California State Standards for 12th Grade Social Studies



First Semester - American Government - Version 2

37 lessons

Every 8 lessons = 1 credit

How to use this digital workbook:

Read the standard for each section. This tells you what you will be studying.

After you read the standard for each section, then begin work on the first lesson. These are clearly marked with a letter and number. Example, the first lessons is G1.

After you read/analyze the content of the lesson then go to the actual assignment. They are easy to find because they are all underlined.

When you begin each lesson make sure you mark at the top the standard that is being addressed: 12.2.x and the lesson number as well Gx. Lessons should be turned in all together when you finish an entire section. Example: all of 12.1 is handed in together, this is lessons G1-G6.

In order to get credit for your work you need to do high school quality work. Primarily prove that you understand the material. This is generally one page handwritten or 1/2 page typed.

Proving understanding can take on many forms. If you would like to write instead of draw, check with your teacher. Showing you understand the lesson is the most important thing.

Feel free to check out the outside links. They contain supplemental reading and media to enhance your learning experience. Theses are kid safe sites. Library of Congress, Encarta, Biography Channel and Discovery.

Questions can be answered usually within hours

Park West High School Distant Learning

Syllabus

Principles of American Democracy and Economics

Students in grade twelve pursue a deeper understanding of the institutions of American government. They compare systems of government in the world today and analyze the history and changing interpretations of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the current state of the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches of government. An emphasis is placed on analyzing the relationship among federal, state, and local governments, with particular attention paid to important historical documents such as the Federalist Papers. These standards represent the culmination of civic literacy as students prepare to vote, participate in community activities, and assume the responsibilities of citizenship.  In addition to studying government in grade twelve, students will also master fundamental economic concepts, applying the tools (graphs, statistics, equations) from other subject areas to the understanding of operations and institutions of economic systems. Studied in a historic context are the basic economic principles of micro- and macroeconomics, international economics, comparative economic systems, measurement, and methods.

Principles of American Democracy

12.1 Students explain the fundamental principles and moral values of American democracy as expressed in the U.S. Constitution and other essential documents of American democracy.
1. Analyze the influence of ancient Greek, Roman, English, and leading European political thinkers such as John Locke, Charles-Louis Montesquieu, Niccolò Machiavelli, and William Blackstone on the development of American government.
2. Discuss the character of American democracy and its promise and perils as articulated by Alexis de Tocqueville.
3. Explain how the U.S. Constitution reflects a balance between the classical republican concern with promotion of the public good and the classical liberal concern with protecting individual rights; and discuss how the basic premises of liberal constitutionalism and democracy are joined in the Declaration of Independence as “selfevident truths.”
4. Explain how the Founding Fathers’ realistic view of human nature led directly to the establishment of a constitutional system that limited the power of the governors and the governed as articulated in the Federalist Papers.
5. Describe the systems of separated and shared powers, the role of organized interests (Federalist Paper Number 10), checks and balances (Federalist Paper Number 51), the importance of an independent judiciary (Federalist Paper Number 78), enumerated powers, rule of law, federalism, and civilian control of the military.
6. Understand that the Bill of Rights limits the powers of the federal government and state governments.

Challenge the lesson 12.1

 

12.1.1 The birth of democracy. Greek/Roman States (G1)

Read the following passage:

This is a flyer found near the Pantheon in Greece outlining the plans for a democratic state.

Now is the time for people to rule themselves

Meet with us at the Coliseum

If you are tired of the lords and kings running your lives come hear about your new government...the Direct Democracy. You vote for the laws and taxes you want.

Some basic rules - Citizen men only. No women or slaves OR men from outside the city. Each man gets one vote. Come tell us what you think of the direct democracy. Bring your own refreshment to share with fellow citizens.

Outside links - 1

Assignment - How is the direct democracy different from out society? Which system do you think is better? How do you think a direct democracy would work in the US? Write a 1/2 page essay explaining your answer.

12.1.2 - Alexis de Tocqueville. French Political Theorist (G2)

Read the following passage:

Alexis was a political thinker from France. He came to the United State to study the penal system (prison). He ended up writing a multi volume book called DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA. The books were expansive in it discussion of American life and structure. The main idea was this: America works because it barrows ideas and methods from many European countries to make itself successful. Alexis was a big advocate of a non centralized government and an independent court system.

