Week #14 AP Gov. Rogers

11-28-11

Discuss Pages 298-304

Target: Students will learn how American elections work. They will examine three elections in American history and evaluate how important each was in changing campaign and election day expectations.

Ideas for discussion

Referendum
Initiative
The 1800 Election
The 1896 Election
The 2000/2004 Election

11-29-11

Discuss handout "Internet Injects Sweeping Change into U.S. Politics"

Target: Students will read and respond to questions about how the Internet is influencing elections.

11-30-11

Discuss pages 304-310

Target: Students will learn about the two choices Americans have in every election. Whether or not to vote and how to vote. These decisions seem to be easy, but are influenced by many factors. Students will learn these factors and how they influence elections.

12-1-11

Discuss pages 310-315

Target: Students will learn how Americans generally make voting decisions. Terms used in this explanation include the following.

Mandate theory of elections
Policy Voting

12-2-11

Discuss pages 315-319

Target: The electoral college and their influence in national elections.

Week #13 AP Gov. Rogers

11-21-11

Discuss Pages 284-288

Target: Campaign Finance Reform- Students will learn about how campaigns are financed and how modern reform aims at "leveling" the playing field for campaign contributions. The following topics will be discussed.

Federal Election Campaign Act
Federal Election Commission (FEC)
Matching Funds
Soft Money
527 groups

11-22-11

Continued Discussion on Campaign Finance Reform

11-23-11

Discuss Pages 288-293

Target: Students will learn about Political Action Committees. By the end of the period students should have a strong understanding of how PAC's influence campaigns and candidates. They should also begin to understand how PAC's can influence campaign promises.

11-24-11

Thanksgiving

11-25-11

No School

Week #12 AP Gov. Rogers

Dear AP Gov. @ Rogers

I can not begin to express my gratitude for what you've done. It hasn't been easy dealing with Easton's illness, but knowing I have classes like you definitely helps. From staying on task and treating Mr. Iverson with outstanding respect, to filming a wonderful get well video, you've really gone way beyond the typical expectation of a class. Every time I think of all the effort you put into the last three weeks, I am amazed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You've helped in ways I can't even express. I will truly never forget this!

Sincerely

Mr. Zentz

Monday 11-14-11

Discuss Current Election- Nominations

Reading Provided and Power Point over history of the nomination process.

Tuesday 11-15-11

Discuss pages 270-277

Target: Students will learn the nomination game (i.e. How to get elected?) As part of this students will learn about the National Party Convention and the two ways delegates are chosen (i.e. Caucus System or Primary). The goal being students should have a better understanding of what the presidential candidates are fighting within their own party for today.

Wednesday 11-16-11

Clean-Up Day- Clean up all loose ends before submitting grades

Thursday 11-17-11

Discuss pages 277-281

Target: The process of selecting a representative from a convention is not complete without the send-off. Historically this has been very dramatic event. Student will examine the process and look at past conventions to see the drama of a national convention.

Friday 11-18-11

Discuss Pages 281-283

Target: Students will learn about organizing a political campaign. By end of the period student will learn about the 10 step necessary for a successful campaign. These would include the following.

Hire a manager
Get a fund-raiser

Get a campaign counsel

Hire Media

Assemble a campaign staff

Plan the logistics

Get a research staff

Hire a pollster

Get a good press secretary
Est. a website (Facebook)