1 AP US Government & Politics

Today & Tomorrow Welcome Course Overview & Expectations How to Succeed Unit 1 Overview Ch 1 Review 2

AP EXAM – May Keep your eye on the ball 3

Success in AP Government My Hope: You have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience learning how to influence public policy in a college-like atmosphere resulting in college credit! How to achieve this: Chunk your chapter readings over the unit Utilize Cornell Notes Study for several hours Study in groups Ask me questions! Come before, stay after, , call, whatever. Don’t just read the notes – process the information! (Video)Video Use the book online resources (self-quizzes, audio summary, flashcards, glossary) Follow national political Current Events closely 4

The Curve of Forgetting The Curve of Forgetting describes how we retain or lose information we take in.

“Before” & “After” The CORNELL WAY

7 Unit I Overview Ch 1 Review Constitution Separation of Powers Federalism

8 Chapter One The Study of American Government

9 Government Individuals Institutions Processes  Makes rules for society + Power to enforce = Government

10 What is Political Power? Power: the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first person’s intentions Authority: the right to use power Legitimacy: what makes a law or constitution a source of right

11 Kinds of Democracy Direct democracy: A form of democracy in which most, or all, of the citizenry participate directly. Representative democracy: A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote.

12 The Framers’ View Government would mediate, not mirror, popular views People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation Assumed citizens would have limited time, information, and interest

13 The Framers’ View Feared demagogues could manipulate fears & prejudices Preferred a slow moving government Framers’ goal: to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders