1. 1101 Section (Jan. 18, 2013)  Announcement: Midterm procedures  Announcement: Office Hours by appointment  Road Map to Midterm 1  Attendance Roll Call  Discussion: Checks and Balances  We’ll think about this as five-paragraph essay  Textbook Highlights: U.S. Constitution  Short Answers to Learning Outcome Questions  Key Terms  Discussion: Gun Control Debate

2. Essay Writing Practice  Please review the memo I emailed on the form of five-paragraph essay  Following this template:  Allows you to organize your thoughts quickly and use your time wisely during tests  Helps grader award you points!  Gives you a better idea how to prepare for essay tests  NEVER JUST START WRITING WHATEVER COMES INTO YOUR HEAD ON AN ESSAY EXAM

3. Essay Writing Practice  “Please explain the rational for checks and balances, and identify specific examples of checks and balances in the U.S. Constitution.”  What’s the most logical outline for a five- paragraph essay that answers this prompt?  Let’s try this on the board…  Consider the g rader’s perspective: what’s the difference between B and C answers? A and B answers?

4. Chapter Two Learning Outcomes  L01: Explain the theoretical and historical factors that influenced the writers of the U.S. Constitution.  Note: Constitution is capitalized, constitutional is not.  Must address both theoretical (philosophical) and historical factors in your answer.

5. Chapter Two Learning Outcomes  L02: Describe the structure of the Articles of Confederation, and explain why the confederation failed.

6. Chapter Two Learning Outcomes  L03: Identify and explain the compromises made by the delegates to come to agreement on the U.S. Constitution.

7. Chapter Two Learning Outcomes  L04: Explain the rationale for, and give example of the separation of powers and the checks and balances in the U.S. Constitution.  This is too broad for short answer question, but makes an excellent essay question.

8. Chapter Two Learning Outcomes  L05: Demonstrate understanding of the formal and informal processes for amending the U.S. Constitution.

9. Chapter Two Key Terms  Study tips:  When it comes to historical events, you want to be able to answer the classic journalist-type questions about the event: Who? What? Why? Where? When? So What?  You will not be tested on historical trivia.  Pay attention to Gurian’s emphasis, repetition of phrases.  Some Key Terms:  Confederation v. Federal System  NJ Plan v. VA Plan  Great Compromise (CT Compromise)  3/5 th Compromise

10. Chapter Two Key Terms  More Key Terms:  Federalists v. Anti-Federalists  Separation of Powers  Checks and Balances  Electoral College (Gurian studies pres. Elections)  Supremacy Doctrine (distinguish judicial review)  Express v. Implied Powers  Necessary and Proper Clause (“Elastic Clause”)

11. Gun Control Debate  What is being proposed?  What’s public opinion on issue?  How well are leaders responding to public opinion?  What’s boundary between states’ rights and federal supremacy?