How I Plan to Teach a Non-AP US Gov Course Next Year

With the approach employed inspired by a colleague in the hope that it can be utilized, after proper field testing, to teach APGov

Next year, I will be teaching a semester-long U.S. Government course instead of AP Gov.

However, I still intend to cover as much of the AP Gov curriculum as possible and utilize the test bank questions.

That said, I will not align the course with the AP Gov CED. I am considering a different approach based on a recommendation from one of my social studies department colleagues.

This approach begins with my dividing the course into several units, each named after a significant newsworthy event from the past ten years. These events can be international, national, state, or local in nature.

Then, to begin each unit, I will present a newspaper article that discusses the chosen newsworthy event. This article will serve as a starting point for students to explore the event in-depth. I will encourage them to seek additional information, conduct research, and engage in discussions related to the news article.

Following their exploration of the news article, I will provide students with a set of questions designed to facilitate their learning of the essential concepts typically covered in AP Gov classes.

By using real-world news events as the foundation for each unit, students should gain a deeper understanding of the practical application of U.S. Government principles and concepts. This approach, we’re hoping, should also foster independent research skills, critical analysis of current events, and more meaningful class discussions.

In summary, this new approach will involve structuring the course around several local, state, and national newsworthy events from the past decade, using newspaper articles as the initial learning resource, encouraging further exploration and discussion, and incorporating targeted questions to guide students toward a deeper understanding of the relevant AP Gov content.

Unit I: The Justice Department’s August 3, 2023, Indictment of Donald Trump

1. What are the facts of the case and what are the major arguments for both sides
2. What does it mean for a former president to be indicted?
3. How does the word indictment differ from the word impeachment?
4. What is the essential duty of each branch of government? Give a specific example of the most important way that they are involved in this case
5. How do civil charges and criminal charges differ in the American legal system?
6. Is this a state court issue or a federal court issue and what are the key differences between state courts and federal courts in the American legal system?
7. What constitutional rights protect individuals accused of crimes, including a former president?
8. How did the media react to the indictment?
9. How did the public react to the indictment?
10. How did different political parties react to the indictment?
11. What are the potential consequences for former president Trump if he is found guilty in a court of law?
12. How can the president's power to pardon relate to the indictment
13. How have competing media sources portrayed the indictment?
14. peculate on how this case could affect the 2024 Presidential and Congressional elections. How could a win for the government or a win for former President Trump affect the 2024 election?
15. Read about the Supreme Court case of United States v. Nixon (1974). What were the facts of the case? Draw a specific comparison (similarity) between US v. Nixon and US v. Donald J. Trump. Draw a specific contrast (difference) between US v. Nixon and US v. Donald J. Trump.

Unit II: The AP Gov Class’s 2015 Holiday Homework Initiative

The 2015 Holiday Homework Initiative, drafted by students in one of my 2015 AP Gov classes, aimed to prohibit K-12 public school teachers from assigning homework before a national holiday and making it due after a national history holiday. Although the initiative never reached a vote, it represented a grassroots effort by students to address the issue of homework load during holidays and promote a healthy work-life balance for students. The initiative sought to ensure that students have uninterrupted time to celebrate and reflect on important national holidays without the burden of pending assignments, thereby emphasizing the value of rest and civic engagement.

Here are ten questions that relate to the topic of the 2015 AP Gov class’s Holiday Homework Initiative and are relevant to an AP Gov course:

1. What are the key steps involved in getting an initiative on the ballot for a public vote?
2. How does the initiative process allow citizens to directly participate in lawmaking?
3. What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of initiatives as a form of direct democracy?
4. In what ways does the 2015 Holiday Homework Initiative reflect the broader themes and principles of American government, such as federalism and individual rights?
5. ?How does an initiative differ from a recall
6. How does an intiaitve differ from a referendum?
7. How does the initiative process differ from the Federal law-making process?
8. What are the pros and cons of some of the most famous initiatives in American history?