Outside links - 1 2

Assignment - Write a formal letter to Alexis asking him to speak at your college. Be specific on the topics and why you are asking him.

12.1.3 - Public good VS individual rights (G3)

Quick definitions
Public good = Law and Order / Individual rights = Daily freedoms

The US Constitution has to strike a delicate balance between protecting people physically and protecting peoples individual civil rights.

Example - Your little sister goes to a movie and someone yells “FIRE!” Many people a trampled and injured in the process. Does your sister have the right to sit in the movie theater without getting harmed? Does the person have the rights to yell “FIRE!” in the theater?

Example - Your enemies are in a coffee bar when one of them says “you know what we ought to drive up to that guys house at 10:00PM when he comes home and shoot him.” One of the guys at the coffee bar does that. Should all of the people be arrested for conspiracy OR should we be able to say what we want, where ever we want?

Courts have ruled that we can’t yell fire in a movie theater OR discuss murder with people without taking responsibility for our actions.

Assignment - Draw a poster for the Attorney General of California educating people on this concept of public good VS. individual rights.

Outside links - 1 2 3

12.1.4 - The Federalist Papers (G4)

Analyze the following newspaper advertisement:



Come to the First Church of Christ on Saturday May 6th and read the complete works of the original FEDERALIST PAPERS. Articles written by Hamilton and Madison, some of the great political thinkers of our time. Should we have a central federal government OR just independent states? Should we write a central document that is the basis of law for ALL states? Read the papers and give you opinion.

Outside links - 1 2

Assignment - After reviewing the advertisement answer the following question in essay form.

1. What is the federalist papers?
2. What are the argument pro/con against a central government?

12.1.5 - The separation of federal powers (G5)

Read the following passage:

The founding fathers were very aware about how powers can be abused. The FEDERALIST PAPERS discussed what powers should be federal and what powers should remain with the state. Also discussed was the separation of powers within the federal government. The president is the chief cop and is in charge of ENFORCING the law. Congress is in charge of WRITING law. The Supreme Court is in charge of INTERPRETING laws. Each branch has a job and cannot make up powers as they see fit.

Outside links - 1

Assignment - Using a graphic organizer (web) create a map on how the federal government works. Include the following words in your map. Executive branch, legislative branch, judicial branch, law makers, law enforcement, courts. Also include who are the members of each of the branches.

12.1.6 - The powers of the federal and state governments (G6)

The framers were very sensitive to the government controlling people, the federal government controlling the states, and people loosing rights no addressed. With this they wrote the Bill of Rights.

Read the amendments to the Bill of Rights:

A. First Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

B. Second Amendment

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

C. Third Amendment

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

D. Fourth Amendment

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

E. Fifth Amendment

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

F. Sixth Amendment

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.

G. Seventh Amendment

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

H. Eighth Amendment

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

I. Ninth Amendment

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

J. Tenth Amendment

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

Outside links - 1

Assignment - Create a political poster that promotes the first 10 amendments to the constitution.

Assignment - Using the information provided for you in assignment G1-G6 write a 12 question multiple choice quiz on the information in that unit.

Fun links and puzzles - 1

 

12.2 Students evaluate and take and defend positions on the scope and limits of rights and obligations as democratic citizens, the relationships among them, and how they are secured.

 

1. Discuss the meaning and importance of each of the rights guaranteed under the Bill of Rights and how each is secured (e.g., freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, petition, privacy). 

2. Explain how economic rights are secured and their importance to the individual and to society (e.g., the right to acquire, use, transfer, and dispose of property; right to choose one’s work; right to join or not join labor unions; copyright and patent).

3. Discuss the individual’s legal obligations to obey the law, serve as a juror, and pay

taxes.

4. Understand the obligations of civic-mindedness, including voting, being informed on civic issues, volunteering and performing public service, and serving in the military or alternative service.

5. Describe the reciprocity between rights and obligations; that is, why enjoyment of one’s rights entails respect for the rights of others.

6. Explain how one becomes a citizen of the United States, including the process of naturalization (e.g., literacy, language, and other requirements).

 

Challenge the lesson - 12.2

12.2.1 - Analyze the Bill of Rights (H1)

Assignment - Using the Bill of Rights provided for you in G6, write a one sentence description of each write and a small paragraph on which right you find most valuable and why.

