.ppt
Types of gov lesson to go with ppt-1-1.doc
Historical Background of the United States Government Notes
For extra help on explaining the Enlightenment, click here to watch a short
video
Declaration of Independence original text
Explanation of some key elements in the DoI
Declaration of Independence "plain English translation"
Reading of the Declaration video
Articles of Confederation and Constitution Video (Crash Course)
Constitution Worksheet
Online Link to the Constitution
Federalism Notes
Unit 2: The Three Branches of Government
Essential Questions
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What makes the legislative branch the heart and soul of the US government?
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How does the President hold so much authority in the US government if he is only one man?
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How have the federal courts gained a larger role in the US government than might have been intended in the original writing of the constitution?
- Why do constituents, political parties, interest groups, and the media have so much influence over the US government?
Unit 2 Vocabulary
Unit 2 Study Guide
Legislative Branch
Article Review Questions
Congress Article- "Joe Manchin: The Outlier"
Legislative Branch Notes
Congressional Leadership Crash Course Video
We the People Chapter: Functions of the Legislative Branch
Functions of the Legislative Branch Notes and Reading Questions
How a Bill Becomes a Law Video
Faces of Congress Notes
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Movie
Executive Branch
Presidential Power Crash Course Video
Presidents Project
Presidents Project Example: George Washington
Roles and Styles of Presidential Leadership Notes
The Cabinet Notes
We the People Chapter: The Bureaucracy
The Bureaucracy Reading Questions
Judicial Branch
Landmark Supreme Court Cases Chart
Supreme Court Structure and Process Notes + Comic Strip Assignment
Influences on the Three Branches
Influences on Government Notes
Media Bias Notes
Detecting Media Bias Article
Analyzing Media Bias Exercise: Daily Show Report
We the People Chapter: Political Parties
Political Parties Reading Questions
Lobbying & Pharmaceuticals Video
Lobbying Article (complete article review worksheet above with article)
Interplay Between the Branches: Checks and Balances graph and questions
Checks and Balances Crash Course Video
Unit 3: Responsibilities and Benefits of Citizenship
Essential Questions
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How is being a citizen of a well-functioning democracy different than being a citizen in other forms of government?
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What are the responsibilities of citizenship in the USA?
- What are the benefits of citizenship in the USA?
Unit 3 Vocabulary
Unit 3 Study Guide
Citizenship
We the People Chapter: What is Citizenship?
Citizenship Reading Questions
Citizenship LA Times Article
Citizenship Test
Barriers to Citizenship
Civil War Crash Course Video (Causes, Events, North/South Comparison)
Emancipation Proclamation
Spielberg's Lincoln: Video Worksheet
For help with Lincoln movie cast, click here
For more specific directions on the Lincoln extended response, click here
Civil War Crash Course Video Part 2 (Implications, Effects, Laws, Amendments)
13th-15th Amendments Discussion and Questions
14.3 FBI Notes
Voting
Restriction and Expansion of Voting Rights Worksheet (17.2)
Voting Rights Video
Voting Process Brochure (Voters Handbook)
Elections and Campaigns Notes
Why Young People Don't Vote Article
Influences on Voters Notes
Campaign Advertisements-Living Room Candidate Website
Political Leanings Quiz
Reflection Questions for Quiz
Rights of Citizenship
Constitutional Rights and Essential Freedoms Reading Assignment (Chapter 13)
Constitutional Rights Graphic Organizer
Unit 4: Domestic Policy and Politics
Essential Questions
1. How does the government spend the taxes you pay, and how do government expenditures affect the economy?
2. How does politics affect social and domestic policies affect youreconomic choices, your education, and even the air your breathe?
3. What are the main functions of local governments and what are their greatest challenges today?
Public Policy and Budgets
Public Policy and Budget Notes
Budget Activity
Follow the link here for more information on discretionary vs. mandatory spending.
Federal Mandatory Spending and Budgets Notes and Activity
"Entitlements" Articles for Activity
New York Times "Entitlements" Article
Capitalism, Socialism, and Business Policy Notes
Public Policy Project
Project Directions
Article Graphic Organizer
Essential Questions
-
What are the basic purposes and functions of government?
-
How were the influences on the American revolutionaries responsible for the government that was formed in the USA?
-
How do the different aspects of the US Constitution represent core American values?
-
How does the overall power of the national government compare to that of the states?
Extra Power points for help
Chapter 1 Power Points
1 Principles of Government.ppt
2 The Formation of Governments.ppt
3 Types of Governments.ppt
Chapter 2 Power Points
1 The Colonial Period.ppt
2The Articles of Confederation.ppt
3The Constitutional Convention.ppt
Chapter 3 Power Points
1 Structure and Principles.ppt
2 The Three Branches.ppt
3 Amending the Constitution.ppt
Chapter 4 Power Points
1 National and State Powers.ppt
2 Relations Among the States.ppt
3 Developing Federalism.ppt
Chapter 5 Power Points
1 Congressional Membership.ppt
2&3 Congressional Leadership.ppt
4 Congressional Committees.ppt
5 Staff and Support Agencies.ppt
Chapter 6,7,8 Power Points :
1 Powers of Congress.ppt
How a Bill Becomes a Law.ppt
1 Presidents and Vice Presidents.ppt
2 Electing the President.ppt
3 The Cabinet.ppt
4 The Executive Office.ppt
Chapters 9,10,11 Power Points:
1 Presidential Powers.ppt
2 Roles of the President.ppt
1 Bureaucratic Organization.ppt
1 Federal Judicial System.ppt
2 Organization of the Federal Courts.ppt
3 The Supreme Court.ppt
Chapters 12 and 13 Power Points:
1 The Supreme Court At Work.ppt
2 Shaping Public Policy.ppt
2 3 Freedom of Religion and Speech.ppt
4 5 Freedom of Press and Assembly.ppt
Chapter 14 and 16 Power Points:
1 Immigration Policy.ppt
2 3 Citizenship and Due Process of Law.ppt
4 Civil Liberties Challenges.ppt
1 Political Parties.ppt
2 Party Organization.ppt
3 Primary Elections.ppt
Chapter 22, 23, and 24 Power Points:
Foreign Policy.ppt
1 State Constitutions.ppt
2 Three Branches of State Governments.ppt
1 Local Governments.ppt
2 Serving Localities.ppt