Unit 1: Foundations of American Government

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In this unit, we are introduced to the basic principles of several different types of governments, and then we turn our attention to the type of government that was established by the US Constitution, a federal republic . We will examine the philosophical ideas that shaped the Constitution, and then we will analyze the basic structure and functions of the federal government as it is outlined in the Constitution.

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Key Questions for the Unit:

• What other forms of democracy are there?
• What other forms of government are there?
• How did the world of 1787 shape today's government?
• What are the ideas behind the Constitution?
• How was the Constitution made both flexible and strong?
• How do opposing tensions and viewpoints balance the Constitution?

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS
Challenge yourself using online chapter quizzes where you see the following icon below

Assignment	Pages	Questions	Due	Points
1. Government and the State (Ch. 1.1)	1-8	2-5	1/21	20
2. Forms of Government (Ch. 1.2)	10-14	2-4	1/22	15
3. Basic Concepts of Democracy (Ch. 1.3)	15-18	1-4	1/25	20
4. The Coming of Independence (Ch. 2.2)	30-35	4, 5	1/26	20
The Critical Period (Ch. 2.3)	36-38	3, 4
5. Creating the Constitution (Ch. 2.4) (Venn Diagram)	40-46	1,5,6	1/27	25
Ratifying the Constitution (Ch. 2.5)	46-49	2,3
6. Six Basic Principles (Ch. 3.1)	54-59	3-6	1/28	20
7. Formally Amending Constitution (Ch. 3.2)	60-63	1-3	1/29	25
Informal Amendment (Ch. 3.3)	65-67	3,4
** Week 1 Vocabulary Test			2/1	20
8. Federalism / Division of Power (Ch. 4.1)	72-80	2,5	2/2	25
National Gov't/ 50 States (Ch. 4.2)	80-86	2,3,7
Unit 1 Test	All above		2/4	100
Unit Essay	See below		2/5	50

UNIT ONE ESSAY: DUE February 5

Write a brief, well-organized, academic essay (1 – 2 pages long double-spaced, typed, 1 inch margins) in answer to the following:

In chapter 1, your textbook introduces 5 basic concepts of democracy. American democracy, the book claims, exists because people believe in these 5 basic concepts, and that it will continue to exist “only for as long as we, the people, continue to subscribe to – and practice – those concepts” (15). But is that true? Do Americans today value, and practice, those 5 basic concepts? If so, where in today's society are those ideas strongest? If it's not true, why not, and what are the consequences of failing to value those concepts?

For your essay, CHOOSE ONE of the 5 key concepts on which democracy is based:

• A recognition of the fundamental worth of every person (15)
• A respect for the equality of all persons (16)
• A faith in majority rule accompanied by respect for minority rights (17)
• An acceptance of the necessity of compromise (17)
• An insistence upon the widest degree of individual freedom (17)

Do you think that the concept you chose is truly a foundation of our democracy today? Does the United States really value it? Can you see it at work in the world around you, or do you think it might be a “lost concept”?

Use specific examples that you know of in the United States (or part of it…Washington State, Klickitat County, White Salmon, Columbia High School, etc.) to examine and evaluate how well our society supports one of the 5 basic concepts from your perspective .

Suggestion: Once you choose your focus concept, re-read the section (pages shown above) to make sure you truly understand what it's supposed to be…then decide whether or not it exists.

Essays must be typed, and handed in as both a printed and electronic copy.