12.2.2 - Economic rights (H2)

Assignment - Review your notes from assignment F1.  Which of the Bill of Rights directly pertains economic rights?  Economic rights refers to ANY rights of personal property. This includes land rights and anything a person might own and or control. Using a piece of white typing paper draw a storyboard of the Rights and why they would be valuable. A storyboard is like a cartoon strip…it tells a story with pictures and words.

12.2.3 - Your rights and obligations as a US Citizen (H3)

Read the following passage:

When the Constitution was written the government was very small.  Actually very few people were paid employees.  With this, the framers made most of the duties required to be done on a volunteer basis.  An example of this is a juror.  If the Constitution were written today, it would likely look a lot different.  Perhaps jurors would be paid, and we would likely have less civil tights based on events on Sept 11th.

The Constitution further obligates citizens to pay taxes.  Believe it or not income taxes are a relatively new concept, just arriving in the 20th Century.  Paying taxes and serving as a juror is just part of the US system of Law and Order.  Equal to an individuals right to express themselves is also the right of an individual to be at peace.  These two rights are always in conflict with each other.

Outside links - 1

Assignment - The public has had trouble with some of the verdicts in the last decade, including and not limited too the OJ Simpson trial.  Do you think we should change the current volunteer system of jurors (and have professional jurors) or keep the current system in place.  How about a trail with three judges?  Write a one page essay on what you think is best for the times we live in.

12.2.4 - Civic mindedness (H4)

Read the following passage:

Civic mindedness can be defined as a citizens obligation to do things that are consider their moral duty and also obey the law.  Some examples of this are voting and calling 911 if you see someone that needs help. 

Voting is a very important part of a representative democracy.  In short, we don't have to attend a town meeting every month so make choices on government matters, so we should at least vote every two years to make sure things run smooth.  Failing to vote could install a crooked politician in office OR have a proposition voted for that you might not want….like raising the drinking age to 31!

Although the military is a paid service we all need to people to help out by volunteering to be in the military to ensure our freedoms.  Without civic minded individuals in the Army, Navy, Air force, and Marines countries would be able to invade us at will, being able to control our personal freedoms.

Outside links - 1 2

Assignment - Using a piece a graph paper do a 20 question crossword puzzle entitled "CIVIC MINDEDNESS".

12.2.5 - Becoming a US citizen (H5)

Read the following passage:

Naturalization is the way immigrants become citizens of the United States. The general requirements for administrative naturalization include:

All naturalization applicants must demonstrate good moral character, attachment, and favorable disposition. The other naturalization requirements may be modified or waived for certain applicants, such as spouses of U.S. citizens.

To become a naturalized citizen you must comply with the above mentioned plus win a special lottery.  This is why we have so many people in the US illegally.

Outside links - 1

Assignment - After reviewing the above requirements for citizenship what is your opinion?  Do you think the requirement are easy/hard?  Do you think there should be more?  Should there be a lotto OR if you meet the basic requirements, become a citizen.  Write a one page essay.

Assignment - Using the information provided for you in assignment H1-H5 write a 10 question multiple choice quiz on the information in that unit.

Fun links and puzzles - 1

 

12.3 Students evaluate and take and defend positions on what the fundamental values and principles of civil society are (i.e., the autonomous sphere of voluntary personal, social, and economic relations that are not part of government), their interdependence, and the meaning and importance of those values and

principles for a free society.

 

1. Explain how civil society provides opportunities for individuals to associate for social, cultural, religious, economic, and political purposes.

2. Explain how civil society makes it possible for people, individually or in association with others, to bring their influence to bear on government in ways other than voting and elections.

3. Discuss the historical role of religion and religious diversity.

4. Compare the relationship of government and civil society in constitutional democracies to the relationship of government and civil society in authoritarian and totalitarian regimes.

 

 

Challenge the lesson - 12.3

12.3.1 - Being social in a social society (I1)

Read the following passage:

MOSCOW TRAIN STATION

In old communist USSR a person traveling needed papers to show that he had permission to be away from his home. In effect he had to go to local government to get permission to travel from one state to another. Imagine wanting to go to a family reunion in Nevada and having to go to Los Angeles County for a travel permit.  That's the way it was in old Russia. In the USA all you need is gas money and you can go almost anywhere you want.  You can go to a political rally in Berkeley or go to Orange County for Chinese food.  Your freedom of movement is guaranteed under federal law.  One catch, like all good things there are rules. You can gamble in Nevada but not in Oregon. It's up to you to know the local laws.