Unit III: The Supreme Court’s June 9, 2023, Voting Rights Decision

1. What is the power of judicial review and how does the power of judicial review, as exemplified in the Supreme Court’s June 9, 2023 voting rights decision, impact the balance of power among the three branches of government?
2. Can you explain the concept of checks and balances and how it applies to the Supreme Court’s role in interpreting voting rights laws and regulations?
3. What are some checks on the Supreme Court’s power, both within the judicial branch and from other branches of government, to ensure accountability and prevent potential overreach?
4. Can you discuss the history of voting rights in the United States, including significant milestones, constitutional amendments, and legislative efforts to expand or restrict access to voting?
5. Describe the selection process for Supreme Court justices and then explain how the selection process influence’s the court’s decisions, particularly in cases involving voting rights.
6. What are some potential implications of the Supreme Court’s June 9, 2023, Voting Rights Decision on the protection of voting rights and the democratic process in the United States?
7. How have past Supreme Court decisions, such as Shelby County v. Holder, influenced the legal landscape surrounding voting rights and the authority of Congress to enact legislation in this area?
8. Can you discuss the role of state and federal legislation in shaping voting rights, and how these laws may be affected by the Supreme Court’s decisions and interpretations?
9. What are some arguments made by proponents and opponents of the Supreme Court’s June 9, 2023 Voting Rights Decision, and how do these perspectives reflect different interpretations of the Constitution and the intent of voting rights laws?
10. How does the Supreme Court’s role in shaping voting rights and electoral processes reflect the broader themes of equality, representation, and democratic governance in the United States? Unit IV: President Joe Biden’s May 3, 2023 decision to send Ukraine another $300M in weapons ahead of counter offensive against Russia
11. According to the Constitution, what are the president’s war-making powers?
12. What are some checks on the powers of the president to wage war?
13. What is the role of Congress in authorizing and overseeing military actions and foreign policy decisions like sending weapons to other countries?
14. How does the War Powers Resolution of 1973 limit the president’s authority to engage in military hostilities without congressional approval?
15. Can the president unilaterally commit the United States to an armed conflict without seeking authorization from Congress? Explain the arguments supporting and opposing this viewpoint.
16. How does the decision to send weapons to Ukraine align with or deviate from historical patterns of U.S. foreign policy and military intervention?
17. What are the potential consequences, both domestically and internationally, of the president’s decision to provide military aid to Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression?
18. What role do executive agreements and treaties play in shaping U.S. foreign policy decisions, particularly regarding military assistance to other nations?
19. How might public opinion and political considerations influence the president’s decision to provide military aid in a situation like the one between Ukraine and Russia?
20. What mechanisms exist to hold the president accountable for decisions related to military actions and foreign policy, and how effective are they in practice?
21. How does the president’s role as commander-in-chief intersect with the constitutional principle of separation of powers?
22. How does the decision to provide military aid to Ukraine reflect broader debates and tensions surrounding U.S. national security interests, diplomacy, and global conflicts?

Unit V: Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s May 6, 2023 Announcement That He’s Running for President

