Go-Po+Summer+Reading+Assignment

= AP Government and Politics Summer Reading Project=

=** So, you’re taking AP Government and Politics 2008-2009… **=

First off, welcome! The purpose of any AP class is to give you content at an accelerated or “college level” pace. Whether you are taking this course for “kicks” (upperclassmen) or for original credit (Sophomores), this summer reading assignment will help you get introduced to the subject matter, refresh what you already know in American history, and provide a window into the level of work that will be involved next school year in the course. This is a **//__REQUIRED__//** assignment that will represent 50 points toward your grade for the first marking period in either Mr. Goldstein’s or Mr. Freccia’s classes. The assignment, will be due the first day of classes and must be typed, and in complete sentences. In order to receive full credit for this assignment, you will need to travel to the [|National Constitution Center] in Philadelphia, PA. While there, you will be tasked with answering a series of questions dealing with a major topic of this course - the U.S. Constitution. I sincerely hope you enjoy your time at the Constitution Center in Philadelphia and please feel free to explore more than the questions dictate.

**Detailed instructions:** As you make your way through the Constitution Center, answer the following questions regarding the United States’ system of government. The questions will require answers based on your feelings and observations that will be made through reading, listening, and watching the different exhibits found in //Freedom Rising// through //Signers Hall.// Make sure you answer each question in complete sentences (answers should be roughly 4-6 sentences minimum).

Preamble Wall
1.  What does “We the People” mean to you? 2.  Do you think “We the People” has changed since 1787? 3.  What does //Freedom Rising// make you think about America?

The American National Tree
4.  Step into the Founders’ Library. Listen to the books. Do you hear any ideas that you think were a major influence on the Constitution? 5.  Read “Shots are fired as farmers riot in Massachusetts”. What could be a problem with having a weak central government? 6.  Take a look at the Tree. What does this reveal about the people of the United States? Do you recognize any of the faces on the tree? Why are they there? 7.  Why does the Immigration Video, on the top of the inside wall, use a gate as a symbol?

The Presidency from Voting to Oath
8.  Do you think it is important to know your Senators and Representatives? What about your state flower and state bird? 9.  Which president did you vote for? Why? 10.  After you watch the population video, can you tell which states had the highest populations around 1800? What about 2000? Why do you think it has changed? 11.  This time in history was full of changes for the United States. Based on what you see on the chronology path what are some positive and negative changes the country has gone through?

The Balance of Power
12.  On the chronology path you can see two men’s faces: Dred Scott and Abraham Lincoln. Why do you think they are there and what do they symbolize? 13.  Step into the area with the large Civil war battle field photograph. Listen. What do this image and the words you hear make you think or feel about that time in American history? 14.  Look at the model of government buildings. What story does the architecture of these buildings tell? 15.  Which branch of the government would you like to join? Why?

The Tower of Law
16.  Why do you think we have more laws than what is written in the Constitution? 17.  What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of a jury trial? 18.  What does the chronology path in this section say about the power of the federal government? Think about the policies of the New Deal and Truman’s attempt to seize the steel mills.

Provide for the Common Defense
19.  What is the connection between the President and the military according to the Constitution? 20.  Watch the marching soldier video and listen to the letters. What do you hear? What does it make you think about serving in the armed forces? 21.  The last section of the chronology path is the Town Hall walls. Why do you think this section is open, with pencils and paper, instead of being behind a class case?

Signers Hall
22.  Close your eyes and imagine the statues come alive. Describe what you hear. What questions would you ask? 23.  What would the men in this room think of America today? 24.  What does the design of this room say to you? Do you think the statues have been set up in a specific way? Why or why not? 25.  Who are the five delegates from Delaware? Take a picture with one of them and include it in your packet.