Assignment - Based on how things used to be on old USSR draw a storyboard of what it would be like to go to Las Vegas for a family union.  Include going to the county and getting a permit and all the check points along the way.

12.3.2 - Your political power (I2)

Read the following passage:

In the beginning of Iraq War II people organized to protest the war.  On a special day in the month of March 2003 protestors had a VIRTUAL MARCH ON WASHINGTON.  They emailed, faxed, and called Congress to protest the US involvement in the war.  This is just one way the average citizen has a way to influence politicians on domestic/foreign policy.  In February of this same year thousands of Californians jammed the phone lines of local representatives to protest an increase in DMV fee's. There cries were heard and the bill was defeated.

Assignment - The state legislature has figured out a new way to get some new tax dollars.  The tax is called the Soda Tax.  The tax required a 5 cent tax for unit of soda.  So for a 6 pack you would pay an additional 30 cents!  Figure out a way for you and your friends to make sure this tax doesn't happen.

12.3.3 - Religious freedom in the USA (I3)

Read the following passage:

In 1830 Joseph Smith formed the Mormon Church in the state of New York.  Things were not going well for Mr. Smith so he decided to move west to avoid further persecution.  Things were good for the Mormons for a while until Utah became a state and Americans became concerned with more radical religious ideas such as having more than one wife.  The Mormon Church and the state of Utah had to change or loose federal dollars and possibly feel the force of the federal government come to bear on them.  In recent times people that believed in the healing power of prayer were faced with the problem of being charged with child endangerment, when a child was not given antibiotics after being sick for a long time.  The child themselves also asked for a doctor, so the parents had to look at their religious beliefs and the responsibility of being a parent.

Outside links - 1

Assignment - What is your opinion on the case of the sick child and religious beliefs to use prayer to cure?  Write a 1 page typed paper on this topic.  Give your opinion and the reason why. The two issues of concern should be religious freedom and the responsibility of a parent to physically take care of the child.  Also give the opposing view point.

12.3.4 - Iraq compared to Great Britain (I4)

Read the following passage:

Great Britain (England) has a constitutional democracy.  The Prime Minister and the parliament have to answer to the people.  If the people do not like the laws being passed OR they do not like the way they are being treated, they can vote in new representatives.  In fact the Prime Minister can be voted out with majority legislative vote AT ANY TIME.  As of March 2003 the country of Iraq was under the control of a totalitarian regime headed by Saddam Hussein be penalized.  Whatever freedom you have is given to you by Saddam and the legislature votes in whatever legislation he wants.

Without a true democracy your freedoms are in the hands of others.

Flag of Iraq

Outside links - 1

Assignment - Write a letter to your friend in Iraq explaining to him what the possible positive/negatives will be on being a democratic/capitalistic country.

Assignment - Using the information provided for you in assignment I1-I4 write a 8 question multiple choice quiz on the information in that unit.

 

Fun links and puzzles - 1

12.4 Students analyze the unique roles and responsibilities of the three branches of government as established by the U.S. Constitution.

  1. Discuss Article I of the Constitution as it relates to the legislative branch, including eligibility for office and lengths of terms of representatives and senators; election to office; the roles of the House and Senate in impeachment proceedings; the role of the vice president; the enumerated legislative powers; and the process by which a bill becomes a law.
  2. Explain the process through which the Constitution can be amended.
  3. Identify their current representatives in the legislative branch of the national government.
  4. Discuss Article II of the Constitution as it relates to the executive branch, including eligibility for of office and length of term, election to and removal from of office, the oath of office, and the enumerated executive powers.
  5. Discuss Article m of the Constitution as * relates to judicial power, including the length of terms of judges and the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
  6. Explain the processes of selection and confirmation of Supreme Court justices.

 

Challenge the lesson - 12.4

12.4.1 - Article one of the Constitution/Legislattive Branch (J1)

Read the following passage:

Article one of the US Constitution allowed the legal creation of the two federal houses of congressional representatives. The House of Representative and the US Senate.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Capitol Hill

There are 435 members in this house.  Each member is elected to two year terms.  This is the most powerful element of the US government.  It basically has the finally word of federal spending.  The President submits a budget to The House of Representative, but ultimately these elected people control the writing of all laws, including the budget.

The amount of representative a state gets is broken down by population.  Each state must have one member.