1. How do political parties play a role in the presidential selection process, particularly in relation to candidate support, fundraising, and party platforms, and how might this impact candidates like Chris Christie in the 2024 election?
2. Can you discuss the role of delegates in the presidential selection process, including their significance at the national convention, and their potential impact on the candidacy of individuals like Chris Christie?
3. How does the process of choosing a vice-presidential running mate intersect with the overall presidential selection process, and how might this influence the strategies and appeal of candidates like Chris Christie in the 2024 election?
4. What are some of the historical trends and patterns in the presidential selection process, and how might these inform the strategies and decisions of candidates like Chris Christie in the 2024 election?
5. How does the presidential selection process differ from the process of selecting congressional candidates, and what implications does this have for candidates like Chris Christie in the 2024 election?
6. What are the key stages of the presidential selection process, from candidate nomination to the general election, and how do these stages shape the overall trajectory of a candidate’s campaign, including for candidates like Chris Christie?
7. Can you explain the roles and functions of primary elections, caucuses, and party conventions in the process of selecting presidential candidates, and how these mechanisms impact candidates like Chris Christie in the 2024 election?
8. How do modern campaigns, like the potential campaign of Chris Christie in the 2024 election, differ from campaigns of the past in terms of communication strategies and technologies used?
9. What are some ways campaigns, including those of potential candidates like Chris Christie in the 2024 election, are financed today, and how does this differ from historical methods of campaign financing?
10. Can you explain the Supreme Court case(s), such as Citizens United v. FEC, that have had an impact on campaign finance regulations and the rules limiting political contributions, and how these cases may affect candidates like Chris Christie in the 2024 election?
11. What factors contribute to voter turnout in presidential elections, including the upcoming 2024 election, and why does it vary from election to election?
12. How does the presidential selection process, including the primary elections leading up to the general election, differ from congressional campaigns, and how might this impact candidates like Chris Christie in the 2024 election?
13. What role do political parties play in the presidential campaign process, particularly in relation to candidate selection and support, including for candidates like Chris Christie in the 2024 election?
14. How do media coverage and advertising strategies differ between presidential and congressional campaigns, and how might these differences impact candidates like Chris Christie in the 2024 election?
15. Can you discuss the potential impact of social media and online platforms on modern presidential campaigns, including for candidates like Chris Christie in the 2024 election?
16. What are some examples of key campaign issues or platforms that candidates, including potential candidates like Chris Christie in the 2024 election, typically focus on during presidential campaigns?
17. How do presidential campaigns, including those anticipated in the 2024 election, differ in terms of scale, resources, and national attention compared to congressional campaigns?
18. How have Political Action Committees (PACs) and Super PACs influenced the campaign strategies of candidates like Chris Christie in the 2024 election, in terms of funding and support?
19. Can you explain the role of PACs and Super PACs in financing political campaigns, including the potential impact on candidates like Chris Christie in the upcoming 2024 election?
20. How did the Supreme Court’s ruling in Citizens United v. FEC affect the formation and activities of PACs and Super PACs, and what implications does this have for candidates like Chris Christie in the 2024 election?
21. What are some of the major contributions made by PACs and Super PACs to presidential campaigns, including those expected in the 2024 election, and how do they shape the electoral landscape?
22. Can you discuss the advantages and limitations of PACs and Super PACs in supporting candidates like Chris Christie in the competitive environment of the 2024 election?
23. How do PACs and Super PACs engage in independent expenditures to promote or oppose candidates, and how might this affect Chris Christie’s campaign strategy in the 2024 election?
24. What role do PACs and Super PACs play in issue advocacy during presidential campaigns, including in relation to the policy positions of candidates like Chris Christie in the 2024 election?
25. Can you provide examples of influential PACs and Super PACs that have been involved in previous presidential elections and speculate on their potential impact in the 2024 election, particularly for candidates like Chris Christie?
26. How do the activities of PACs and Super PACs align with the ongoing debates on campaign finance reform and the role of money in politics, and what implications might this have for candidates like Chris Christie in the 2024 election?
27. How might candidates like Chris Christie navigate the complex relationship with PACs and Super PACs, considering their role as independent entities that can both support and potentially detract from a campaign’s messaging in the lead-up to the 2024 election?

