1. AP Government and Politics
Mr. Russell
Purpose of the Government and Problems Facing America Seminar
Thursday/Friday 8/23-8/24

2. Agenda/Objectives
Warm Up: Discussion questions from Wednesday’s discussion
Brainstorm the purpose of the government
How does your purpose connect to foundations
Problems facing America group analysis and discussion
Summer assignment quiz (30 minutes)
Homework (HW): Read chapter 1 – We will begin chapter 1 analysis Monday/Tuesday. Quiz on chapter 1 Friday August 31.
OBJECTIVE: Today we will conduct a type of Socratic Seminar to discuss and explore some of the country’s most divisive issues, possible solutions, and our classroom’s role in modeling political progress.
EQ: What are possible solutions to the most divisive issues in our country today?
How can our class work to model political progress that bridges some of these divisions?

3. Definitions Merriam-Webster: Black’s Law Dictionary
1. 'the group of people who control and make decisions for a country, state, etc.'
2. 'a particular system used for controlling a country, state, etc.'
3. 'the process or manner of controlling a country, state, etc.’
Black’s Law Dictionary
Institutions of the government 'regulate the relationships among members of a society and between the society and outsiders' and that they 'have the authority to make decisions for the society' to meet goals and maintain order.

4. Discussion
Based upon your refined definition, start thinking about the role of government in our lives. Take some time with the small group (A-G), and discuss the question I give to you. Make sure all members of the group takes some notes so we can come back to a class wide discussion on Thursday/Friday.

5. Questions
Power can be excused in many ways. The most visible exercise of power occurs when one person makes another act in accordance with the first person's specified wishes. But, power is also exercised when a person takes no action (nondecision) and when options are not presented. Provide an example of each of these uses of power, both in your life and in government.
Discuss ways in which governmental power affects your personal life. Should there be a limit on how much control the government exercises over your day to day activities? If so, give an example of an area or activity that should be off limits to those in politics power.
Distinguishing power and authority is, fundamentally, reflective of one's reflective beliefs. In what kinds of institutions do you have confidence? Why do you trust them? In contrast, what kinds of institutions raise your suspicions? Why?

6. Purpose
Consider your definition of government, and the discussion on power. In your notebooks, write down a list or ideas about the role of government. What purpose does it serve? Is it simply a way to maintain order, or is there a specific purpose behind government’s role in our lives?
Talk to a neighbor about their ideas and compare/contrast/argue about the role of government.

7. Can we agree on these? 'To establish Justice’
'To form a more perfect Union’
'To establish Justice’
'To insure domestic Tranquility’
'To provide for the common defense
'To promote the general Welfare’
'To secure the Blessings of Liberty’
What is this?

8. Preamble to the Constitution
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

9. Take a look at the political cartoon
Take a look at the political cartoon. What do you notice about the topics, attitude, bias, or point-of-view the cartoonist has toward political ideology and partisanship?

10. Discussion Question #1
Looking at the cartoon, make a list of the political, social, economic & cultural issues that are most divisive for the American population today. Think local, state, federal, and global.
Then, circle ONE item on your list that you think no one else in the class listed. Write this item on the ORANGE post-it note located at your desk. Bring it up and put it on the paper for Discussion question #1.
Look over people’s responses and add any that you found interesting or that you did not think of in your notebook under your list.
We will then briefly discuss your thoughts on these problems.

11. Discussion Question #2
After listening and discussing question #1, which of the issues that the group has discussed do you feel is the most significant and/or impactful to you? Explain why addressing this issue should be a major priority for the American people.
You will take 1-2 minutes to prepare some ideas, and then you ne asked to share with your group (A-G).

12. Discussion Question #3 – Whole Class
After listening and discussing question 2, what are some possible solutions to bridging the political divisions in American society? Consider broad/general actions that the American people, the state and federal governments, corporations and other institutions should take to address these problems.
Consider our discussion on purpose and power of the government. Are there any issues that seem impossible to solve under the constraints of our constitution? What might be the best approach to solve those issues?
**Write your solution on the PINK sticky note and post under Discussion Question #3

13. Quiz Time Put everything away
You will have 30 minutes to complete the quiz. Once you are finished, please turn it in to the drop box along with your constitution work from the summer assignment.
I always allow you to listen to music and relax once you are done with a quiz. Just make sure to listen quietly so those around you can concentrate.
If you need help with access for textbook or have other questions – after the quiz would be a perfect time…