US SENATE

The US Senate is made up of 100 members. Each Senator serves a 6 year term.  The senators sit on committees and sub committees and function very similar to the House of Representatives.

WORKINGS OF BOTH HOUSES

Both houses have committees and sub committees that study and work on different aspects of our society. Some people sit on an education committees some on defense.  From these bodies legislation moves to the larger bodies for votes. Without moving out of these smaller groups it is very difficult for a bill to become a law.

Outside links - 1

Assignment - Using a story web create a schematic of the how the federal legislature is comprised.

12.4.2 - Amending the Constitution (J2)

Read the following passage:

In order to amend the Constitution of the United States, that is to add or drop an amendment, you have a formidable task.  First you have to have the state legislatures ratify it.  Second, you need 2/3 majority vote of Congress.

Assignment - What new amendment do you think we should have?   Using the information gathered in assignment J3 write a letter to your congress person asking them to change one of the 10 amendments in the Bill of Rights.  A copy of the Bill of Rights is located in assignment G6.

12.4.3 - The House of Representatives (J3)

Assignment - Your House of Representative as of 3/2003 is Grace Napolitano.  Who is currently serving?  Using the below outside link, and your 9 digit zip code, find out who is serving your area.  What are the things that interest them?  What committees do they sit on?

Outside links - 1

12.4.4 - Article two of the Constitution/The Execcutive Branch (J4)

President George W. Bush - Oval Office

Read the following passage:

Article two of the Constitution makes it legal it have a President of the United States.  The President must be born in the US and at least 35 years of age.  The President is voted not by counting individual votes, like Congress, rather voted by the electorial college. Basically the state holds an election for President every 4 years, whomever get the most amount of votes gets ALL the states electorial college votes.  So if a state has 10 electorial college votes and a candidate wins the state by only 1 persons vote, the candidate get all 10 electorial college points. The President has a State of the Union Address every year where they report to Congress the condition of the country. The President presents a budget for Congress' consideration, however it is up to Congress to pass a budget.  The President is the countries top cop and is Command and Chief of the armed forces.

The President makes around $400,000 per year, a small sum for his position. He lives in the White House and has hundreds of agents to protect him.  The President has 100% retirement benefits. That is when he retires he gets all his salary and a Secret Service detail. The cost of the US Government for a retired President is about $ 6,000,000 per year. 

Outside links - 1

12.4.5 - Article three of the Constitution/Judiciial Branch (J5)

Read the following passage:

Article three of the Constitution makes it legal to have a Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is the last hope of people that feel that laws are not being enforce OR interpreted correctly.  Nine judges, appointed by various different Presidents, look at cases and compare/contrast legal argument based on the US Constitution.  The Supreme Court picks and chooses the cases the want to hear. One one the most famous cases of the Court was Rowe Vs. Wade. In that case the Court decided that a women had the final say if a pregnancy would go to term.  If one of the sides in the case doesn't like the courts verdict....too bad....it's final.

Supreme Court Justices have life appointments and usually retire at very old ages.

Outside links - 1

Assignment - Create a movie poster that has the theme of the Supreme Court.  Make sure that the theme of the movie also explains what the court does and has enough information and high priced actors to get people to attend.  

12.4.6 - Confirm a Supreme Court Justice (J6)>

Read the following passage:

One of the benefits/duties of being President is being able to appoint federal judges.  The process isn't easy. After the President makes it's recommendation it goes to the Senate Judicial Committee. In this process the Senate researches the persons political/legal credentials and sends him back to the President with problems OR to the full Senate for confirmation vote. Some candidates don't have much trouble and get their life appointment without much problems.  So Justices like Justice Thomas, almost don't make it!

Outside links - 1

Assignment - Write a letter/email to a friend in a foreign country explaining the duties of the President including details about appointing Supreme Court Justices.

Assignment - Using the information provided for you in assignment J1-J6 write a 12 question multiple choice quiz on the information in that unit.