Unit VI: The June 7, 2023 Debt Ceiling Crisis

1. How does the budget-making process in the United States, particularly during times of a debt ceiling crisis, involve the executive branch and Congress in determining spending priorities and addressing fiscal challenges?
2. Can you explain the impact of the debt ceiling crisis on the formulation and passage of the federal budget, especially regarding discretionary and mandatory funding allocations?
3. How does the budget-making process, in light of a debt ceiling crisis, influence policy decisions and government programs, particularly in terms of spending limitations and the prioritization of critical obligations?
4. What role does the power of the purse, held by Congress, play in addressing the implications of a debt ceiling crisis and ensuring fiscal responsibility within the budget-making process?
5. Can you analyze the challenges and debates that arise within the budget-making process during a debt ceiling crisis, such as balancing the need for continued government operations and avoiding default on financial obligations?
6. How does public opinion and interest group lobbying shape the budget-making process during a debt ceiling crisis, particularly in relation to spending priorities and negotiations between the executive and legislative branches?
7. What are the strategies employed by the executive branch and Congress to navigate the budget-making process during a debt ceiling crisis and mitigate potential economic and political consequences?
8. Can you discuss the historical context of previous budget negotiations and the role of a debt ceiling crisis in shaping budget outcomes and fiscal policies?
9. How does the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) provide analysis and evaluation of budget proposals during a debt ceiling crisis, helping to inform decision-making and address potential economic impacts?
10. What are some potential long-term implications and lessons learned from past debt ceiling crises within the budget-making process, and how do they influence current approaches to fiscal policy and debt management?
11. What are the potential consequences of reaching or exceeding the debt ceiling, both in terms of domestic policy and the country’s international standing?
12. How does Congress play a role in raising or suspending the debt ceiling, and what challenges and debates does this process raise?

Unit VII: The Supreme Court’s June 9, 2022, Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade

1. What are some arguments made by proponents and opponents of overturning Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization?
2. What are some checks on the Supreme Court’s power, both within the judicial branch and from other branches of government, to ensure accountability and prevent potential overreach?
3. Can you discuss the history of reproductive rights and the legal landscape leading up to the Roe v. Wade decision, including the constitutional principles involved and subsequent challenges to its validity?
4. How does the selection process for Supreme Court justices influence the court’s decisions, particularly in cases involving reproductive rights, and what factors are considered during the nomination and confirmation processes?
5. What are some potential implications of overturning Roe v. Wade on the protection of reproductive rights and the ongoing debate surrounding abortion laws in the United States?

Unit VIII: The House Intelligence Committee’s August 22, 2022 Report on Russian Interference in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election

1. Identify and explain the different types of committees in the U.S. Congress, providing examples of each type.
2. Describe the primary responsibilities and duties of members of Congress.
3. Explain the process by which a member of Congress becomes a chair of a committee.
4. Discuss how members of a House committee are typically selected.
5. What role does the Speaker of the House play in relation to committees?
6. How do whips contribute to party discipline and unity in Congress?
7. Describe the role of committees in the legislative process.
8. Compare and contrast the powers and functions of standing committees and select committees in Congress.
9. Explain the concept of oversight and the role of committees in conducting oversight of the executive branch.
10. Discuss the influence and impact of interest groups on congressional committees and the policymaking process.
11. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of having a committee system in Congress for the legislative process.
12. Discuss the role of committee staff in supporting the work of congressional committees and assisting members in their legislative duties.

Sidenote #1

I am doing what I’ve described above because I, and the other APGov teaching members of my department, find the current APGov curriculum uninspiring to teach. Specifically, we’re wondering if this approach will breathe new life into our work, hence the plan to field test this approach in a non-APGov course before potentially implementing it in the 2023–24 school year or the following year.

Sidenote #2

Since publishing, I’ve learned that the post contains few if any questions calling on students to learn some CED expressly mentioned “essential knowledge.” Below, is a sampling:

• Conservative vs. liberal
• Federalist No. 10 and Britus Bo. 1; Federalist №51
• The different forms of representative democracy
• Shays Rebellion
• Great (Connecticut) Compromise
• Three-Fifths Compromise
• Compromise on the importation of slaves
• Government surveillance resulting from the federal government’s response to the 9/11 attacks
• The debate about the role of the federal government in public school education
• Grants, incentives, and aid programs, including federal revenue sharing, mandates, categorical grants, and block grants.
• Tenth Amendment

Easy fix; with the work to fix to take place later this summer.