Fun links and puzzles - 1

12.5 Students summarize landmark U.S. Supreme Court interpretations of the Constitution and its amendments.

  1. Understand the changing interpretations of the Bill of Rights over time, including interpretations of the basic freedoms (religion, speech, press, petition, and assembly) articulated in the First Amendment and the due process and equal-protection-of-the-law clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment.
  2. Analyze judicial activism and judicial restraint and the effects of each policy over the decades (e.g., the Warren and Rehnquist courts).
  3. Evaluate the effects of the Court's interpretations of the Constitution in Marbury v. Madison, McCulloch v. Maryland, and United States v. Nixon, with emphasis on the arguments espoused by each side in these cases.
  4. Explain the controversies that have resulted over changing interpretations of civil rights, including those in Plessy v. Ferguson, Brown v. Board of Education, Miranda v. Arizona, Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, Adarand Constructors, Inc. v. Pena, and United States v. Virginia (VMI)

 

Challenge the lesson - 12.5

The Supreme Court

12.5.1 - The changing Bill of Rights (K1)

Read the following passage:

Although there has been little change to the physical text of the Bill of Rights the way courts see the document changes over time and with public opinion.  When the document was first ratified, the rights of the white man were the primary concern. All others were considered secondary citizens.  After the Civil War the courts in some places began to extend certain civil rights to non-white male, but the change was slow.  During the 1960's the civil rights movement hit it's all time high.  Even the states in the south were forced to give African American equal treatment or face federal prosecution and the possible loss of many federal dollars.

After 9/11 people have been less concerned with civil rights and more concerned with security. The courts have responded to this by allowing law enforcement to detain individuals almost regardless of individual rights and racial profiling, usually looked down upon, is now common place. All this in the name of saving American lives.

Sometime in the future we may think that we have gone to far and swing towards individuals having more protection.

Assignment - Based on what you just read write a formal letter to you US Congress explaining your position on individual rights in the era post 9/11. Have we gone to far?

12.5.2 - The changing Supreme Courts (K2)

Read the following passage:

The Supreme Court can be said to be changing, and stagnant at the same time.  Stagnant from the perspective that the members of the court do not turn over like the legislative and executive branches.  Changing from the perspective that an opinion rendered 50 years ago, could be over turned based on what the judges think the public wants.

Here is an example.

MIRANDA WARNINGS

"You have the right to remain silent, anything you say may be held...." These are the rights the police are required to read you when you are being placed under arrest OR you think you are being placed under arrest or in custody.  The Supreme Court in entertaining the idea or doing away with Miranda. Why?  Maybe it is because it is a citizens responsibility to no laws in the community they are in and also Miranda isn't 100% complete in a persons rights when in police custody. The bottom line is that people basically feel you should know your rights and the court is responding to that.

Assignment - What do you think of Miranda? Do you think police should be required to give it?  Do you think it should be expanded? Should we do away with it?  Write a pro/con essay on the topic.

12.5.3 - The United States v. Richard Nixon (K3)

Read the following passage:

In the 1970's a group of men broke into the Watergate Hotel with the idea they would steal secrets from the Democratic Party.  They were caught, and although President Nixon wasn't directly involved he obstructed justice.  The funny thing is he had his crime on audio tape. When prosecutors requested the famous Nixon tapes he refused "in the name of national security".  Some of the tapes were compelled by the Supreme Court to be released. Some of the Nixon tapes are available at the Nixon library and online.

Outside links - 1 2

Assignment - Lets suppose you never heard any part of the tapes, what do you think is on it?  Pretending like you are transcribing tapes in court or the President and an FBI agent trying to hide evidence and the kind of trouble they would be in if they got caught.

12.5.4 - Miranda v. Arizona (K4)

Read the following passage:

After completing the assignment K2 you have an idea of what a Miranda Warning is. But do you know how the warning came about?  In a 1967 the Supreme Court sited an instance where police arrested a man in Illinois.  He was taken into a interrogation room, not allowed to speak to a lawyer even though he requested one, was not allowed to leave, and was subject to deception.  The court sited this case and others and decided to do something about it.  Ergot Miranda.  Now when you evoke your Miranda Rights the interrogation must stop and nothing post that time can be used against you.  This keeps police honest, not keeping people to they break to relieve the pressure being put on them.

Outside links - 1

Assignment - Can you Mirandize someone?  Test yourself and write down 100% of the Miranda Warning and briefly explain the four (4) major points.

Assignment - Using the information provided for you in assignment K1-K4 write a 8 question multiple choice quiz on the information in that unit.

Fun links and puzzles - 1

12.6 Students evaluate issues regarding campaigns for national, state, and local elective offices.

  1. Analyze the origin, development, and role of political parties, noting those occasional periods in which there was only one major party or were more than two major parties.
  2. Discuss the history of the nomination process for presidential candidates and the increasing importance of primaries in general elections.
  3. Evaluate the roles of polls, campaign advertising, and the controversies over campaign funding.
  4. Describe the means that citizens use to participate in the political process (e.g., voting, campaigning, lobbying, filing a legal challenge, demonstrating, petitioning, -picketing, running for political office).
  5. Discuss the features of direct democracy in numerous states (e.g., the process of referendums, recall elections).
  6. Analyze trends in voter turnout; the causes and effects of reapportionment and redistricting, with special attention to spatial districting and the rights of minorities; and the function of the Electoral College.

12.6.2 - The Nomination Process (L2)

Read the following passage:

In order to become President of the United States you must be nominated by your party.  In short, each state has what is called a primary election.  In this first election all the democrats (as an example) running to be President appear on a ballot and the people vote for the person they want to represent the Democratic Party.  All the top candidates in each party meet in the "main" election every 4 years in November.  In the beginning a party might have 10+ candidates.  But after a few states have their primary election it becomes clear what two candidates really have a shot and they battle it out the last 60 days.

Assignment - Create a political poster for a fictitious political candidate for President.  In you poster educate people on the "primary" and "main" election process.  Be sure to include what you candidate stands for.  Why should I vote for them?

12.6.3 - How effective are polls? (L3)

Read the following passage:

The night before the 1980 Presidential election between President Jimmy Carter and Governor Ronald Reagan the chief pollster for President Carter said "I'm sorry Mr. President but this election you will not win".  In fact he was correct. Governor Regan won the election and President Carter was sent packing two months later.

Most polls in modern times can be deadly accurate.  In elections where people are not deciding at the last moment which way they will vote, you can predict with pinpoint accuracy the outcome.  When their is a large "undecided" vote then it can be anyone's guess.  Here is how poles work in elections.

A telemarketer will make random calls and ask the person who answers the phone a series of questions. The questions are designed to get the persons honest opinion, not being influenced by the telemarketer.  In a Presidential election a company will randomly select 1000-2000 people.  The respondents answers are put in a computer and calculated.  If the results are very important they may do the poll everyday prior to election day to get a clear pattern and make sure the results are valid.

Assignment - Based on what is happening in the news right now write a 5 question poll and give it to two boys and two girls in your classroom.  Make a prediction on how you think the class feels about the topic in general.  Then give the poll to the entire classroom.  Were you correct?

12.6.4 - Participating in the political process (L4)

Analyze the following advertisement in the Los Angeles Times - April 2, 2003

NO BLOOD FOR OIL

Come help us protest the war on April 3 @ 4:00 PM in Downtown Los Angeles in front of city hall.  Politicians must understand that we will not vote for them next term if they continue to exploit our Arab neighbors.  Please visit our website - www.protest4peace.org

Assignment - Review the above advertisement in the LA Times.  What 3 forms of political communication are being done for the cause. Define each mode of communication and why it would be effective in this process.

12.6.5 - The Proposition system in the State of California (L5)

Read the following passage:

About 30 years ago many states were getting tired of state legislatures not writing important legislation, so they decided to write their own. The proposition system was developed where citizens can get signatures, get a bill put on a ballot, then vote for it.  Many of the propositions include bills on spending, but sometimes they include tougher penalties for criminals or environmental or health concerns.  Basically when the State Assembly doesn't have the courage to address a problems, concerned citizens can take matters into their own hands.

Assignment - What proposition would you put on the November ballot?  Create a website for your proposition and on your website try to convince people to vote YES! for your cause.

12.6.6 - Redistricting Scam? (L6)

Read the following passage:

There are 435 members of Congress and each member is elected every two years.  You would think that each member would represent a group of people from one county OR perhaps in a large county, one square peace.  This is not true.  Congressional districts are cut out based on population....YES.....but also socio-economics and race.  So one congressman might have many blacks in their district that spans over many cities and maybe a few counties. The idea is that a group of people will have one voice to represent them.  They can in effect vote as a block. Sometimes districts are cut out of not race but political leanings. So a congressman will have many Republicans in their district...so if they are a Republican...they can easily get voted in time and time again.

Assignment - How do you feel about redistricting?  Do you think that basically each county should have reps and not cut out blocks OR should the federal government group people together?  Write a one page essay on what redistricting is and what your opinion is on it.

Assignment - Using the information provided for you in assignment L1-L6 write a 12 question multiple choice quiz on the information in that unit.